Career Center

Job bulletin will be used to fill five (5) Staff Attorney I – COA (2 year rotation) positions.

The Court of Appeals, Staff Attorney’s Office at the South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a legal professional to join their team as Staff Attorney I (2 year rotation). 

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Staff Attorney, the Staff Attorney I will assist the Court of Appeals judges by reviewing assigned cases, researching and analyzing legal issues, and providing written and oral recommendations to the Court.

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.

Independently reviews and analyzes direct appeals and post-conviction relief petitions filed with the Court.  Researches the issues presented on appeal and determines a proposed recommendation for each case.  Drafts a bench memoranda and proposed opinion resolving assigned cases to be submitted to the Court for consideration.  Responds to questions and concerns regarding assigned cases from the Court.  Prepares written responses, including addendums to memoranda, as needed. 

Performs other related 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 within first year of employment; and

Minimum of 3.2 GPA and Journal or Moot Court experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge of South Carolina law and procedure, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation;

Ability to analyze complex legal issues, to apply state/federal law and judicial decisions, and to effectively draft logical and clear legal documents;

Ability to exercise excellent self-direction, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines;

Ability to interact and maintain relationships with judges and ability to work in a team environment;  Ability to listen to new ideas and recommendations from others;

Ability to speak effectively when addressing judges and co-workers;

Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion in dealing with sensitive information.  

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

Current member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing. Prior experience using Westlaw and Microsoft Word.

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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