Attorney III - Bureau of Coastal Management

State of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

39d

About The Position

The Office of General Council is seeking an Attorney III to support the Bureau of Coastal Management, providing legal guidance on permitting, coastal development, conservation, and regulatory compliance. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early-career attorney with experience or with a passion for environmental and coastal resources. Reporting to the Chief Counsel for Bureau of Costal Management you will provide legal services to Coastal Management staff who oversee coastal permitting, shoreline protection, construction impacts, and resource management. This position involves meaningful legal work from the very beginning-policy research litigation, administrative hearings, legal review, and collaboration with technical experts.

Requirements

A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and at least one (1) of experience as a practicing attorney.
An active member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
Completion of the trial experiences required by Rule 403 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules.
Thorough knowledge of the laws of South Carolina, with the ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations and judicial decisions
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts in straightforward, accessible language.
Strong organizational abilities and a proven capacity to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and engage professionally with internal staff, courts, opposing counsel, government agencies, and the public.
Advanced legal research and writing capabilities, including the ability to draft clear, well-reasoned legal opinions and memoranda.
A demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and public service.
Must be able to perform routine legal functions independently.
Valid Driver's license - occasional in state travel will be required

Nice To Haves

Three (3) or more years of experience as a practicing attorney.
A minimum of one (1) year of litigation experience
Interest or coursework in environmental, land use, coastal, or administrative law.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice related to coastal permitting, coastal zone management, and associated state/federal requirements.
Review statutes, regulations, policies, and agency actions for legal soundness.
Represent the agency in meetings with the public, regulated community, partners, counsel, and the media.
Assist in responding to inquiries involving development, shoreline impacts, and environmental decisions.
Manage coastal-related litigation and appeals before state/federal courts and administrative tribunals.
Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and litigation documents; conduct/answer discovery; prepare witnesses; deliver oral arguments.
Draft or review legal documents supporting coastal permits and compliance actions.
Ensure documents are clear, accurate, and consistent with applicable laws.
Conduct complex legal research related to coastal zone management, property rights, environmental statutes, and administrative law.
Review work of assigned support staff for accuracy and completeness.
Maintain communication on the status of litigation and non-litigation matters.

Benefits

Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
15 days sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
Retirement benefit choices
State Retirement Plan(SCRS)
State Optional Retirement Program(State ORP)
Remote Work: The option of partially remote work is available after successful completion of 1 year of employment with the agency, based on position job functions