Staff Attorney III

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 III.

Under limited supervision, this position supports the Chief Staff Attorney and Deputy Chief Staff Attorney in managing the day-to-day operations of the Court of Appeals Staff Attorneys? Office. In their absence, the position supervises and manages the work of up to fifteen attorneys, including assigning and monitoring cases, ensuring timely processing, and maintaining high-quality work standards.

The role is responsible for assisting the Court of Appeals? judges by independently reviewing and researching complex direct appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, and motions including expedited motions and using sound discretion to provide written and oral recommendations to the Court. Duties also include drafting proposed opinions and orders, providing legal analysis, conducting peer review, training staff attorneys, and collaborating with the Court and Clerk?s Office to support the Court?s decision-making process.

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.

• Supervision & Office Management
  • Direct daily operations of the Staff Attorneys? Office when Chief/Deputy are absent.
  • Assign cases, monitor workloads, and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Provide training, mentoring, and procedural guidance to staff attorneys.
  • Maintain and update the Staff Attorney Manual to reflect current policy and law.
• Case Review & Assignment
  • Manage expedited appeals, post-conviction relief (PCR) cases, petitions for rehearing, and emergency filings.
  • Review each case to assess complexity and assign it to the appropriate attorney.
  • Track case assignments and status in Excel and C-Track; run reports to monitor timeliness.
  • Coordinate with the Clerk?s Office to secure the necessary case materials.
• Legal Analysis & Drafting
  • Independently review and analyze complex appeals, PCR petitions, and motions.
  • Conduct legal research using Westlaw, statutes, and case law.
  • Draft detailed bench memoranda, proposed opinions, and orders for the Court?s review.
  • Edit and finalize work products for accuracy, clarity, and correct legal citation.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Communicate case status, recommendations, and legal analysis to the Chief/Deputy Chief and judges.
  • Respond to questions from the Court, Clerk?s Office, and other stakeholders.
  • Present oral recommendations and summaries to judges or senior staff as needed.
  • Work after hours when required to address urgent or emergency matters.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and three (3) years of experience in a staff attorney or related attorney position.
• Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.
• Must possess excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of theories, practices, and principles of effective management.
• Ability to assist in managing an office of fifteen attorneys, including the ability to prepare and give presentations and train other attorneys.
• Knowledge of South Carolina law and procedure, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation.
• Knowledge of court and staff attorney policies and procedures or similar knowledge based on prior experience in the South Carolina Judicial Branch or another appellate court.
• 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 supervise the office in the absence of the Chief Staff Attorney or Deputy Chief Staff Attorney.
• Must be able to independently review and analyze assigned direct appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, and motions.
• Must be able to work directly with judges and use independent discretion in responding to judges' questions or concerns regarding legal issues pending before 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

• Five (5) years of experience as an attorney, including two (2) years of demonstrated experience supervising staff.
• 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

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.