Career Center

The Kershaw and Richland County Public Defender Offices strive to provide a supportive environment where attorneys have the opportunity to develop professionally and personally. Caseloads for this position can consist of charges ranging from low level misdemeanors at the summary court level to felony charges in the Circuit Court. The Kershaw and Richland County Public Defender Offices are committed to providing zealous and thorough advocacy for indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Richland and Kershaw Counties. Accordingly, interested applicants should expect to gain experience in all aspects of representation including bond court representation, preliminary hearings, motions hearings, plea negotiations, community collaboration, and trials. Attorneys will work as part of the Richland County or Kershaw County Public Defender teams with on-staff investigators, social workers, paralegals, and other staff to provide holistic, collaborative, and client-centered representation. As it is a team effort, attorneys should expect to participate in all aspects of case preparation including case investigation, witness interviews, evidence examination, service provider referrals, legal research, trial preparation, and more. Attorneys have the opportunity to attend professional conferences, trainings, seminars, and workshops. Attorneys are encouraged to find opportunities to engage in community and civic service projects that interest them and allow them to work with the greater Richland County community. We place an emphasis on creating a work culture of open communication, collaboration, and support. Our goal is to find attorneys who are dedicated to this work and to create an environment that allows them to feel motivated by this work.

Requires Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school
Must possess and maintain current membership in the SC Bar Association
Must possess a valid state driver’s license

About Richland County Public Defender

The 5th Circuit Public Defender Office is committed to providing zealous and thorough advocacy for indigent clients charged with criminal offenses in Richland and Kershaw County. Caseloads for our attorneys range from low level misdemeanors at the summary court level to felony charges in Circuit Court. Our office strives to provide a supportive environment where attorneys are able to develop professionally and personally. Attorneys have the opportunity to attend professional conferences, trainings, seminars, and workshops. Attorneys are encouraged to find opportunities to engage in community and civic service projects that interest them and further the impact of our work. The 5th Circuit Public Defender Office seeks to cultivate a work culture of open communication, collaboration, and support in service of our clients and our community.

Connections working at Richland County Public Defender