The DES Office of General Counsel ("OGC") seeks an experienced attorney to join its Administration Team.
OGC Administration attorneys are DES's primary legal advisors on the essential administrative services that keep the agency going and make it possible for DES to accomplish its mission - business management, finance, human resources, information technology and security, compliance, and communications.
As legal advisor to DES's administration functions, you will:
Guide DES through the labyrinth of federal and state laws governing public contracts and grants.
Advise staff on complex procurements and represent the agency in procurement disputes.
Assist in development of procedures and systems to improve agency contract efficiency and compliance.
Help guide DES’s cyber security measures.
You will also:
Work with the Human Resources office on employment issues
Advise DES’s Information Technology office.
Coordinate DES responses to bankruptcy filings.
Advise the Freedom of Information Office and Compliance Office on privacy and confidentiality.
You will master the laws and policies governing how DES operates and grasp their everyday consequences. You will face novel and challenging issues every day. We will give you the CLE and other training you need to develop into a trusted advisor to the agency's top executive leadership and staff at every level, and you will pass on that training to others.
State Minimum Requirements
A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.
To apply for this position, you must have:
License in good standing to practice law in South Carolina
Six years of experience as a practicing attorney
Trial experiences required by Rule 403 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:
Ten (10) years of experience as a practicing attorney
Knowledge of and experience with contracts, state procurement, and federal grants
Knowledge of civil rights, environmental, and business law
Understanding of employment law from the public sector perspective
Knowledge of state employee ethics laws and rules
Understanding of the SC Freedom of Information Act and Administrative Procedures Act
Basic knowledge of bankruptcy law and procedure
Understanding of laws and principles governing privacy and confidentiality
Strong writing skills. You must submit a writing sample with your application - please do not submit any confidential information and redact as necessary
Knowledge of and experience in litigation and civil procedure
Knowledge of basic office software including Microsoft Office/Word, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Pro
A level head, good judgment, and common sense.
Additional Comments:
Please apply via the online system only. Do not submit applications via mail or e-mail.
A writing sample is required. The sample need not be lengthy; please do not submit confidential information in your writing sample.
A resume may be attached but is not required. A resume will not substitute for a complete state application and will not be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. We will consider the quality of the application presented including resume, if attached (completeness and accuracy as well as writing quality).
We will require you to submit a certificate of good standing from the South Carolina Supreme Court and a certificate of completion of Rule 403 trial experience and undergo a criminal records check before we make you an offer of employment.
DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
SC DES is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC DES does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, & Children • 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year • 15 days sick leave per year • 13 paid holidays • Paid parental leave • State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs • REMOTE WORK: The option to work partially remote may be available after six (6) months of employment.