Paralegal

Salary: $46,206.00 - $78,540.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 20261007
Agency: Department of Consumer Affairs
Division: Advocacy
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE03
Position Number:: 61109356
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN08
Hiring Range - Min.: $46,206.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $48,500.00
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must apply via careers.sc.gov. Failure to provide detailed and complete information will result in your application not being referred.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.


Job Responsibilities
OUR MISSION AND VALUES

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is the state's consumer protection agency. Established in 1974, SCDCA is charged with protecting consumers from inequities in the marketplace through advocacy, mediation, enforcement and education. Our Consumer Advocacy Division represents the interests of South Carolina consumers in matters involving utility rates, as well as property/casualty and worker's compensation insurance. The Division also reviews rules and regulations proposed by state and federal agencies pertaining to ratemaking and provides comments as deemed appropriate. Our attorneys and support staff play an integral role in administering and enforcing the numerous statutes under the agency's purview.
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF YOUR ROLE

SCDCA is seeking an experienced paralegal to provide administrative, technical, and legal support services for the attorneys and staff within the Advocacy Division. We're looking for a dependable, self-starter with excellent organization and communication skills. The paralegal will assist attorneys representing the consumer interest before state and federal regulatory bodies in matters involving utility rates, as well as property and casualty insurance and worker's compensation insurance. The scope of work will include assisting in the management and organization of the Division's caseload, analyzing and summarizing voluminous documents, legal research and writing, and collaborating with SCDCA attorneys, expert consultants, and other state agencies.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Under general supervision, provides administrative, technical, and legal support services for the Advocacy Division.
• Monitors Public Service Commission meetings, filings and dockets for items relevant to the work of the Advocacy Division. Prepares summaries of filings for division attorneys.
• Drafts correspondence and routine pleadings, statements, affidavits, and/or other legal documents, as appropriate. Drafts proposed orders.
• Assists attorneys in preparing, scheduling, reviewing and organizing matters for hearings.
• Conducts legal research, identifying relevant judicial decisions, statutes and other pertinent materials.
• Ensures documents are filed and maintained in an organized filing system.
• Conducts initial reviews and prepares reports, status updates and memorandums for division attorneys regarding filings made with the Department of Insurance and rulemakings proposed by state or federal agencies.
• Ensures a good working relationship with state and federal agencies.
• Performs clerical and other tasks as required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: A high school diploma and relevant experience in providing administrative support for an attorney(s) or a legal office. An associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor' s degree in business management, public administration, law or related field may be substituted for the required work experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be well organized and able to work independently
• Able to maintain effective working relationships
• Able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Able to perform legal research

Preferred Qualifications
A paralegal degree or certificate. Experience with regulatory agencies and/or administrative law courts. Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel. Litigation experience preferred, but not required. A background in energy law, accounting, insurance, or finance is helpful, but not required.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.


Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.


Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.


Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.


Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01


Are you willing to accept a salary between $46,206 and $48,500?

• Yes
• No

02


Have you worked in a law office or other legal practice environment?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program?

• Yes
• No

04


How would you describe your proficiency with Microsoft Excel?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

05


Do you have a background in accounting, insurance, energy law, or finance?

• Yes
• No

06


If you marked "Yes" to Supplemental Question #5, please describe your relevant experience.
Required Question