Description:
Position Overview:We are seeking an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney to join our Columbia, South Carolina office, with a strong focus on Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters and appellate practice. This role is ideal for an attorney who thrives in a litigation-driven environment and has meaningful experience handling complex criminal matters beyond the trial stage.
The preferred candidate will work on-site five days per week, collaborating closely with attorneys and staff while managing an active and substantive caseload.
Key Responsibilities:
- Handle Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters, including case evaluation, investigation, drafting petitions, and court appearances
- Manage criminal appeals, including legal research, brief writing, and oral argument preparation
- Review trial records, transcripts, and evidentiary issues to identify constitutional and procedural errors
- Draft motions, memoranda, appellate briefs, and related filings
- Communicate directly with clients regarding case strategy, expectations, and outcomes
- Appear in state courts throughout South Carolina as required
- Collaborate with trial attorneys on post-trial strategy and appellate preservation issues
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3 years of criminal defense experience
- Demonstrated experience with Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) matters strongly required
- Appellate experience strongly preferred, including brief writing and record review
- Active and good standing license to practice law in South Carolina
- Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills
- Strong courtroom presence and client communication skills
- Ability to manage deadlines and a high-volume caseload independently
- Dedicated support staff and established criminal defense infrastructure
- Meaningful, substantive work with real client impact
- A collaborative, team-oriented culture with experienced criminal defense leadership
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
- Opportunity for long-term growth within a well-established, expanding firm
