Salary: $79,600.00 - $143,300.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 190004
Agency: Department of Education
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE30
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN12
Hiring Range - Min.: $79,600.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $115,000.00

Job Responsibilities
Job Purpose:
This position reports to the General Counsel and serves in a dynamic, fast-paced professional environment. The successful candidate must demonstrate exceptional flexibility and adaptability in managing a broad range of assignments and responsibilities.
Responsibilities:

• Provide legal support across agency operational areas, Offices across the Division of College, Career, and Military Readiness, Division of District Operations and Support, and Division of Strategic Engagement.
• Conduct legal research and prepare opinions requiring a high degree of legal competence. Draft and/or review a wide range of legal documents as requested by various offices within the agency.
• Coordinate the handling of various legal and administrative activities within the agency. Work directly with the agency's General Counsel and agency leadership in formulating legal strategy. Represent the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) in civil actions before state and federal courts as assigned.
• Provide legal advice and representation for the Office of Federal and State Accountability, managing responses to school districts and the United States Department of Education related to protests, as well as federal compliance and reporting for programs authorized under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), including federal Title programs.
• Provide legal assistance and administers due process hearings on behalf of various program offices within the SCDE in accordance with the agency's appeal hearing procedures.
• At the direction of the General Counsel, prepare memoranda concerning rulemaking, regulations, legislative acts, and court decisions.
• Assist in educator misconduct cases by reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, preparing cases for hearings, negotiating consent agreements, drafting orders, and presenting cases to the State Board of Education.

This position is located in the Office of General Counsel.
Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.
• Juris doctorate or its equivalent from an accredited law school and five (5) years minimum experience.
• Member of SC Bar in good standing.
• Completion of Rule 403 required.

Additional Comments
As a part of a generous compensation package, we offer comprehensive benefits that include generous paid time off, preeminent health care benefits, professional development opportunities, pension, a 401(k), and a hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work.

The South Carolina Department of Education offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs.

Some travel is required.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

• Yes
• No

02

I understand that a criminal record investigation will be conducted prior to employment being offered by the South Carolina Department of Education. My personal identifying information will be processed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a juris doctorate or its equivalent from an accredited law school and five (5) years minimum experience?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you a member of SC Bar in good standing?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you completed Rule 403?

• Yes
• No

07

How did you hear about this position?

• Careers.sc.gov
• Indeed.com
• LinkedIn
• Social Media/Advertisment
• Other (please specify below)

08

If you answered "other" in the question above, please specify where you heard about this position below.
Required Question