Appellate Defender - Attorney II Salary $66,400.00 - $119,500.00 Annually Location: Richland County, SC Job Type: FTE - Full-Time Job Number: 2026-OAD-A2-4658 Agency: Commission on Indigent Defense Division Appellate Defense Opening Date: 01/13/2026
Agency Specific Application Procedures: Apply online Class Code: AE20 Position Number: 61054658 Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00) Hiring Range - Min. $70,000.00 Hiring Range - Max. $82,000.00 Opening Date: 02/02/2026
EEO Statement Equal Opportunity Employer Veteran Preference Statement South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Description Benefits Questions Job Responsibilities Represent clients convicted of criminal offenses on direct appeal and in post-conviction relief appeals before the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Minimum and Additional Requirements Minimum Qualifications: A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Member in Good Standing of South Carolina Bar or pending Bar results.
Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of substantive criminal law and criminal procedure in South Carolina. Knowledge of general case, statutory, and common law. Exceptional writing and research skills. Completed Rule 403 Requirements.
Experience as a practicing trial or appellate attorney is desirable but not required.
Additional Comments A writing sample is required. Minimum office hours of 8:30 - 5:00 Monday through Friday must be maintained. The attorney is expected to independently manage his/her caseload to assure high-quality appellate representation is provided. Some overnight travel may be required. May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Benefits for State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including:
Health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
Application Questions
Do you have a Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school? Yes No
Are you a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar? Yes No
Have you completed all SCACR Rule 403 requirements? Yes No
Do you have experience as a practicing trial attorney? Yes No
Do you have experience as a practicing appellate attorney? Yes No
CID - How did you find out about this position? USC Law School Job Posting SCACDL Job Posting SC Bar Job Posting SC Careers Job Posting Word of Mouth Other
CID - If "Other," please specify.
Required Question Employer State of South Carolina Agency Commission on Indigent Defense Address 1330 Lady Street, Suite 401 Columbia, South Carolina, 29201 Phone 803-734-1343
The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.