Environmental Attorney - (Attorney - III)

Job Description

Careers at SCDES: Where Passion Meets Preservation

Do you love South Carolina and protecting the environment?
Come join our team at SCDES, put your passion to work with us!
We are dedicated to protecting the state of South Carolina and we would love to have you as a member of our team!
Science | Service | Sustainability

Help protect and shape South Carolina's coastline.

The Office of General Council is seeking an Attorney III to support the Bureau of Coastal Management, providing legal guidance on permitting, coastal development, conservation, and regulatory compliance. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early-career attorney with experience or with a passion for environmental and coastal resources.

Reporting to the Chief Counsel for Bureau of Coastal Management you will provide legal services to Coastal Management staff who oversee coastal permitting, shoreline protection, construction impacts, and resource management. This position involves meaningful legal work from the very beginning-policy research litigation, administrative hearings, legal review, and collaboration with technical experts.

Responsibilities: Legal Advice & Counsel
Provide legal advice related to coastal permitting, coastal zone management, and associated state/federal requirements.
Review statutes, regulations, policies, and agency actions for legal soundness.

Representation
Represent the agency in meetings with the public, regulated community, partners, counsel, and the media.
Assist in responding to inquiries involving development, shoreline impacts, and environmental decisions.

Litigation
Manage coastal-related litigation and appeals before state/federal courts and administrative tribunals.
Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, and litigation documents; conduct/answer discovery; prepare witnesses; deliver oral arguments.

Document Preparation & Review
Draft or review legal documents supporting coastal permits and compliance actions.
Ensure documents are clear, accurate, and consistent with applicable laws.

Legal Research
Conduct complex legal research related to coastal zone management, property rights, environmental statutes, and administrative law.

Support Staff Oversight
Review work of assigned support staff for accuracy and completeness.
Maintain communication on the status of litigation and non-litigation matters.

Location: Charleston or Columbia, SC (Candidate's Choice)

A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and at least one (1) of experience as a practicing attorney.
An active member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
Completion of the trial experiences required by Rule 403 of the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules.
Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application are encouraged to upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. If selected for an interview, a copy of the college transcript and a writing sample will be required via email or at the time of the interview. Please note that some departments within 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: Thorough knowledge of the laws of South Carolina, with the ability to interpret and apply federal and state laws, regulations and judicial decisions
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts in straightforward, accessible language.
Strong organizational abilities and a proven capacity to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and engage professionally with internal staff, courts, opposing counsel, government agencies, and the public.
Advanced legal research and writing capabilities, including the ability to draft clear, well-reasoned legal opinions and memoranda.
A demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethical standards, and public service.
Must be able to perform routine legal functions independently.
Valid Driver's license - occasional in state travel will be required
Three (3) or more years of experience as a practicing attorney.
A minimum of one (1) year of litigation experience
Interest or coursework in environmental, land use, coastal, or administrative law.
SCDES 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. <br style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-align: start; text-ind