Attorney At Law

MISSION

It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel serves as a senior attorney representing the Department. The position supervises and evaluates Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, and Records Staff. This position provides training, legal assistance, advice, and guidance on legal and policy matters to agency leadership and employees, and provides assistance for compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. This position oversees the agency's response to FOIA and other records requests, coordinates the legal review of agency policies, manages responses to outside stakeholders (court personnel/sister agencies) with legal questions regarding DJJ, ensures the coordination with outside counsel on litigation matters, oversees the legal review of employee disciplinary actions and other HR matters including grievances and representation of the agency in discrimination complaints, and conducts special projects within the Agency.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Support DJJ employees by providing legal advice, guidance, and assistance on legal and policy questions.

Respond to questions of a legal nature from Judges, Solicitors, Defense Counsel, and stakeholders regarding the juvenile justice system and DJJ.

Conduct training on the juvenile justice system and legal matters for DJJ employees and stakeholders. Oversee Staff Attorneys and ensure accuracy and consistency of responses.

Consult with and provide legal advice to DJJ Senior Managers and Executive Staff regarding agency actions taken pursuant to DJJ's Employee Progressive Discipline Policy, Employee Performance Management System Policy, and Employee Grievance Policy, including representing DJJ before administrative bodies (State HRD) when such actions are grieved/appealed.

Represent DJJ on agency related matters before courts and administrative tribunals, including DEW and SHAC/EEOC, or coordinate with outside counsel hired to do so. Oversee Staff Attorneys and ensure accuracy and consistency of responses.

Coordinate with outside counsel on lawsuits filed against the Department, including document production and witness preparation. Respond to records requests from attorneys related to potential legal claims against the Department.

Coordinate DJJ's process to respond to FOIA requests. Assist General Counsel in providing advice and assistance to Agency leadership and employees in response to federal investigations of Department's compliance with federal laws and constitutional standards, including negotiations of settlement, achievement of durable compliance, and representation in potential enforcement.

Oversee the legal review of department policy and procedures to ensure consistency with federal and state laws and regulations. Oversee the agency's response to FOIA and other records requests.

Assist General Counsel in evaluating potential federal and state legislation, advising management on the potential effects of the proposed legislation on DJJ, and developing proposed statutory language to implement the agency's legislative agenda.

Oversee, supervise, and evaluate the Staff Attorneys, Paralegals, and Records Staff; provide coaching/training to staff, review work product, conduct performance evaluations, monitor and approve time/leave, address performance deficiencies or misconduct/discipline as needed.

Manage, organize, conduct, and direct special assignments and projects as directed. Other related job duties as assigned.

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be a member of the South Carolina Bar.

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and at least 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney. The candidate must also be a member of the South Carolina Bar.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees may have direct and indirect contact with juvenile residents and must be able to converse with diverse staff on a multitude of topics.

Limited travel, including overnight travel, is required. This position performs duties related to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of juveniles within the jurisdiction of DJJ. Applicable training will be provided.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Experience in employment law and civil litigation from a state agency perspective, or considerable experience in juvenile justice law/practice in SC.

A good working relationship with the Family Court Judiciary and with attorneys who practice before the Family Court.

Considerable knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, and general case, statutory, and common laws.

Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance.

Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions, analyze facts, and express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically.

Effective verbal, written, and analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, as well as Adobe Pro.

BENEFITS

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health, dental, and life insurance

15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

15 days of sick leave per year

13 paid holidays

State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs

Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

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