Staff Attorney I - COA (2 year rotation)

Salary: $81,600.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 192559
Agency: Judicial Branch
Division: Court of Appeals
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Class Code:: AE1016
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: Unclassified

Job Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Staff Attorney, assists the Court of Appeals judges by reviewing assigned cases, researching and analyzing legal issues, and providing written and oral recommendations to the Court.

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.

• Independently reviews and analyzes direct appeals and post-conviction relief petitions filed with the Court. Reads and reviews paper case file and electronic case file for each assigned case. Reviews underlying order to determine whether order is immediately appealable to the Court of Appeals. Reads and reviews appellate briefs and petitions and the record on appeal. Conducts preliminary legal research on the issues raised in the briefs or petitions, including but not limited to a review of the cases cited in the brief or petitions. Researches the issues presented on appeal using Westlaw, the South Carolina Code of Laws, and other legal authority. Determines a proposed recommendation for each case or a recommendation that the case be scheduled for oral argument.
• Orally presents assigned cases to Chief Staff Attorney, Deputy Chief Staff Attorney, or Senior Staff Attorneys during conferences. Summarizes the facts of each case, recites the issues presented on appeal, and provides a proposed legal recommendation for the case or a recommendation that the case be returned to the Clerk's Office to be scheduled for oral argument.
• Drafts a bench memorandum for each assigned direct appeal case, which includes the case caption, an introduction to the case, a summary of the relevant facts, a listing of the issues raised on appeal, a summary of the parties' arguments, citations and analysis of relevant case law, and an analysis of the law that applies the law to the facts of the case. Drafts proposed opinions and orders resolving each case to be submitted to the Court for consideration, review, and ultimate filing with the Clerk of Court.
• Self-edits all work product, reading the documents and reviewing substance, form, grammar, and style. Spades opinions and orders to ensure the legal authority is correctly cited, the authority stands for the proposition it is cited for, or if a direct quote, the quote is exact.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and admission to or eligibility for admission to the practice of law in South Carolina within first year of employment.
• Minimum of 3.2 GPA and Journal or Moot Court experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of South Carolina law and procedure, Westlaw, and the Bluebook System of Citation.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.
• Prior experience using Westlaw and Microsoft Word.

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;
• Paid Parental Leave; and
• Workers' Compensation Benefits.

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.