Closing Date: 9th February, 2025
Description:
Job Responsibilities:Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career? The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission is seeking a hardworking and dependable candidate just like you to apply! This position will offer great benefits with the state, including 15 days of annual and sick leave per year or more depending on applicable state service.
The General Counsel Attorney IV serves as General Counsel and head of the Legal Department of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission. Performs legal services and provides professional advice to state agencies and internal staff on legal matters pertaining to the South Carolina Human Affairs Law; Title VII of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended; the South Carolina Fair Housing Act; the Equal Enjoyment and Privileges to Public Accommodations Act of 1990; the Pregnancy Accommodations Act; and the Lactation Support Act.
Responsibilities of the General Counsel Attorney IV:
- Provides legal guidance in all matters of the agency and its staff with particular emphasis on laws administered by the agency. Conducts legal research, determines legal course of action based upon court precedents.
- Reviews all complaints alleging discrimination in employment and housing, and ensures findings conform with state and federal evidentiary standards.
- Establishes internal hearing procedures to fulfill statutory administrative hearing requirements of the agency; drafts legislation for presentation to members of the General Assembly to clarify ambiguous language found in state statutes; and interacts with legislators to explain need for updates and changes to current laws.
- Review's policies, procedures, contracts, etc. for proper legal form and consistency. Advises Commissioner/CAO on policy questions and operating situations having legal implications internally. Provides in-house legal training as required and supervises Legal Department staff. Serves as member of the Leadership Team.
- Represents the Commission before courts, administrative and governmental entities, media, and in public meetings as required.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum and Additional Requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
A juris doctor degree from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney in Title VII and Fair Housing Law.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.
Additional Requirements:
- Knowledge of the laws and regulations of South Carolina related to employment and housing discrimination.
- Ability to communicate effectively and apply laws and judicial decisions appropriately.
- Membership in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
