Assistant General Counsel (Attorney III)

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Manages an assigned case load and resolves each case as appropriate through trial, plea, diversion program, remand, or dismissal.
• Reviews case files, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and forensic reports; interviews victims, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel; evaluates legal and factual issues; and coordinates additional investigation or forensic testing as needed.
• Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of assigned cases and determines the appropriate disposition consistent with applicable law and the interests of justice.
• Prepares and prosecutes criminal cases by developing trial strategy; preparing witnesses, exhibits, charging documents, pleadings, motions, briefs, subpoenas, memoranda, discovery, court orders, and other legal documents; conducting legal research; and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, court rules, and victims' rights requirements.
• Represents the State in criminal proceedings, including jury and non-jury trials, preliminary hearings, plea hearings, appeals to the Circuit Court, and other assigned court proceedings.
• Presents evidence through direct and cross-examination of witnesses; delivers opening statements and closing arguments; negotiates plea agreements; and advocates on behalf of the State, victims, and law enforcement.
• Provides assistance and legal guidance to law enforcement personnel, Magistrates, and prosecutors regarding criminal investigations, charging decisions, legal procedures, and related matters.
• Assists with the disposition and management of evidence in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Supplemental Functions

• Assists the General Counsel with legal research, legal memoranda, policy review, contract review, employment and personnel matters, administrative proceedings, risk management, and other legal assignments affecting Department operations.
• Assists the General Counsel in providing legal advice and guidance to Department command staff regarding legal compliance, policy interpretation, and other operational legal matters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible legal experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Active membership in the South Carolina Bar.
• Valid Driver's License.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $99,589.71 – $106,560.99, Depending on Qualifications
• Assigned County Vehicle
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Eligible employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Access to the Lexington County Employee Health & Wellness Center
• Deferred Compensation (401(k) and 457) opportunities

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
• Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Positions in this class typically require fingering, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking, and repetitive motions.

Health Insurance

• Basic coverage is provided at a minimal cost to the employee.
• Employees who wish to cover members of their family may do so through payroll deductions.

Dental Insurance

• Basic coverage is provided at a minimal cost to the employee.
• Employees who wish to cover members of their family may do so through payroll deductions.

Vision Insurance

• Basic coverage is provided at a minimal cost to the employee.
• Employees who wish to cover members of their family may do so through payroll deductions.

Life Insurance

• Basic coverage is provided at no cost to the employee, with a benefit amount at 1.5 times the employee's basic annual earnings, up to $50,000.
• Additional coverage on the employee or his or her dependents is available and can be paid for through payroll deduction.

Retirement

• All full time employees of the county participate in the South Carolina Retirement System or the South Carolina Police Officer’s Retirement System.

Deferred Compensation

• Employees are eligible to participate in the South Carolina Public Employees Deferred Compensation Plan, 401K or 457.
• The amount deposited is determined by the employee and participation is optional.
• This is a tax-deferred savings program and is handled automatically by payroll deduction.

Overtime

• Overtime Employees who are eligible for overtime are paid overtime at the rate of 1.5 times his or her regular rate of pay for time worked.
• Overtime will be calculated at any hours worked over 40 hours in one week for non-exempt personnel.

Holiday Pay

• The County of Lexington observes 13 holidays.
• When a holiday falls on a normally scheduled workday, the employee will earn holiday pay.

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

• Annual leave is accrued at the rate of 10 days per year for employees with less than five years of service with the county; 15 days for 5-10 years of service; and 20 days for 10 or more years of service.
• Sick leave is accrued at 12 days per year.

Education Incentive Pay

• Employees receive educational incentive pay for completing degrees in pre-approved courses of study at approved accredited institutions.

Gym Membership

• Gym memberships are available to all employees at a highly discounted rate to the employee, made possible through the efforts of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation.