General Counsel

Overview

Serves as the General Counsel for the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) and is a key member of BHDD’s executive leadership team. This position directs the legal activities of the Office of the General Counsel and manages and is responsible for all other attorneys and legal support staff in the agency. This position represents BHDD in legal matters, including representing the agency in court or other legal proceedings.

• Manages Office of General Counsel staff. Prepares performance planning and evaluation documents and related personnel paperwork. Coaches, counsels and trains employees. Establishes and monitors work processes and outcomes.
• Provides legal guidance to BHDD leadership and other Department staff as needed.
• Reviews BHDD policies and procedures and provides constructive legal feedback.
• Reviews proposed internal BHDD actions, including employment actions, and provides recommendations.
• Supervises agency attorneys conducting legal research and preparing internal agency recommendations, briefs, pleadings, and arguments. Monitors services provided by outside counsel.
• Monitors expenditures for internal and external legal services.
• Conducts complex legal research and analysis.
• Reviews Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and provides guidance concerning appropriate responses.
• Assist in the drafting of proposed legislative bills, resolutions, amendments, provisos and regulations. Advises BHDD leadership on the implications of proposed legislation, policies, and administrative decisions on the Department.

• Juris Doctor or its equivalent from an accredited law school and ten (10) years of experience as a practicing attorney, including experience managing/supervising attorneys.
• Member of the South Carolina Bar in good standing and licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts in South Carolina.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities 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.

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.  for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (ORP)