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Are you an attorney with a desire to provide meaningful contributions to communities across South Carolina? Are you looking to practice in the areas of civil rights litigation, employment law, and/or administrative law? Would you like to be part of the agency’s mission to prevent and eliminate discrimination?

The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission is seeking staff counsel to serve the Commission’s Fair Housing and Equal Employment Opportunity compliance programs, with a primary focus on matters related to the SC Fair Housing Law and federal Fair Housing Act. Staff counsel at the Commission assists investigators and division directors in achieving complete investigations and proper written outcomes of formal charges of employment and housing discrimination. When there has been a finding of cause to believe that discrimination has occurred, staff counsel litigates cases on behalf of the Commission. Working with Commission personnel, you will make a difference in the lives of South Carolinians.

Job Responsibilities

Under general supervision, the Attorney II reviews and analyzes complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, advises agency personnel regarding potential outcomes, and completes other duties as assigned by General Counsel. The Attorney II litigates agency matters before an administrative panel or state circuit court when suitable under applicable state law. The Attorney II may serve as advice counsel in administrative proceedings. Matters subject to attorney review are brought pursuant to the SC Human Affairs Law and SC Fair Housing Act and are directly related to Title VII employment and Title VIII Fair Housing protections.

The Attorney II must be able to work in a fast-paced office environment and should demonstrate a strong, consistent, and dependable work ethic. This position requires independence, discretion, and compliance with the SC Rules of Professional Conduct.

The job duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Represents the Commission before state courts, government entities, and community groups as required;

• Conducts legal research;

• Reviews complaints alleging discrimination and makes recommendations as to form and content;

• Reviews agency investigations for accuracy and makes recommendation to the validity of the complaint;

• Advises Commission personnel on legal concerns of the agency and its staff with particular emphasis on laws administered by the agency;

• Advises the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of Compliance Programs, Division Directors, and the Governing Board on policy questions and operating situations having legal implication;

• Provides in-house legal training as required; and

• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

A Juris Doctorate degree or its equivalent from an ABA accredited law school and at least three years’ experience as a practicing attorney. Membership in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.

Additional Requirements

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina;

• Ability to interpret and apply laws and judicial decisions;

• Ability to represent the agency in civil litigation and administrative proceedings;

• Ability to communicate effectively and impart complex information to people with diverse professional backgrounds;

• Ability to analyze legal issues, multitask and prioritize;

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and writing skills; and

• Experience, education, or demonstrated skill in providing public information.

Preferred Qualifications

Civil litigation experience preferred, as well as knowledge of employment and housing discrimination laws.

Additional Comments

Employment as an FTE at the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission qualifies you for the U.S. Department of Education‘s Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Additionally, South Carolina offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that include:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children;

• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (Temporary positions have option to enroll);

• 15 days paid annual (vacation) leave per year;

• 15 days paid sick leave per year;

• Option to designate 10 days of earned paid sick leave per year as family sick leave;

• 13 paid state holidays;

• Six weeks or two weeks of Paid Parental Leave; and

• Workers’ Compensation Benefits.

The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions). The Commission prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions).

Supplemental Questionnaire – additional question to include:

Please describe prior experience with civil litigation or administrative proceedings which make you well-suited for this role.

Lawrence Smalls / Lawrence Smalls

Administrative Manager

South Carolina Human Affairs Commission

1026 Sumter Street, Suite 101

Columbia, SC 29201

lsmalls@schac.sc.gov

T. 803-737- 0753

F. 803-253-4191

Our mission is to eliminate and prevent unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation.