Attorney II

Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable candidate to fill the Attorney II position to provide legal services to Court Administration and trial courts across the state. Under limited supervision, this position advises judges, clerks, and Judicial Branch staff on a wide range of substantive and procedural legal issues. This Attorney II position will also support Court Administration by conducting legal research, reviewing legislation, drafting legal opinions, and assisting with contracts, policies, and forms.

This role requires strong legal knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The attorney will frequently interact with Magistrate and Municipal courts, as well as other judicial and government stakeholders statewide.

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.

• Provide legal guidance to trial court judges and clerks, particularly in Magistrate and Municipal courts.
• Respond to questions and inquiries from judges, clerks, the public, inmates, legislators, law enforcement, and other court-related entities.
• Perform legal research and provide opinions and guidance to the State Court Administrator, Court Services leadership, and other Judicial Branch personnel.
• Review legislation, case law, Attorney General Opinions, and Judicial Advisory Opinions, and communicate relevant changes to trial courts and clerks.
• Present legal updates at judicial education programs and conferences.
• Draft, review, and revise court forms based on statutory, case law, and rule changes.
• Review and advise on contracts involving the Judicial Branch; ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Review Judicial Branch policies and procedures related to privacy and Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI) compliance.
• Represent the Judicial Branch at stakeholder meetings and initiatives as requested.
• Occasional statewide travel required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree or equivalent from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the practice of law.
• Member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar.
• Must have dependable transportation for occasional statewide travel.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• In-depth knowledge of South Carolina law.
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Ability to exercise independence, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and time management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Dependable, consistent work ethic and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical experience in the South Carolina Judicial Branch trial courts.

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;
• 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.