General Counsel - 186526

Full Job Description

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is seeking a business-minded, execution driven, General Counsel to serve as the primary attorney for the agency and oversee the Office of General Counsel.

If you are ready to put your legal knowledge and litigation skills to work in support of our agency and the citizens of South Carolina, then come join the SCDMV!

This position is located in the Office of General Counsel, at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle
Headquarters, in Blythewood SC.


Responsibilities of General Counsel include:
• Serve as the primary attorney for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Advise and provide legal counsel to agency Executive Leadership (Executive Director and Board of Directors) on all DMV related matters.
• Manage the Office of General Counsel and supervise agency attorneys and support staff conducting legal research and preparing legal opinions, briefs, pleadings, and arguments for various types of agency litigation to ensure office workload is properly accomplished in an efficient and timely manner.
• Responsible for overseeing litigation undertaken by the agency as well as directing and managing legal activities within the department.
• Responsible for coordinating support and monitoring representation of outside counsel retained for DMV matters. Responsible for conducting complex legal research and preparing documents regarding legislative acts and court decisions
• Participates in reviews of requests received by the agency under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to validate their justification in accordance with the Driver Personal Protection Act (DPPA).
• Manages the tracking of administrative hearings outcomes and processing of any transaction that are necessary as a result of the hearing.
• Performs other duties as required by the SCDMV Executive Director.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements
• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney. Must be a member of the South Carolina Bar, in good standing, and be licensed to practice law in the state of South Carolina.

Additional Requirements
• Must be knowledgeable of pertinent state and federal laws and regulations, administrative rulings, and procedures, and rules of court.
• Must have experience managing a legal office including supervising of attorneys and paralegals and must possess strong organizational management skills to ensure office workload is properly managed.
• Must communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including being able to clearly and logically express legal conclusions and arguments.
• Must attend, as required, workshops, conferences and meetings related to duties or agency related topics.
• Must demonstrate ability to retain SCDMV policies and procedures and apply them to daily duties.
• Overnight travel and hours beyond normal work schedules may be required.
• This position is required to submit an annual Statement of Economic Interests to the State Ethics Commission.

Qualifications

Preferred Experience
• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and at least seven years' experience as a practicing attorney.
• Previous experience with South Carolina Legislature (testimony, legislation)
• Previous courtroom and appellate experience (briefed/argued cases)
• Previous experience with S.C. Tort Claims Act, Freedom of Information Act, federal Driver Privacy Protection Act
• Previous experience working with the S.C. Attorney General's Office
• Previous experience with personnel/employment law
• Familiarity with Title 56 of the S.C. Code of Law and Chapter 90 of S.C. Code of Regulations.

Additional Information

What's in it for you?
At the SCDMV you get to be part of an exceptional team and diverse culture that nurtures mutual success for our customers, employees and our communities. We give you the tools to be successful; all you need to do is bring your best ideas, your energy and a desire to develop your skills, experience and career.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles offers an exceptional benefits package for full time employees (FTE) employees.

• Health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse and children (also available for temporary employees working over 30 hours per week)
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (optional for Temporary Employees)
• An exceptional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to the employee or members of their household

Additional Comments

The Department of Motor Vehicles is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

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.