Attorney IV (Commission Counsel)

State-of-South-Carolina

South Carolina

On-site

USD 110,000 - 150,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Long term disability

Life insurance

State retirement plan

15 days paid vacation

15 days paid sick leave

13 paid holidays

Paid parental leave

Workers’ compensation benefits

Job summary

The Office of Commission Counsel of the South Carolina Judicial Branch seeks an Attorney IV to perform delegated legal work for day-to-day operations. The attorney will produce substantial written work and demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Responsibilities include overseeing commissions on lawyer and judicial conduct hearings, drafting correspondence, reviewing discipline matters, supervising staff in absence, and preparing annual disciplinary reports.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate from ABA-accredited law school.
Minimum five years of related legal work experience.
Strong legal writing and drafting abilities.
Knowledge of South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct and court rules.

Responsibilities

Draft correspondence, orders, and panel reports.
Oversee meetings/hearings and manage scheduling and file review.
Review compliance with confidentiality rules and discipline processes.
Supervise staff in the absence of Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel.
Prepare annual discipline report and statistical information.

Skills

Legal writing

Written communication

Legal research

Self-direction

Team leadership

Education

Juris Doctorate (J.D.)

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

Under limited supervision, this attorney is responsible for specifically delegated legal work to assist in the day to day operations of the Office of Commission Counsel. This attorney IV position will provide a significant amount of written work product and must possess strong written communication skills.

Oversees and attends meetings and hearings of Commissions on Lawyer and Judicial Conduct to include scheduling, agenda and file review, and drafting of correspondence, orders, and panel reports within established deadlines. Oversees compliance by lawyers and/or judges with conditions of admission, reinstatement, deferred discipline, discipline, and orders relieving the receiver.

Reviews and approves the release of disciplinary history information in compliance with governing confidentiality rules.

Oversees appointments and re-appointments for both Commission. Responsible for training and education for Commissions on Lawyer and Judicial Conduct

Prepares correspondence, orders, and reports in attorney and judicial disciplinary cases, including incapacity cases. Edits and finalizes work products for accuracy, clarity, and correct legal citation. Assists Commission Counsel in compiling statistical information and in preparing annual discipline report.

Prepares draft summaries of dismissals and confidential resolutions of judicial complaints by Commission on Judicial Conduct

Provides research on variety of topics at request of Commission Counsel and Deputy Commission Counsel using Westlaw, court rules, statutes, case law, and Supreme Court or Administrative Orders. Responsible for database of precedent with respect to lawyer and judicial misconduct.

In the absence of Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel, may be called upon to supervise personnel in the Office of Commission Counsel or Office of the Receiver. Responsible for staff cross training and development, to include training staff on case management software. Performs all other duties as directed by Commission Counsel.

A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and five (5) years of related work experience.

Must possess excellent legal writing skills, as well as computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, Code of Judicial Conduct, Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Appellate Court Rules.

Knowledge of standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.

Ability to efficiently and accurately analyze complex legal issues, to apply state law and judicial decisions, and effectively draft logical and clear legal documents.

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to handle sensitive or difficult issues with non-lawyers, lawyers, and judges. Understanding importance of confidentiality and ability to maintain confidentiality of information.

Competency in legal research. Knowledge of South Carolina law and procedure, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Must be able to work in an autonomous environment with excellent self-direction, initiative, and motivation.

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Use discretion in assigning tasks to staff including administrative assistants and paralegals.

Required to advise Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel of any issues, problems, or concerns relating to job duties.

Ability to work in a team environment and listen to new ideas and recommendations from others.

Must be able to supervise the office in the absence of Commission Counsel or Deputy Commission Counsel.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing. Seven (7) years of experience as an attorney, including two (2) years of demonstrated experience with legal writing.

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include: