Staff Attorney

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission Office of General Counsel seeks a motivated, knowledgeable attorney with 1-3 years of experience to provide legal advice and counsel to the Commissioners by drafting Single Commissioner opinions and order instructions, appellate panel opinions, and legislation. The Staff Attorney position also manages the appellate order triage process and assists with legal education and outreach programs. Under limited supervision, the Staff Attorney reports to the Commission’s General Counsel.

This role requires strong legal knowledge, excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to interpret and apply laws and judicial decisions using sound legal judgment, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. The attorney will frequently interact with Commissioners, attorneys, and other stakeholders.

Job duties include:

• Perform legal research to edit and draft appellate orders for the Workers' Compensation Commissioners. Respond to Commissioners' requests for edits and additional legal guidance.
• As assigned by General Counsel, prepare, draft, or revise Single Commissioner decisions and orders for the Commissioners and Legal Department.
• Represent the Commission in pending litigation under the supervision of General Counsel.
• Provide legal guidance and advise the Commissioners on areas of South Carolina Law such as the Workers' Compensation Act, Rules of Civil Procedure, Administrative Procedures Act, FOIA, Rules of Evidence, Code of Judicial Conduct, and the Ethics Act.
• Provide educational outreach services to stakeholders through the preparation and presentation of course materials and coordination of claims management and workers' compensation seminars. Monitor relevant higher court decisions and pending relevant legislation impacting the Commission.
• Research, draft, and prepare administrative regulations for filing and approval by the Commission and the General Assembly.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

• A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.
• South Carolina Bar Membership in good standing with an active South Carolina Law License.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of South Carolina law.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to apply laws and judicial decisions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills.

Preferred Qualifications: Any combination of one or more of the following certifications, professional licenses, and experience is preferred but is not required.

• Experience with/or prior courses taken relating to Workers’ Compensation
• Law Review/ Law Journal experience
• Prior judicial clerkship experience
• Completion of Rule 403 requirements.

The Workers' Compensation Commission ensures equal employment opportunities for all applicants. It does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

The Workers' Compensation Commission offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Children.
• 15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs