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Employer Information
South Carolina Court of Appeals
Kallyn (Kali) Dawson, Deputy Chief Staff Attorney
,
Email: Kdawson@sccourts.org
Recruiting for office(s) in: Columbia, SC
Type of organization: Government
Job Title: Staff Attorney III
The role is responsible for assisting the Court of Appeals’ judges by independently reviewing and researching complex direct appeals, post-conviction relief petitions, and motions including expedited motions and using sound discretion to provide written and oral recommendations to the Court. Duties also include drafting proposed opinions and orders, providing legal analysis, conducting peer review, training staff attorneys, and collaborating with the Court and Clerk’s Office to support the Court’s decision-making process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of The Position
This job bulletin represents general duties for this position and is not intended to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Supervision & Office Management
Direct daily operations of the Staff Attorneys’ Office when Chief/Deputy are absent.
Assign cases, monitor workloads, and ensure deadlines are met.
Provide training, mentoring, and procedural guidance to staff attorneys.
Maintain and update the Staff Attorney Manual to reflect current policy and law.
Case Review & Assignment
Manage expedited appeals, post-conviction relief (PCR) cases, petitions for rehearing, and emergency filings.
Review each case to assess complexity and assign it to the appropriate attorney.
Track case assignments and status in Excel and C-Track; run reports to monitor timeliness.
Coordinate with the Clerk’s Office to secure the necessary case materials.
Legal Analysis & Drafting
Independently review and analyze complex appeals, PCR petitions, and motions.
Conduct legal research using Westlaw, statutes, and case law.
Draft detailed bench memoranda, proposed opinions, and orders for the Court’s review.
Edit and finalize work products for accuracy, clarity, and correct legal citation.
Collaboration & Communication
Communicate case status, recommendations, and legal analysis to the Chief/Deputy Chief and judges.
Respond to questions from the Court, Clerk’s Office, and other stakeholders.
Present oral recommendations and summaries to judges or senior staff as needed.
Work after hours when required to address urgent or emergency matters.
Time period of employment: full time, ongoing
- Deadline to apply: 8 September 2025
- Anticipated start date:
- Response method(s): https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/jobs/5034422/staff-attorney-iii/apply
- Materials requested: Résumé
Hiring criteria
Juris Doctorate Degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school of law and three (3) years of experience in a staff attorney or related attorney position.
Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing.
Must possess excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
Five (5) years of experience as an attorney, including two (2) years of demonstrated experience supervising staff.
Minimum of 3.2 GPA and Journal or Moot Court experience.
Prior experience using Westlaw, the Bluebook System of Citation, and C-Track.