Senior Paralegal

Full Job Description

Under general supervision the senior paralegal is responsible for performing semi-autonomously specifically delegated substantive legal work to assist the Office of Disciplinary Counsel attorneys to investigate and prosecute lawyer and judicial misconduct cases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Position

Assist attorneys responsible for evaluating and resolving judicial complaints filed with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Assist in obtaining documents, transcripts, or other exhibits as necessary to conduct relevant evaluation and investigation of complaints. Review and summarize as needed complaints and responses in judicial matters pending in the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Prepare draft notices of investigation after consultation with attorneys responsible for judicial matters. Review initial responses to notices for completeness. Prepare summaries of testimony when requested.

Review and summarize monthly dismissals by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in judicial matters for publication on Judicial Branch website consistent with summaries of judicial dismissals as provided by Disciplinary Counsel or attorneys responsible for resolving judicial complaints. Summaries will be reviewed by attorneys responsible for judicial matters and Disciplinary Counsel prior to submission.

Maintain a calendar of relevant events related to a case, including document production, case filings, interviews on the record, pretrial conferences, and hearings. Perform a variety of related administrative duties with scheduling, monitoring case-related deadlines and monitoring hearing dates.

Conduct legal research using statutes, court rules, and Supreme Court or Administrative Orders. Research prior directives issued by SCJB via memorandums or other correspondence. Use online search engines to obtain necessary information to complete routine daily tasks. Proficiency and understanding of South Carolina Canons of Judicial Conduct and the South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, the Lawyer's Oath.

Maintain and update Time Matters entries for matters and Time Matters templates used by Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Assist with annual data reporting. Update and maintain database of precedent with respect to lawyer and judicial misconduct and the imposed sanctions (whether as a result of formal charges or by agreement). Work closely with Office of Disciplinary Counsel attorneys on special programs or events including the Legal Education and Practice Program.

Organize case files, exhibits, documents, evidence, briefs, and appendices. Draft affidavits, routine correspondence, and proof briefs and other filings for typographical errors and completeness. Prepare witness exhibits, assist attorneys with cases, including preparing cases for hearings before the Commission on Lawyer/Judicial Conduct, the Committee on Character and Fitness, and the Supreme Court, and interacting with witnesses. In document intensive cases, manage database of documents and confirm completeness and accuracy; assist with inputting and managing case documents using CaseMap.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associate's degree and four (4) years of experience performing delegated, substantive legal work.
Must possess excellent computer skills to include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and AdobePro.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field and five (5) years of experience in a law firm or other legal environment performing delegated, substantive legal work.
Experience with case file management software such as Time Matters and Case Map.
Paralegal Certificate is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Knowledge of the S.C. Unified Judicial System and S.C. Appellate Court Rules.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written.
Knowledge of motions, discovery, litigation, documentation, court and administrative proceedings rules, procedures, and practices.
Ability to perform legal research in accordance with preliminary instructions as to methods or approach, source material available, and policy and precedent of the office. Demonstrated ability to work well with others.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Must be a self-starter with the ability to prioritize and work well under pressure.
Ability to work independently and effectively in executing job responsibilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to communicate effectively with attorneys, judges, and court personnel.
Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and effective manner.

Additional Information

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.
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.