Assistant General Counsel (Attorney III)

Job Purpose

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Assistant General Counsel.

This position is responsible for prosecuting assigned criminal cases in the Lexington County Magistrate Court system while assisting the General Counsel with legal matters affecting Department operations.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to:

• Focus on practicing law without billable hour requirements.
• Handle criminal prosecution and legal matters affecting Department operations.
• Earn a competitive salary and comprehensive County benefits.
• Serve the citizens of Lexington County in a meaningful public service role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages an assigned case load and resolves each case as appropriate through trial, plea, diversion program, remand, or dismissal.
• Reviews case files, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and forensic reports; interviews victims, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel; evaluates legal and factual issues; and coordinates additional investigation or forensic testing as needed.
• Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of assigned cases and determines the appropriate disposition consistent with applicable law and the interests of justice.
• Prepares and prosecutes criminal cases by developing trial strategy; preparing witnesses, exhibits, charging documents, pleadings, motions, briefs, subpoenas, memoranda, discovery, court orders, and other legal documents; conducting legal research; and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, court rules, and victims’ rights requirements.
• Represents the State in criminal proceedings, including jury and non-jury trials, preliminary hearings, plea hearings, appeals to the Circuit Court, and other assigned court proceedings.
• Presents evidence through direct and cross-examination of witnesses; delivers opening statements and closing arguments; negotiates plea agreements; and advocates on behalf of the State, victims, and law enforcement.
• Provides assistance and legal guidance to law enforcement personnel, Magistrates, and prosecutors regarding criminal investigations, charging decisions, legal procedures, and related matters.
• Assists with the disposition and management of evidence in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Supplemental Functions:
• Assists the General Counsel with legal research, legal memoranda, policy review, contract review, employment and personnel matters, administrative proceedings, risk management, and other legal assignments affecting Department operations.
• Assists the General Counsel in providing legal advice and guidance to Department command staff regarding legal compliance, policy interpretation, and other operational legal matters.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Specifications and Qualifications

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $99,589.71 – $106,560.99, Depending on Qualifications
• Assigned County Vehicle
• Eligible employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• Access to the Lexington County Employee Health & Wellness Center
• Deferred Compensation (401(k) and 457) opportunities
• Additional benefit information is available upon request.

Knowledge of:

• Relevant statutes, case law, criminal procedure, and rules of evidence.
• Court systems and law enforcement procedures.
• Advanced English.
• Computer and relevant software.
• Current principles and practices of criminal, juvenile, civil, employment, and governmental law.
• Courtroom/judicial procedures and processes; methods and techniques of legal research.
• Established precedents, case law, and sources of legal reference.
• Functions and authorities of criminal justice organizations.
• Modern office practices and equipment, including the use of computers for word processing and records management.
• Proper English usage, vocabulary, punctuation, and spelling.
• Basic mathematics.

Skills:

• Articulating a point of law under pressure in court proceedings.
• Organizing, interpreting, and applying legal principles and knowledge to complex legal issues.
• Researching legal issues, complaints, pleadings, contracts, memoranda, reports, and legal correspondence.
• Applying responsible attention to detail while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Reacting calmly and effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Legal research.
• Negotiating case outcomes.
• Verbal persuasion.
• Public speaking.
• Writing legal and other documents.
• Explaining legal procedures and legal concepts.

Education/Experience:
• Juris Doctorate, with five (5) to seven (7) years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Licensing and Certifications:
• Must possess and maintain membership in the South Carolina State Bar Association.
• Valid Driver’s License.

If you are an experienced attorney seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity to serve with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, we encourage you to apply.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Positions in this class typically require fingering, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking, and repetitive motions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.