Attorney V

About the role

The South Carolina Election Commission is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as General Counsel and principal legal advisor to the Executive Director, Commission, and agency leadership. This senior-level position provides legal leadership on complex election, litigation, employment, administrative, regulatory, and operational matters. The General Counsel directly supervises the Attorney IV and Senior Paralegal and is responsible for providing clear, sound, and timely legal counsel to support the Commission’s work across South Carolina.

Responsibilities

• Serves as General Counsel and principal legal advisor to the Executive Director, Commission, and agency leadership.
• Provides legal advice on South Carolina and federal election laws, regulations, court decisions, proposed legislation, and other matters affecting elections and the administration of the agency.
• Advises leadership on complex and sensitive matters involving election operations, personnel and employment, disciplinary actions, grievances, accommodations, contracts, procurement, ethics, FOIA, confidentiality, privacy, records, and agency policy.
• Identifies legal risks and provides clear recommendations and practical options for addressing those risks.
• Directly supervises the Attorney IV and Senior Paralegal, assigning and reviewing work, establishing priorities, providing professional guidance, and managing performance.
• Directs and coordinates litigation, election protests and appeals, administrative proceedings, subpoenas, claims, employee-related legal actions, and other contested matters.
• Represents the Commission as appropriate and coordinates with the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and outside counsel.
• Conducts and directs complex legal research and prepares legal opinions, memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Reviews proposed legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, agreements, and significant agency actions for legal sufficiency and compliance.
• Advises the Commission during meetings and proceedings and provides counsel on sensitive or high-impact matters.
• Assists in developing and implementing agency policies and procedures.
• Keeps agency leadership informed of significant legal developments and matters that may affect the Commission.
• Provides leadership and direction for the Commission’s legal function.
• Performs other legal and managerial duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements

• Significant experience practicing law.
• Strong knowledge of South Carolina law and the ability to quickly analyze and apply statutes, regulations, and judicial decisions.
• Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
• The ability to explain complicated legal issues clearly to both attorneys and non-attorneys.
• Experience handling complex litigation, administrative matters, or other contested legal proceedings.
• Experience advising government agencies, public entities, boards, commissions, or other organizations on complex legal matters.
• Experience supervising attorneys or other legal professionals.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines, particularly during periods of heightened activity.
• The judgment and professionalism necessary to handle confidential, sensitive, and high-profile matters.
• The ability to work independently while also being a strong partner to agency leadership and staff.
• Experience with election law is highly desirable.
• Experience with governmental, administrative, employment, regulatory, or public-sector law is also strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Experience as a practicing attorney.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must be a member of the South Carolina Bar.
• Must be admitted to the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the theories, practices, and principles of effective management.
• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina.
• Knowledge of election law and governmental operations.
• Knowledge of agency policies, standards, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable federal laws, regulations, and judicial decisions.
• Ability to supervise and motivate employees.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and judicial decisions.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent legal judgment.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple complex matters.
• Ability to conduct complex legal research and analysis.
• Ability to express legal conclusions and arguments clearly and logically.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Commission members, agency leadership, employees, attorneys, government officials, and outside counsel.

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.
• Retirement benefit choices:
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)