Criminal Defense Attorney

Price Benowitz LLP; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Price Benowitz LLP in Columbia, SC, is seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney focused on Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters and appellate work. The role emphasizes handling complex criminal matters beyond trial, working on-site five days a week with a substantive caseload.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of criminal defense experience, PCR familiarity, and strong research and writing skills. Active SC bar and client-centered advocacy are valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of criminal defense experience.
• Demonstrated experience with Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters.
• Appellate experience strongly preferred, including brief writing and record review.
• Active and good standing license to practice law in South Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Handle Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters, including case evaluation, investigation, drafting petitions, and court appearances.
• Manage criminal appeals, including legal research, brief writing, and oral argument preparation.
• Review trial records, transcripts, and evidentiary issues to identify constitutional and procedural errors.
• Draft motions, memoranda, appellate briefs, and related filings.
• Communicate directly with clients regarding case strategy, expectations, and outcomes.
• Appear in state courts throughout South Carolina as required.
• Collaborate with trial attorneys on post-trial strategy and appellate preservation issues.

Skills

Criminal defense

PCR experience

Appellate experience

Legal research

Client communication

Job description

Price Benowitz LLP is a mid-sized, fast-growing law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices and attorneys serving clients across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Illinois. Our Criminal Defense Practice is a cornerstone of the firm and is known for its aggressive advocacy, high-volume litigation experience, and client-centered approach. Guided by our core values—Passion, Integrity, and Excellence—we provide attorneys with the resources, support, and autonomy needed to do exceptional work.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our Columbia, South Carolina office, with a strong focus on Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters and appellate practice. This role is ideal for an attorney who thrives in a litigation-driven environment and has meaningful experience handling complex criminal matters beyond the trial stage.

The preferred candidate will work on-site five days per week, collaborating closely with attorneys and staff while managing an active and substantive caseload.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters, including case evaluation, investigation, drafting petitions, and court appearances
• Manage criminal appeals, including legal research, brief writing, and oral argument preparation
• Review trial records, transcripts, and evidentiary issues to identify constitutional and procedural errors
• Draft motions, memoranda, appellate briefs, and related filings
• Communicate directly with clients regarding case strategy, expectations, and outcomes
• Appear in state courts throughout South Carolina as required
• Collaborate with trial attorneys on post-trial strategy and appellate preservation issues

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of criminal defense experience
• Demonstrated experience with Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters strongly required
• Appellate experience strongly preferred, including brief writing and record review
• Active and good standing license to practice law in South Carolina
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
• Strong courtroom presence and client communication skills
• Ability to manage deadlines and a high-volume caseload independently

Work Environment & What We Offer

• Dedicated support staff and established criminal defense infrastructure
• Meaningful, substantive work with real client impact
• A collaborative, team-oriented culture with experienced criminal defense leadership
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
• Opportunity for long-term growth within a well-established, expanding firm