Staff Attorney

Position Title: Staff Attorney (Full-Time) Project-based

Location: Charleston Office

Schedule: In person

Submission Deadline: Applications will be considered until positions are filled.

Job Summary:

The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation® (CHPP), a statewide non-profit organization that provides education, legal services, and advocacy to historically under-served families in South Carolina, is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual for a limited-term position with our organization. This role is a project-based position and is expected to conclude in Fall 2026. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful initiative within Charleston County's Settlement Communities, gaining valuable experience while working alongside a dynamic team. Please note that this position is temporary in nature and will end upon completion of the project in Fall 2026. We encourage individuals looking for a structured, project-focused opportunity to apply.

The Staff Attorney will conduct client intakes, provide consultations, and direct legal representation on legal matters pertaining to heirs’ property, tenancy in common rights, probate estate administration, interstate inheritance, chain of title issues, tax sales, quiet title action, land partition matters, and the drafting of Wills and Advanced Directives. The position also requires full participation in community outreach efforts and events within the Center’s service area which will include evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities:

• Conducting client interviews, consultations, and fact gathering.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relative to Heirs’ Property.
• Knowledgeable of the administration of probate estates and real property matters.
• Analyzing complex legal situations of clients and determining the appropriate strategy for obtaining favorable outcome for clients.
• Drafting pleadings, written discovery, correspondence, and memoranda.
• Translate complex legal issues into terms clients can understand.
• Has a strong commitment and belief in the concept of alternative dispute resolution.
• Participating in community outreach and presentations.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate and admitted to practice in South Carolina (or eligible to be admitted)
• Completion of the 403 requirements or ability to complete within 3 months.
• One year of experience in handling the administration of probate estates and Petition to Determine Heirs actions and familiarity with the quiet title process, preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated interest in the area of heirs’ property law and working with low- income individuals.
• Able to communicate effectively, be empathetic and understand the diverse clients of the organization.
• Demonstrable commitment to social justice and experience working with disadvantaged and/or low-income population strongly preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proof-reading skills, with ability to be detail oriented.
• Basic computer skills required. Familiarity with Microsoft Office program (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams), strongly preferred.

Who we are:

CHPP, a statewide nonprofit organization established in January 2005, has a mission to protect heirs’ property and promote the sustainable use of land to provide increased economic benefit to historically under-served families. CHPP accomplishes this mission by providing education, advocacy, legal services, and forestry technical assistance to these landowners.

In addition, CHPP has a national and regional leadership role in providing expertise on the issue of heirs’ property and in developing business models for best practices in the work needed to address the heirs’ property issue in all its complexity.

How to Apply:

Applicants should send via email to: Attention: Sonya Laribo, Human Resources

• a cover letter that states why you are interested in the open position, office location, and salary requirements
• a resume
• the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references

NOTE: Applications are not complete without a cover letter, references, and resume.

No calls please, regarding this opportunity; however, feel free to view the Center’s website at www.heirsproperty.org for additional information.

Salary & Benefits Information:

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, hiring salary is $58,000 per year, will increase based on experience.

CHPP's 37.50-hour workweek offers flexibility so that employees can maintain a work-life balance while serving the Center's clients and mission. Excellent benefits package that includes employer paid health and dental coverage, up to 16 paid holidays, 20 days of accrued vacation and sick time, disability, and life insurance options. Annual Bar Dues paid by employer and annual professional development stipend, cellphone stipend, company laptop and mileage reimbursement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CHPP is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with Federal Law this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• North Charleston, SC 29406: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $58,000