Attorney V / Deputy General Counsel - 188850

Job Responsibilities

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is seeking an experienced, business-minded attorney to serve as the agency's Deputy General Counsel in the Office of General Counsel. If you are ready to put your legal experience and litigation skills to work in support of our agency and the citizens of South Carolina, then come join the SCDMV.

This position is in the Office of General Counsel / Legal Unit, at SCDMV Headquarters in Blythewood, SC.

Responsibilities of the Deputy General Counsel

• Principal agency attorney in driver's license and vehicle matters
• Represents the department in driver's license litigation, including actions in the Office of Motor Vehicle Hearings, the Administrative Law Court and other state trial and appellate courts as assigned.
• Works closely with various divisions and offices to identify legal problems and guides establishment of operating procedures, especially in regard to driver's license and vehicle issues.
• Prepares memoranda, briefs, and/or proposed orders in the context of court cases and administrative appeals.
• Supervises attorneys who handle contracts, procurement, titles, auto dealers, driver training schools, IFTA, and IRP.
• Researches and prepares legal opinions for use of department employees.
• Responds to legal inquiries from the public, private attorneys, and government agencies, especially in regard to driver's license and vehicle issues.
• Advises employees on policy and operating procedures resulting from the enactment or amendment of legislation, regulations, and court decisions.
• Works with Office of Training and Change Management to create training materials. Conducts training both inside and outside the agency.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• A juris doctorate degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.
• Must have at least ten (10) years' experience as a practicing attorney.

Additional Requirements

• Membership in the South Carolina Bar and licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts of South Carolina.
• Must be knowledgeable of pertinent state and federal laws and regulations, administrative rulings and procedures, and rules of court.
• Good organization skills and ability to work independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; interpret and apply laws and judicial decisions. General knowledge of statutory and regulatory schemes involving motor vehicle-related issues.
• Positions in this class assume duties typically handled by experienced attorneys without regular supervision or guidance from supervisors, including complex and sensitive legal matters. Examples: conducting legal research; preparing legal opinions in a thorough and timely manner; preparing pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents. Will make trial and appellate presentations.
• Must be familiar with the dynamics of the law enforcement, regulatory, and judicial process and have the personality and experience to work effectively with law enforcement, regulatory, and judicial personnel.
• Needs to be sensitive to the Department's role in administration of justice and providing services to citizens.
• Some state-wide travel required.
• Must be able to transport court materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Agency Preferred

• Trial experience and appellate practice preferable.

Additional Comments

What's in it for you?

At the SCDMV you get to be part of an exceptional team and diverse culture that nurtures mutual success for our customers, employees and our communities. We give you the tools to be successful; all you need to do is bring your best ideas, your energy and a desire to develop your skills, experience and career.

The South Carolina DMV offers a robust and competitive benefits program.

• Health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse and children (also available for temporary employees working over 30 hours per week)
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs (optional for Temporary Employees)
• An exceptional Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to the employee or members of their household

So, what are you waiting for? Come be a part of a fast-growing, dynamic agency, and join a team that offers an opportunity for accelerated professional growth!

Additional Comments

The Department of Motor Vehicles is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.