Career Center

The South Carolina Judicial Branch (SCJB), invites applications for Deputy Clerk of Court in the Court of Appeals Office of the Clerk.

The Court of Appeals is the intermediate appellate court for the state.  Broadly speaking, the Court of Appeals handles nearly all direct appeals from the circuit courts, the family courts, the administrative law court, the workers' compensation commission, and other state courts and tribunals as set forth by statute.  Within the Court, the Clerk of Court is responsible for the custody and keeping of the record of the Court, as prescribed by the judges of the Court of Appeals.  The Clerk's Office serves as the sole point of contact on behalf of the Court, receives all filings, processes filings, forwards filings to others within the Court for action in accordance with the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules (SCACR), established court policies and procedures, and handles in-person, telephonic, electronic, and written communications.

The Deputy Clerk of Court assists the Clerk of Court in all areas and performs duties as expressly delegated by the Clerk of Court and as required by the judges of the Court of Appeals.

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.

Assists Clerk of Court in managing the business of the Court in compliance with the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules (SCACR).  Manages, edits, and directs the work of Appeals Specialists handling cases in all stages of the appellate process.

Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills by accurately providing guidance to judges, counsel, self-represented litigants, court personnel, and other customers.

In concert with the Clerk of Court, directs the disposition of motions and other filings in compliance with Court policy and the SCACR.  Manages Court calendar and assignment of agenda matters.  Reviews filings for finality and ensures filings comply with the SCACR.

Coordinates assignment of staff to monitor the courtroom during scheduled oral argument.

All other duties and projects as assigned by the Clerk of Court and the judges of the Court of Appeals.

A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law;

Three years of experience as a practicing attorney; and

Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Strong written and verbal communication skills;

Excellent computer skills; and

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Mastery of:

South Carolina Appellate Court Rules;

Laws of South Carolina and federal law; and

Policies, standards, and procedures of the Judicial Branch and Court of Appeals.  

Ability to:

Communicate and apply the policies and procedures; and theories, practices, and principles of effective management;

Maintain professional relationships with judges;

Advise the Court and make recommendations on matters of law and policy; 

Manage non-lawyer staff and prioritize work responsibilities;

Maintain confidentiality and use discretion in dealing with sensitive information;  and

Create and maintain effective working relationships.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

Eight years of experience as a practicing attorney;

Prior experience in a management capacity with an appellate court;

Proven experience directing and supervising staff; and

Experience with C-Track, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation.

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.

Connections working at SC Judicial Branch