Job Details

JOB SUMMARY

Provides professional legal advice and counsel for the Sheriff's Office in all phases of Dorchester County Sheriff operations and in relation to both civil and criminal litigation. Responsibilities include issuance of warrants, review of arrests, investigations, advise on compliance with state and federal laws and represent the agency in court hearings, if applicable. The work is performed under the direction of the Sheriff, but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with the County Administrator, Solicitor, other court personnel, law enforcement agencies, the general public, and other related legal authorities. This position typically provides prioritization of work duties for maximum efficiency; develops and utilizes best-practices; seeks process improvement through numerous resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides professional legal advice and counsel for the Sheriff in all phases of Dorchester County Sheriff operations and in litigation in relation to Civil, Administrative and Criminal Law, serving as principal legal advisor for the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office.

Acts as general counsel for Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, providing professional legal advice regarding all facets of civil law in relation to both State and Federal statutes, including all labor and employment issues.

Performs all functions of an Attorney, including litigating lawsuits for the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office filed under State or Federal laws, appearing in court, conducting legal research, drafting legal briefs and memoranda of law, and reviewing legal documents.

Stays abreast of all statutes, case law, and regulations that affect the policies the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office to ensure proper enforcement of the laws and to avoid potential liabilities.

Represents the Sheriff's Office before various administrative courts and boards.

Drafts, reviews and provides legal advice concerning contracts.

Acts as an effective professional liaison between the Dorchester Count Sheriff's Office and County's Legal Department, County Administrators, Department Heads, and other private and government attorneys.

Conducts in service training for the Sheriff's Office on various law enforcement topics.

Assist in pretrial preparation for deputies in certain Summary Court cases.

Prosecute select Magistrate Court level cases, as directed.

Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.

Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.

Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work areas.

Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

May be designated to report to work during hazardous weather or emergency conditions

Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor Degree from an A.B.A. accredited law school and

10 years of experience in the practice of law, preferably with experience in local government or with local government issues including litigation or other trial-based experience, and

Must be licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina; and

Must be a member in good standing with the Bar of the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Special Qualifications:

None