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Assistant Attorney Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

State of South Carolina

Senior Law Clerk

Columbia, SC · On-site

Before transferring into a permanent Assistant Attorney General position, the applicant must complete Rule 403 requirements. Candidates involved in the State Grand Jury matters will be sworn to SGJ ...

Kosmos

Sr Attorney

Columbia, SC · Remote

$170K - $250K/yr

Growing National Law firm has a Sr Attorney Opening in South Carolina. This is a remote position ... Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and cases * Assist with other duties and special ...

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Assistant Attorney information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$49K

$80K

$128.1K

How much do assistant attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant attorney in Columbia, SC is $79,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $87,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant attorney do?

An Assistant Attorney is a legal professional who works under the supervision of a senior attorney or prosecutor, often within government agencies or law firms. Their primary responsibilities include researching legal issues, preparing legal documents, conducting investigations, and representing the government or their organization in court cases. Assistant Attorneys play a crucial role in case preparation, client interviews, and presenting arguments in court, particularly for criminal and civil matters. They assist in ensuring that justice is served and that legal processes are followed correctly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with legal research platforms like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as case management software, is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and negotiation skills help you stand out in handling cases and interacting with clients and colleagues. These skills ensure effective legal representation, efficient case handling, and positive outcomes for clients and the organization.

What are some common challenges assistant attorneys face when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Assistant Attorneys often handle a high volume of cases at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and maintaining attention to detail. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial for balancing court appearances, legal research, and client communications. Collaborating with senior attorneys and support staff can help distribute workload and ensure thorough case preparation. Regularly updating case files and proactively communicating with team members also helps prevent important details from slipping through the cracks.

What is the difference between Assistant Attorney vs Paralegal?

AspectAssistant AttorneyParalegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, corporate legal departmentsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Employer & Industry UsageLegal industry, government, corporate sectorLegal support roles, law firms, courts
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Attorneys are licensed legal professionals with a Juris Doctor degree and bar admission, often working directly on legal cases. Paralegals support attorneys by conducting research, preparing documents, and managing case files but are not licensed to practice law. While both roles work in legal environments, Assistant Attorneys have more responsibilities and legal authority compared to Paralegals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Attorney jobs in Columbia, SC?

The most popular types of Attorney jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Assistant Attorney jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Assistant Attorney job openings:

Assistant Attorney jobs near you

Assistant Attorney General (Attorney III), Opinions

State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

State Of South Carolina rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 50 rated states

Job description

Job Responsibilities More about Opinions Under limited supervision, performs professional legal work for the State, its subdivisions, and officials. In response to formal written requests from both local and statewide public officials, conducts independent legal research on a wide variety of legal issues in order to prepare an opinion. Receives telephone calls from public officials as well as private citizens concerning various legal issues and assists to the extent possible based on either the attorney's legal research or the prior opinions of the Attorney General's Office.

In response to a formal request or a request sent by email, prepare and draft an opinion in response. Reviews the work of other attorneys and assists them in both researching and drafting their own opinions. Performs other related duties by the Deputy Attorney General, Chief Deputy Attorney General, and/or Attorney General.

Including, but not limited to, special litigation projects as assigned by the Solicitor General or others. This position also includes an excellent benefits package: Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility. Paid parental leave.

Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children. Fifteen days of annual (vacation) leave per year. Fifteen days of sick leave per year.

Thirteen paid holidays. State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs. Minimum and Additional Requirements Juris Doctorate Degree and at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney.

Necessary Requirements: Must be a member and in good standing with the South Carolina Bar. Must satisfy Rule 403 requirements. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina.

Knowledge of general case, statutory, and common law. Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance. Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions.

Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments. Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Ability to plan and direct the activities of a legal staff.

Additional Comments DRUG SCREENING, CREDIT CHECK, DELINQUENT TAX CHECK, SLED BACKGROUND CHECK, AND GRIEVANCE CHECK ARE REQUIRED. THIS OFFICE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. EEOP Utilization Report available upon request.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. If you have a limitation or disability that requires an accommodation during the application process, please let us know by emailing recruitment@scag.gov.

What State Of South Carolina employees say

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About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

Social media

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