Career Center

The Supreme Court of South Carolina is seeking an experienced legal professional to serve in the role of Disciplinary Counsel, in the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

The Disciplinary Counsel is appointed by the Supreme Court of South Carolina and reports directly to the Supreme Court's Chief Justice. The Disciplinary Counsel is in charge of screening and investigating complaints involving allegations of misconduct against lawyers or judges, prosecuting formal charges, investigating and pursuing action involving claims of a lawyer's or judge's incapacity, supervising lawyers and other employees of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, managing Continuing Legal Education projects coordinated by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, and performing other duties assigned by the Supreme Court as set forth in Rule 5, RLDE, Rule 413, SCACR.

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.

• A Juris Doctorate degree or its equivalent from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law;
• At least thirteen (13) years of experience in the practice of law, trying of cases, preparing and arguing appellate cases or a combination thereof;
• A member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing; and
• Proven experience directing and supervising a large business office.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of:

• The Judicial Branch's mission, policies and operations;
• Federal and state laws, including statutes, rules and case law;
• SCJB policies, procedures and practices; and
• Management principles and organizational structure concepts.

Skills:

• Excellent computer skills; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

 Ability to:

• Interpret and analyze financial data, records and reports;
• Plan and direct administrative and support activities and staff;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Analyze needs and resources and recommend solutions effectively;
• Exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting Supreme Court rules, policies and procedures;
• Direct and advise technical staff members;
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbal, including drafting of correspondence, memoranda or briefs, public speaking, and oral arguments before the Supreme Court or the Commission; and
• Review and edit documents to be filed with the Supreme Court, the Commission, or any agency or entity with which the Office of Disciplinary Counsel interacts.

 PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE)

Experience prosecuting or defending lawyers or judges in disciplinary matters before the Commission and the Supreme Court; and

• Working knowledge of various rules governing lawyer conduct, including Rule 407, SCACR (Rules of Professional Conduct), Rule 413, SCACR (Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, Rule 501, SCACR (Code of Judicial Conduct), Rule 502, SCACR (Rules for Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement), Rule 402(h), SCACR (civility oath), Rule 416, SCACR (Resolution of Fee Disputes Board), Rule 417, SCACR (Financial Recordkeeping), Rule 419, SCACR (Administrative Suspensions and Terminations), and related case decisions.

SCJB APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested persons meeting the required qualifications should submit an online application at www.careers.sc.gov to include all work history and education. All questions on the application must be completed. A resume may be included but will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of an incomplete application. Supplemental questions are considered a part of your application and must be completed.

About SC Judicial Branch

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is the third co-equal branch of SC State Government. The SC Supreme Court is the highest court in South Carolina and has both appellate and original jurisdiction. The Supreme Court is responsible for promulgating rules governing all the courts of this state. This includes not only rules governing the practice and procedure before these courts, but also rules governing the administration of these courts. Additionally, the Court promulgates rules governing the admission of persons to practice law, and the conduct of lawyers, judges and court personnel. Further, the Chief Justice, as the administrative head of the Judicial Branch, is responsible for administering the courts, setting the terms of court and assigning judges to preside at those terms.

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