Paralegal

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) seeks an experienced paralegal to provide administrative, technical, and legal support for the Advocacy Division’s attorneys and staff. The role includes managing the division's caseload, summarizing documents, legal research and drafting routine pleadings and orders.

The ideal candidate is organized, independent, and capable of effective written and oral communication.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with relevant experience providing administrative support for attorneys
• Associate degree in paralegal studies or bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for experience
• Experience with regulatory agencies and/or administrative law courts is a plus

Responsibilities

• Provides administrative, technical, and legal support for Advocacy Division attorneys.
• Monitors Public Service Commission meetings, filings and dockets; prepares summaries for division attorneys.
• Drafts correspondence, routine pleadings, affidavits, and proposed orders.
• Assists attorneys in preparing, scheduling, reviewing, and organizing matters for hearings.
• Conducts legal research, identifies relevant judicial decisions and statutes.
• Maintains organized filing system for documents and reports.
• Prepares status updates and memorandums for filings with the Department of Insurance and rulemakings.
• Collaborates with state and federal agencies and external consultants.

Skills

Legal research

Administrative support

Oral and written communication

Microsoft Office

Excel

Education

Associate degree in paralegal studies

Bachelor’s degree in business management

Bachelor’s degree in public administration

Bachelor’s degree in law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

OUR MISSION AND VALUES

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is the state’s consumer protection agency. Established in 1974, SCDCA is charged with protecting consumers from inequities in the marketplace through advocacy, mediation, enforcement and education. Our Consumer Advocacy Division represents the interests of South Carolina consumers in matters involving utility rates, as well as property/casualty and worker’s compensation insurance. The Division also reviews rules and regulations proposed by state and federal agencies pertaining to ratemaking and provides comments as deemed appropriate. Our attorneys and support staff play an integral role in administering and enforcing the numerous statutes under the agency’s purview.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF YOUR ROLE

SCDCA is seeking an experienced paralegal to provide administrative, technical, and legal support services for the attorneys and staff within the Advocacy Division. We’re looking for a dependable, self-starter with excellent organization and communication skills. The paralegal will assist attorneys representing the consumer interest before state and federal regulatory bodies in matters involving utility rates, as well as property and casualty insurance and worker's compensation insurance. The scope of work will include assisting in the management and organization of the Division's caseload, analyzing and summarizing voluminous documents, legal research and writing, and collaborating with SCDCA attorneys, expert consultants, and other state agencies.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Under general supervision, provides administrative, technical, and legal support services for the Advocacy Division.
• Monitors Public Service Commission meetings, filings and dockets for items relevant to the work of the Advocacy Division. Prepares summaries of filings for division attorneys.
• Drafts correspondence and routine pleadings, statements, affidavits, and/or other legal documents, as appropriate. Drafts proposed orders.
• Assists attorneys in preparing, scheduling, reviewing and organizing matters for hearings.
• Conducts legal research, identifying relevant judicial decisions, statutes and other pertinent materials.
• Ensures documents are filed and maintained in an organized filing system.
• Conducts initial reviews and prepares reports, status updates and memorandums for division attorneys regarding filings made with the Department of Insurance and rulemakings proposed by state or federal agencies.
• Ensures a good working relationship with state and federal agencies.
• Performs clerical and other tasks as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A high school diploma and relevant experience in providing administrative support for an attorney(s) or a legal office. An associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’ s degree in business management, public administration, law or related field may be substituted for the required work experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be well organized and able to work independently
• Able to maintain effective working relationships
• Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Able to perform legal research

A paralegal degree or certificate. Experience with regulatory agencies and/or administrative law courts. Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel. Litigation experience preferred, but not required. A background in energy law, accounting, insurance, or finance is helpful, but not required.