Staff Attorney I

Job Responsibilities

The Court of Appeals at the South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a motivated individual to join our team as a Staff Attorney I (2-year rotation).

This role supports the South Carolina Court of Appeals by conducting legal research, analyzing appellate records, and preparing written recommendations on direct appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, and motions. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Staff Attorney, this role assists the Court of Appeals Judges by reviewing assigned cases, researching and analyzing legal issues, and providing both written and oral recommendations to the Court. Responsibilities include drafting bench memoranda, proposed opinions, and court orders, as well as assisting judges with oral argument preparation.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze assigned appeals and post-conviction relief petitions to determine legal issues and applicable standards.
• Conduct legal research using Westlaw, the South Carolina Code, and relevant case law.
• Draft bench memoranda, proposed opinions, and orders for the Court's consideration.
• Present case summaries and recommendations in legal conferences.
• Edit and verify the accuracy of written materials, including citations and quotations.
• Review petitions for rehearing and other motions; prepare supporting memoranda and draft orders.
• Upload materials into C-Track for internal court review and distribution.
• Support judges with oral argument preparation, including conferencing, note-taking, and post-argument drafting.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and admission to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in South Carolina within first year of employment.
• Minimum of 3.2 GPA and Journal or Moot Court experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

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

• Current member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.
• Prior experience using Westlaw and Microsoft Word.

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.