Senior Paralegal

The South Carolina Judicial Branch (SCJB) invites applications for a Senior Paralegal in the Receiver’s Office, a vital position focused on protecting clients and ensuring legal and ethical standards are upheld. The Senior Paralegal is responsible for performing semi-autonomously specifically delegated substantive legal work to assist the Receiver in carrying out all duties 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.

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. 

• Assist the Receiver in taking custody of the lawyer's active and closed client files, to include the following: Identify and take custody of client files; Transport or arrange for transport of client files to the Receiver’s Office storage locations; Review all active client files to identify those files that require immediate review or action by the Receiver and prepare reports for the Receiver; Prepare and maintain an accurate and complete inventory of client files; Schedule and oversee the shredding of client files as authorized by the Supreme Court and the RLDE.
• Assist the Receiver with notifications to clients of the Receivership and the delivery of client files to clients, to include the following: Communicate in writing with clients about the Receivership,  retrieval of client files, the disciplinary complaint process, and/or how to seek a refund of legal fees; Ensure notice is published in local newspapers about the Receivership; Use resources such as internet searches to identify active cases and locate clients for whom contact information is not immediately available; Deliver original and/or electronic client files to clients by mail or in person.
• Assist the Receiver in taking custody of law office bank accounts, to include the following: Contact the South Carolina Bar for information regarding lawyer's IOLTA accounts; Prepare correspondence to all known banking institutions giving notice of the Receivership; Scan and maintain monthly bank statements in case management system; Prepare spreadsheets tracking deposits and disbursements of law office account funds; Monitor monthly bank account activity to identify issues with accounts and prepare relevant reports. 
• Assist the Receiver with providing notice of the Receivership to various entities, to include the following: Notify judges and clerks of court of the Receivership to ensure case rosters can be adjusted or continuances granted; Notify Post Office of Receivership to ensure that all mail is forwarded to Receiver's office; Notify errors and omissions carrier of closing of the law practice.
• Assist the Receiver with concluding the Receivership, to include the following: Create draft of application to be relieved including exhibits for review by Receiver; File application to be relieved with the Supreme Court and provide notice of the application to appropriate parties; Take action as directed by the Supreme Court when the Receivership is terminated such as disbursement of checks and closing of bank accounts, shredding of client files, and notification to post office. 
• Perform other general office duties as needed during the course of the Receivership, to include the following: Maintain calendar of events and perform a variety of case related administrative duties with scheduling, monitoring, and case related deadlines; Schedule and attend meetings with interested parties; Make travel arrangements; Prepare form documents for case file; Respond to phone calls and correspondence from clients, lawyers, judges, and court personnel about the Receivership; Assist the Receiver with requesting continuances of court cases on behalf of clients; Assist the Receiver with filing notices, motions, or pleadings on behalf of clients; Review incoming mail and determine proper course of action; Utilize case management system to track all time and itemized expenses; Assist the Receiver with compliance with subpoenas from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel or other agencies; Testify before the Supreme Court during contempt proceedings.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Associate’s Degree in paralegal studies and three (3) years of paralegal experience performing delegated, substantive legal work support. 
• Experience in variety of legal disciplines and areas of the law.
• Certification in paralegal studies. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS 

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the S.C. Unified Judicial System and S.C. Appellate Court Rules.
• Knowledge of motions, discovery, litigation, documentation, court and administrative proceedings rules, procedures, and practices

Skills:

• Must possess excellent computer skills to include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Adobe Pro. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.   
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to prioritize and work well under pressure and work independently and effectively in executing job responsibilities. 

Ability to:

• Ability to communicate with attorneys, judges, court personnel, clients, and the general public. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and effective manner.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment and discretion. 
• Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 40 pounds. 
• Ability to travel statewide with some overnight travel required. 
• Must have transportation and ability to pay for expenses in advance of reimbursement.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Experience in managing legal or administrative workflows efficiently.
• Commitment to punctuality and strong work ethic 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Associates Degree in paralegal studies and five (5) or more years of experience in a law firm or other legal environment. 
• Experience with trust accounting and general law office accounting, and with billing and case management software such as QuickBooks, Time Matters, and Case Map. 
• Notary Public Certification.

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.

Salary : $55,516 - $69,401