Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 165634
Agency: Judicial Branch
Division: Court of Appeals
Opening Date: 06/06/2024
Closing Date: 7/5/2024 4:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE1018
Position Number:: 60003063
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Band: Unclassified
Opening Date: 06/06/2024
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific 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.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Judicial Branch invites applications for Staff Attorney II in the Court of Appeals, Staff Attorneys' Office.
Under limited supervision, assists the Court of Appeals judges by reviewing assigned direct appeal cases, post-conviction relief petitions, and motions assigned by the Chief Staff Attorney and Deputy Chief Staff Attorney. Independently researches and analyzes legal issues, and provides 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 review and analyze direct appeals and post-conviction relief petitions, conduct legal research, and determine recommendations for each case.
• Orally present assigned cases during conferences, summarizing facts, issues, and providing legal recommendations.
• Independently draft bench memoranda and proposed opinions for direct appeal cases, ensuring accuracy and legal analysis.
• Self-edit work product and ensure correct citation and legal authority.
• Submit assigned cases for review and approval before distribution to the Court.
• Distribute cases for Court consideration monthly and upload necessary documents.
• Review and analyze petitions for rehearing and motions, draft memoranda and submit orders for review.
• Independently respond to Court questions and concerns, prepare written responses as needed.
• Work on oral argument cases in chambers, confer with judges, draft bench memoranda, attend arguments, and draft proposed opinions.
• Review motions filed in direct appeal cases, address legal issues and questions from the Clerk of Court, draft memoranda and proposed orders, and present recommendations orally to the Chief Staff Attorney or Deputy Chief Staff Attorney and the Court.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law.
• At least one year of experience in a Attorney I or related attorney position.
• Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
Knowledge:

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

Ability to:

• 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.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Others:

• Must be able to independently review assigned direct appeals or post-conviction relief petitions, analyze legal issues, and draft memoranda and proposed opinions.
• Must be able to work directly with judges when assigned to work on an oral argument case.
• Must be able to respond to judges' questions or concerns regarding legal issues addressed in memoranda and proposed opinions.
• Required to initially submit all work product for peer review and ultimately submit work for review and approval by Chief Staff Attorney or Deputy Chief Staff Attorney prior to distribution to the Court.
• Required to review and follow the guidelines and procedures set forth in the staff attorney manual relating to legal writing, writing style and format, and office procedures and policy.
• Required to advise the Chief Staff Attorney of any issues, problems, or concerns relating to job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Minimum of 3.2 GPA and Journal or Moot Court experience.
• Prior experience using Westlaw, the Bluebook System of Citation, and C-Track.

Additional Comments

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.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Do you have a Juris Doctorate degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school AND admitted to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in South Carolina?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess demonstratable computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have demonstratable proficiency in C-Track and Westlaw? If yes, provide a summary of your experience.
04

Where did you learn about this position?

• NEOGOV
• FACEBOOK
• LINKEDIN
• X (TWITTER)
• INTERNAL JOB POSTING
• COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
• OTHER

Required Question