Career Center

The South Carolina Judicial Branch, Office of Disciplinary Counsel is seeking a legal professional to join their team as Assistant Disciplinary Counsel I.

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 and direction of Disciplinary Counsel, work to preserve the integrity of the South Carolina judicial system and the confidence of the public in the administration of justice, by screening and investigating allegations of ethical misconduct and incapacity of judges or lawyers and other duties as assigned.
• 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 prior to the filing of formal charges; 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 notes in Time Matters. Attend regularly scheduled office meetings regarding the status of cases, including terms of diversion agreements, AFDBCs, and appropriate levels of discipline.  Meet with and direct investigators on various assignments.  Meet with Disciplinary Counsel and Deputy Disciplinary Counsel on the status of cases.  Work cooperatively with support staff, professional staff, and a diverse range of individuals.     
• Represent the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, with prior approval by Disciplinary Counsel, by speaking at and participating in various CLE programs, law schools, bar associations, committees, programs and other local and national professional organizations, which includes preparation of materials and a PowerPoint presentation as needed, attending the program and presenting the lecture.  
• Attend meetings and training as required.
• All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE) 

• Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law;
• Admission to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in South Carolina within first year of employment; and
• Familiarity with the 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.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS 

Knowledge of:

• 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 and proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint);
• 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 written and oral communication; and
• Competency in legal research.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both verbal and written;
• Efficiently and accurately analyze legal issues;
• Multitask and prioritize;
• Input data into Time Matters in a timely and accurate manner; and
• Lift and/or move boxes or files weighing up to 25 pounds. 

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE) 

• One (1) year of actual experience practicing 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;
• 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;
• Proficiency 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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