Family Court Law Clerk (1-year rotation)

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a Law Clerk I for Family Court, focusing on case management, legal research, and drafting legal documents. This role offers meaningful work with judges and staff dedicated to the integrity of the judicial system. Ideal candidates will have a Juris Doctorate and strong legal research and communication skills.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

15 days paid annual leave

15 days paid sick leave

13 paid state holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Qualifications

• Must hold a Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited law school.
• Must be admitted to practice law in South Carolina or have a pending application.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist Family Court Judges in case management and legal research.
• Draft legal memoranda and prepare case-related documentation.
• Attend hearings and manage courtroom setup and breakdown.

Skills

Legal Research

Writing Skills

Communication

Time Management

Detail-oriented

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

West Law

Job description

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a legal professional to join their team as Law Clerk I in Family Court. This is a 1-year rotation position.

This job bulletin will be used to fill one position in Circuit 9 - Berkeley and Charleston.

Under supervision of the circuit Chief Judge for Administrative Purposes (CJAP), the Law Clerk I will assist the Family Court Judges in their assigned circuit with the preparation, research, and case management of Family Court cases. This is an opportunity to be involved in challenging, interesting, and meaningful work in a collaborative environment supported by leadership committed to preserving the integrity of the South Carolina judicial system and the confidence of the public in the administration of justice.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Reviews the case records as assigned by the CJAP to ensure proceedings can go forward. Communicates with attorneys and parties to ensure all necessary actions have been completed prior to hearings and trials.
• Conducts legal research and analysis and provides a summary of their findings.
• Receives and reviews incoming mail, email, and voicemail messages as requested and directed. Responds to all email and voicemail messages in a timely manner. Confirms that correspondence is copied to all attorneys as is appropriate. Ensures that parties are adhering to statutory requirements and abiding by court rules and orders.
• Drafts legal memoranda with information received from files and attorneys as directed by assigned judges.
• Responds to and tracks case-related requests and communications from attorneys, parties, County Clerks of Court and their employees, guardians ad litem, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Prepares and maintains confidential data and reports. Prepares and searches all incoming orders and maintains a list of all Matters Under Advisement for each judge in their circuit, which are to be reported monthly by each judge.
• Reads and has knowledge of all incoming advance sheets. Notifies judge of new case law that may impact current or pending cases.
• Attends hearings, trials, and other courtroom proceedings as requested. Travels to court proceedings statewide as requested. Responsible for the set up and break down of courtrooms. Manages all judicial law books, notebooks, and computer equipment.
• Maintains a monthly calendar of court dates and weekly schedules. Keeps a weekly folder with dockets, calendar, and all case notes. Communicates with Court Services as it pertains to matters to include Judges' Scheduling, Court Reporting, Court Interpreting, data gathering and reporting, legal questions, technology issues, etc.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law AND admitted to the practice of law in South Carolina; OR
• At the time of hire, has a pending application seeking admission under Rule 402 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules (SCACR), or a pending application seeking admission in another jurisdiction which has adopted the UBE.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of:

• Laws and rules of South Carolina Rules;
• The theories of legal research; and
• West Law and the Attorney Information System (AIS).

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply state/federal law and judicial decisions;
• Analyze facts and express conclusions clearly, logically, and concisely;
• Prepare orders, memos, and other legal documents;
• Effectively plan and organize work activities and prioritize tasks;
• Work independently in meeting deadlines;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with judges, SCJB staff, attorneys, court personnel, and other clients/customers; and
• Maintain a high level of discretion.

Skills:

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Demonstration of a strong, consistent, and dependable work ethic;
• Detail-oriented and possess excellent time-management skills; and
• Strong writing skills.

Others:

• Must have dependable transportation and be able to travel; and
• Must be able to lift and move files and/or boxes weighing 15-20 pounds.

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

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
• 15 days paid sick leave per year;
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
• 13 paid state holidays;
• Paid Parental Leave; and
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The South Carolina Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, or disability.