The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for Deputy Director Commission Counsel/Receiver in the Office of Commission Counsel.

Under limited supervision and direction of Commission Counsel, performs duties as set forth in Rule 31 of the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement (RLDE), Rule 413, SCACR, in cases where a lawyer is transferred to incapacity inactive status, disappears or dies, or is suspended or disbarred, but no partner, personal representative or other responsible party capable of conducting the lawyer's affairs is known to exist. Supervises the day-to-day management of the Receiver's Office including assisting and managing non-lawyer employees. In the absence of Commission Counsel, may be called upon to serve as Acting Commission Counsel.

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.

• Implement and apply procedures for closing law offices when a lawyer is incapacitated, missing, deceased, suspended, or disbarred, in accordance with Rule 31 and other relevant regulations. Ensure adherence to the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Code of Judicial Conduct, and other governing rules.
• Oversee, train, and manage non-lawyer staff within the Receiver's Office. Monitor performance, ensure confidentiality, and handle hiring processes in coordination with Human Resources and Fiscal Services.
• Conduct initial assessments of cases, develop plans for file retrieval, client notification, and law practice closure. Take custody of and manage client files, including handling deteriorated files and overseeing their transfer to the Receiver's Office or storage facilities.
• Notify clients of law practice closures, manage the retrieval and delivery of client files, and handle communications regarding active and closed files. File motions or pleadings and request continuances on behalf of clients when necessary.
• Manage law office accounts, including making deposits and disbursements, reviewing bank statements, and handling refunds. Ensure accurate financial recordkeeping and refer clients to the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection when needed.
• Provide notices of Receivership to relevant entities, including judges, clerks of court, the Post Office, and errors and omissions carriers.
• Respond to subpoenas from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, review client files, and provide information as required. Report non-cooperation and testify in contempt proceedings if necessary.
• Draft and file a petition to conclude Receivership with the Supreme Court, and act on orders regarding funds, mail, and client files upon termination.
• Manage statewide educational initiatives on law office succession planning, oversee operational aspects of the Commission in the absence of Commission Counsel, and participate in various Commission meetings and reporting activities..

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
• 15 days paid sick leave per year;
• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
• 13 paid state holidays;
• Paid Parental Leave; and
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, or disability.

SCJB APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Interested persons meeting the required qualifications may submit an application at www.careers.sc.gov. All questions on the application must be completed and should include all work history and education. 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law
• At least eight (8) years of experience in the private practice of law.
• Experience in variety of legal disciplines and areas of the law.
• Experience in motions, discovery, litigation, and court proceedings rules, procedures, and practices.
• A member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.
• Proven experience directing and supervising legal staff.
• Experience with trust accounting and general law office accounting, and with billing and case management software such as Quickbooks, Time Matters, and CLIO.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge and understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Code of Judicial Conduct, disciplinary enforcement rules, and Financial Recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of the Judicial Department's mission, policies and operations.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws, including statutes, rules, and caselaw.
• Knowledge of agency policies, procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of management principles and organizational structure concepts.

Ability to:

• Interpret and analyze financial data, records and reports.
• Plan and direct administrative and support activities and staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Analyze needs and resources and recommend solutions effectively.
• Exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting Supreme Court rules, policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbal, including drafting of correspondence, memoranda, reports, and public speaking.
• Work well under pressure.
• Must be able to review and edit documents to be filed with the Supreme Court. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.

Others:

• Must possess excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Statewide travel with some overnight required. Transportation and ability to pay for expenses in advance of reimbursement
• Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to travel statewide with some overnight travel required.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• A Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and at least ten (10) years of experience in the private practice of law. .