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The Office of Disciplinary Counsel at the South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking an experienced legal professional to join their team as Assistant Disciplinary Counsel.

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.

• Under limited supervision, manage a significant caseload. Receive, screen and investigate complaints regarding alleged ethical misconduct by a lawyer or judge pursuant to the applicable rules of conduct; refer complaints to other agencies when appropriate; negotiate and draft agreements for discipline with a lawyer or judge for submission to the appropriate Commission.

• Prosecute formal charges, which includes engaging in limited discovery and exchange of information as provided by the applicable rules and trial before the Commission, drafting and submitting a proposed Panel Report, receiving and reviewing the final Panel Report filed by the Commission Panel, preparing exceptions to the Panel Report where appropriate, drafting briefs for submission to the Supreme Court, and engaging in oral arguments before the Court.

• In cases where there is a potential for a risk of harm to the public, such as where a lawyer or judge has been arrested and charged with a serious offense, seek interim suspension or the appointment of a Receiver pursuant to the applicable rules.

• Keep accurate and updated files in an electronic database. Prepare for and attend regularly scheduled meetings regarding the status of cases, including terms of diversion agreements, agreements for discipline, and appropriate levels of discipline.  Meet with and direct investigators on various assignments. Work cooperatively with support staff, professional staff, and a diverse range of individuals.   

• Present and participate in various CLE programs, law schools, bar associations, committees, programs and other local and national professional organizations, which includes preparation of materials and a Power Point presentation as needed, attending the program and presenting the lecture.

• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and admission to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in South Carolina; and
• Three (3) or more years of experience in the practice of law that includes:
• screening potential cases;
• meeting with clients;
• interviewing witnesses;
• drafting pleadings and discovery; and
• appearing in court in jury or nonjury matters, or in administrative agencies.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS 

Knowledge of:

• South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and the application of the Rules to everyday practice of law issues, including a strong understanding of law office management issues;
• State laws and rules of procedure pertaining to the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct of the Code of Judicial Conduct;
• Investigative methods and procedures; and
• Time Matters.

Skills:

• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint);
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Proficiency with the South Carolina Rules of Evidence and with the South Carolina Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure;
• Competency in analysis including, but not limited to, applying disciplinary rules to facts, evaluating weight of evidence and applying disciplinary standards to recommendations for disposition of cases;
• Competency in appropriately handling, patiently and courteously, sensitive or difficult issues with non-lawyers, lawyers, and judges;
• Competency in legal research; and
• Self-motivated team player who is intellectually curious.

Ability to:

• Efficiently and accurately analyze legal issues; and
• Multitask and prioritize. 

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE) 

Knowledge of:

N/A   

Skills:

• Appellate practice experience including familiarity with the SC Appellate Court Rules, legal research, drafting of briefs or motions, and presenting oral argument before an appellate court.
• Excellence in electronic case management.

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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