Assistant Attorney General (Attorney I), Post Conviction Relief
About The Position
The Assistant Attorney General is assigned to the Post Conviction Relief (PCR) Section and performs professional legal work for the State of South Carolina, its subdivisions, and officials under limited supervision. The position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule in South Carolina. The attorney reviews PCR applications and calendar returns; prepares pleadings and responses; represents the State at hearings and appellate proceedings; prepares proposed orders, petitions, returns, and briefs; and coordinates case preparation, witnesses, rosters, subpoenas, and transportation of applicants. The attorney also manages incoming correspondence, deadlines, case records, and communications with victim advocates, solicitors, attorneys, and law enforcement entities. Related duties or cases outside the primary subject assignment may be assigned. Some overnight travel is required. The position may require travel and transporting files, including to and from court. Applicants must be a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and satisfy Rule 403 requirements. Candidates who have recently graduated from law school and obtained admission to the South Carolina Bar are eligible. Required screening includes drug, credit, delinquent tax, SLED background, and grievance checks.
Requirements
- J.D. degree.
- 0–3 years of experience practicing law.
- Membership in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
- Must satisfy Rule 403 requirements.
- Above-average understanding of computers, software, and technology beyond MS Office and related software.
- Some overnight travel is required.
- Position may require travel and transporting files.
- Must be able to transport files to and from court.
- Must complete required drug screening, credit check, delinquent tax check, SLED background check, and grievance check.
Nice To Haves
- Well organized, with a demonstrated ability to work independently.
- Proficient in legal research and writing.
- Excellent oral advocacy skills.
- Good computer skills and knowledge of Word.
Responsibilities
- Review applications and calendar returns, and prepare pleadings and responses to applications, motions, and other pleadings.
- Represent the State at court hearings in assigned circuits and elsewhere as required.
- Prepare proposed orders requested by the presiding judge.
- Represent the State in appeals of PCR cases handled in circuit court when appealed to the South Carolina Supreme Court or Court of Appeals.
- File and serve appeals on behalf of the State in cases where relief is granted, when approved by the Deputy Attorney General or Chief Deputy Attorney General in the interest of the State.
- Prepare petitions, returns, and briefs for filing with the appropriate appellate court, and represent the State at oral argument when scheduled.
- Prepare and distribute rosters of cases to be heard to appropriate parties or individuals, mailing rosters at least four weeks before the term.
- Ensure witness letters and subpoenas are prepared and forwarded for mailing or service; identify witnesses needed to defend PCR actions.
- Arrange transportation of PCR applicants to hearings.
- Collect and review incoming mail, provide processing instructions, and ensure due dates are entered on attorney and legal assistant calendars.
- Initial mail and incoming letters, pleadings, filed emails, and other documents to verify review.
- Promptly advise victim advocates about developments or status of assigned cases.
- Ensure LawBase and Worldox are promptly and properly updated with case actions and documents generated or received.
- Maintain an accurate calendar of due dates and respond to telephone calls by the end of each day.
- Timely respond to written requests for advice or assistance from solicitors, attorneys, and law enforcement entities on PCR matters.
- Maintain shake-proof files and promptly close files.
- Perform related duties as required or assigned by the division director or section supervisor, including handling cases outside the primary subject assignment.
- Travel as required, including some overnight travel, and transport files to and from court.
Benefits
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
- Paid parental leave.
- Health insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
- Dental insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
- Vision insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
- Long-term disability insurance.
- Life insurance for employees, spouses, and children.
- Fifteen days of annual (vacation) leave per year.
- Fifteen days of sick leave per year.
- Thirteen paid holidays.
- State Retirement Plan.
- Deferred Compensation Programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
