General Counsel

County of Chester, South Carolina; Chester (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Chester, South Carolina, is seeking a General Counsel for the Sheriff's Office to provide legal counsel and develop policies. Candidates must have a Juris Doctor degree, be licensed in South Carolina, and possess at least 2 years of legal experience.

The role entails offering guidance to the Sheriff, managing litigation, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this position. The work is office-based with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice law in South Carolina.
• Minimum of two (2) years as a licensed attorney in South Carolina.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel to the Sheriff and staff.
• Coordinate with outside legal counsel on litigation.
• Manage litigation and internal investigations.

Skills

Legal counsel and advice

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Serve as the General Counsel for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. Develop and maintain policies, procedures, regulations, general orders, memoranda, and other administrative documentation pertaining to all Divisions of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. Serve as the Office’s Accreditation Manager. Coordinate and collaborate with outside counsel in connection with litigation, administrative proceedings, claims, and potential legal actions involving the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES:

• In collaboration with other Chester County departments and agencies, provide legal counsel, guidance, and advice to the Sheriff and employees of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office concerning a broad range of legal matters, including, but not limited to, the powers, duties, responsibilities, and authority of the Sheriff; criminal law; constitutional law; public records and freedom of information laws; labor and employment law; and other legal issues affecting the operations of the Office.
• Perform complex administrative, legal, and professional functions related to the research, development, drafting, implementation, publication, interpretation, and ongoing maintenance of agency policies, procedures, directives, and operational standards to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and recognized law enforcement best practices.
• Coordinate and collaborate with outside legal counsel, the County Attorney, insurance carriers, and other authorized legal representatives in connection with litigation, administrative proceedings, claims, and potential legal actions involving the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
• Assist in the management of litigation matters by gathering and reviewing relevant documents, records, policies, and evidence; coordinating witness interviews and testimony; facilitating responses to discovery requests; monitoring case developments; and providing legal and operational guidance to the Sheriff and agency personnel regarding pending or anticipated litigation.
• Implement and maintain procedures utilizing internal document management systems to ensure employee compliance with agency policies, procedures, directives, and applicable legal requirements.
• Collaborate with the Office’s Training Unit to ensure agency personnel are adequately informed of and trained on applicable policies, procedures, legal requirements, and operational standards.
• Serve as the Sheriff’s Office Accreditation Manager and assume responsibility for the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of all accreditation-related activities.
• Oversee and coordinate the administrative processes associated with internal investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct, policy violations, or other matters that may result in disciplinary action, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and due process requirements.
• Represent the Sheriff and the Chester County Sheriff’s Office at meetings, conferences, public events, governmental proceedings, and other functions as directed by, or in the absence of, the Sheriff.
• Prepare reports, legal analyses, memoranda, recommendations, and other documents as requested by the Sheriff. Conduct special studies, legal research projects, policy reviews, and other assignments as directed by the Sheriff.
• Represent the Chester County Sheriff’s Office in matters pertaining to the duties under Chapter 37 of the South Carolina Code of Regulations, and before the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council.
• Perform such other duties, and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Sheriff and as are reasonably related to the administration, operation, and legal compliance of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:

Administration Division Director and supervisor of personnel required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Must be licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina and remain a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a licensed attorney in South Carolina.
• Bachelor's degree required; preference may be given to candidates with education or professional experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments, establish priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment with limited oversight.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, and effective correspondence.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with agency personnel, governmental officials, legal professionals, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, and adherence to ethical and professional standards.
• Possession of a valid South Carolina driver's license.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Generally, these duties are performed in an office setting with occasional travel. This position does not require exposure to dangerous and life‑threatening situations.