Assistant Attorney General (Attorney III), Capital and Collateral Litigation

About the Role

Performs professional legal work under limited or general supervision, representing assigned State agencies in capital and collateral litigation. The position is primarily assigned to the Capital and Collateral Litigation Section, handling murder direct appeals in South Carolina appellate courts and federal habeas corpus litigation involving South Carolina crimes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare briefs, pleadings, opinions, and represent the State, its subdivisions, and officials in legal matters.
• Handle murder direct appeals in South Carolina appellate courts, including:
  • Reading trial transcripts and researching legal issues.
  • Drafting briefs and preparing pleadings.
  • Presenting oral arguments before appellate courts.
  • Communicating with trial and appellate counsel.
  • Traveling to examine trial exhibits and coordinating appellate work with trial counsel.
  • Ordering trial transcripts and managing calendars to meet court deadlines.
• Manage post-conviction relief for death penalty and non-death penalty convictions, including:
  • Researching legal issues and preparing pleadings.
  • Representing the State in the Court of Common Pleas, South Carolina appellate courts, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
  • Making transportation arrangements for witnesses and death row inmates.
• Handle federal habeas corpus relief proceedings in the Federal District Court, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of the United States, including:
  • Researching legal issues and preparing pleadings, motions, and responses.
  • Briefing issues and presenting oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals.
  • Making transportation arrangements for witnesses or petitioners for court-ordered hearings.
• Represent assigned State agencies, including advising agencies and traveling for meetings or hearings.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Division Director and Chief of Staff, including handling cases outside the primary duty assignment.
• Prepare memos, conduct legal research, and support murder litigation as needed.
• Make instructional presentations as required.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and at least five years of practicing legal experience.
• Must be a member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing and have satisfied 403 requirements.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision.
• Must promptly notify the supervisor of any issues, problems, or suggestions related to job duties.
• Overnight and occasional out-of-state travel required.
• Ability to transport files to and from court.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and 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 and Deferred Compensation Programs.