Senior Paralegal

State of South Carolina • Lexington County, SC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) is seeking a Senior Paralegal to join us in our mission to enhance the lives of those we serve. Explore a career where your work directly impacts the well-being of your fellow South Carolinians. Under the general supervision of the BHDD General Counsel, this position performs specialized and complex paralegal work for the agency.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED and five (5) years of paralegal experience or an Associate's degree in paralegal studies and a paralegal certificate.
• Knowledge and experience working with attorneys and judges at a state agency, law firm, or the courts.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and organizational functions.
• Knowledge of legal research techniques and legal data base software.
• Knowledge of legal communication principles and practices.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform legal research in accordance with preliminary instructions as to methods or approach, source material available, and policy and precedent of the office.

Responsibilities

• Conducts initial case assessments, reviews legal documents, and conducts legal research into complex issues.
• Acts as the point of contact with Outside Counsel to provide assistance with discovery requests and interrogatories.
• Assists the Office of the General Counsel in drafting pleadings, motions, and other legal documents to be filed with the court.
• Assists the General Counsel and all attorneys with administrative tasks, including collecting documents and records, drafting legal memorandums, and coordinating meetings.
• Coordinates with all departments across all offices to include the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Mental Health, and the Office of Substance Use Services.
• Assists staff attorneys with all Judicial Admissions and Forensic matters to include scheduling hearings, drafting orders, and submitting all relevant documents to attorneys, judges, and other court personnel.
• Conducts legal research as assigned.
• Assists with case management (litigation log), including seeking appropriate approval, compiling and redacting documents, and coordinating with all relevant parties.
• Uses existing files and a variety of other legal research resources to prepare reports.
• Identifies relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes and other pertinent materials.
• Evaluates information collected to be used to answer any department questions.
• Performs a variety of routine secretarial and clerical work, including answering phones, typing, emailing, and copying/scanning.
• Transmits all messages in a timely manner without delay.
• Keeps all documentation filed and confidential.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the General Counsel and other staff attorneys.

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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree