The South Carolina Judicial Branch is seeking a legal professional to join their team as Senior Paralegal in the Office of Commission Counsel.
Under general supervision of the Receiver for the Commission on Lawyer Conduct, responsible for performing semi-autonomously specifically delegated substantive legal work to assist the Receiver in carrying out all duties in Rule 31 of the Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement (RLDE), Rule 413, SCACR, in cases where a lawyer is transferred to incapacity inactive status, disappears or dies, or is suspended or disbarred, but no partner, personal representative, or other responsible party capable of conducting the lawyer’s affairs is known to exist.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION
Identify and take custody of all law office client files; Transport or arrange for transport of all client files to the Receiver’s Office storage locations to include coordination with Fiscal Services and outside movers; Schedule and oversee the shredding of client files as directed by Supreme Court Order and Rule 31 of the RLDE, Rule 413, SCACR; Organize client files; Thoroughly review all active client files and identify issues that require immediate action by Receiver for protection of clients; Identify issues with client files such as missing funds or unpaid liens, prepare reports for Receiver after problems are identified, and follow up with lien holders and clients under direction of Receiver; Draft correspondence, notices, motions, or pleadings in consultation with Receiver when immediate action is necessary for protection of clients and perform necessary follow-up; Prepare and maintain an accurate and complete inventory of client files.
Draft correspondence to clients and attorneys about the Receivership, retrieval of client files, the disciplinary complaint process, and/or how to seek a refund of legal fees; Publish notice to clients in local newspapers about the Receivership; Conduct statewide case management searches and internet searches to identify active cases and locate clients for whom contact information is not immediately available; Review ODC case records for relevant information about clients and information Receiver may need to perform duties; Deliver original and/or electronic client files to clients by mail or in person; Draft correspondence to judges and clerks of court regarding the receivership, case rosters, and status of cases; Draft correspondence to post office about mail forwarding; Draft correspondence to errors and omissions carrier about closing of the law practice.
Review and monitor incoming correspondence from clients, attorneys, and courts and draft reply correspondence and conduct follow-up as needed; Maintain a calendar of relevant events related to each case, and perform a variety of related administrative duties with scheduling, monitoring, and case related deadlines.
Contact the South Carolina Bar and banking institutions for information regarding lawyer's law office bank accounts; Draft correspondence to all known banking institutions giving notice of the Receivership; Monitor monthly bank statement activity to identify issues with accounts and prepare relevant reports; Prepare spreadsheets tracking deposits and disbursements of law office account funds; Monitor deposits and disbursements from Receiver Composite Bank Account; Prepare client ledgers and monthly reconciliations for Receiver Composite Bank Account for approval by Commission Counsel.
At conclusion of Receivership, draft application to be relieved in consultation with Receiver; File application to be relieved with the Supreme Court and provide notice of the application to appropriate parties; Follow directives of the Supreme Court Order when the Receivership is terminated.
Perform all other duties as assigned by Receiver or Commission Counsel.
Associate’s Degree in paralegal studies and at least four (4) years of paralegal experience performing delegated, substantive legal work support.
Experience in variety of legal disciplines and areas of the law.
Must possess excellent computer skills to include proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Adobe Pro.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the S.C. Unified Judicial System and S.C. Appellate Court Rules.
Knowledge of South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement. Knowledge of motions, discovery, litigation, documentation, court and administrative proceedings rules, procedures, and practices.
Ability to travel statewide on short notice with some overnight travel required.
Must have transportation and ability to pay for expenses in advance of reimbursement.
Must be a self-starter with the ability to prioritize work, work well under pressure, and work independently and effectively in executing job responsibilities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written as well as demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, judges, court personnel, clients, and the general public.
Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and effective manner.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and effective manner.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.
Associate’s Degree in paralegal studies and at least five (5) years of paralegal experience performing delegated, substantive legal work support.
Experience with trust accounting, general law office accounting, and with billing and case management software such as QuickBooks, Time Matters, and Case Map. Notary Public Certification.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:
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Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;
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State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);
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15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;
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15 days paid sick leave per year;
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Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;
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13 paid state holidays;
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Paid Parental Leave; and
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Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
