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Associate Immigration Attorney Jobs in Columbia, SC

Associate Immigration Attorney information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$42.6K

$100.1K

$159.6K

How much do associate immigration attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate immigration attorney in Columbia, SC is $100,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $120,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate immigration attorney do?

An Associate Immigration Attorney assists clients with legal matters related to immigration, such as visa applications, green cards, citizenship, deportation defense, and asylum cases. They conduct legal research, draft documents, represent clients in court or before government agencies, and work closely with senior attorneys to develop case strategies. Their role is crucial in guiding individuals and businesses through complex immigration laws and procedures, ensuring compliance and advocating for clients' rights.

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

To thrive as an Associate Immigration Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a valid law license, and a solid understanding of immigration law and procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and document preparation tools is essential. Outstanding written and verbal communication, cultural sensitivity, and attention to detail are critical soft skills for client advocacy and managing complex cases. These skills and qualifications ensure effective representation, compliance with legal requirements, and positive client outcomes in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by associate immigration attorneys in their daily work?

Associate Immigration Attorneys often manage a high volume of cases involving tight deadlines and rapidly changing immigration laws. Balancing multiple clients while ensuring accuracy and compliance can be demanding, especially when dealing with urgent filings or complex legal scenarios. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with senior attorneys, paralegals, and clients from diverse backgrounds, making strong communication and organizational skills essential for success.

What is the difference between Associate Immigration Attorney vs Immigration Paralegal?

AspectAssociate Immigration AttorneyImmigration Paralegal
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar admissionAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal support offices, nonprofit organizations
ResponsibilitiesLegal advice, case strategy, court filings, client representationPreparing documents, research, case organization, client communication support
Industry UsagePrimary legal role in immigration lawSupport role assisting attorneys in immigration cases

In summary, an Associate Immigration Attorney holds a law degree, is licensed to practice law, and provides legal representation and advice. An Immigration Paralegal supports attorneys by preparing documents and conducting research but does not provide legal advice or represent clients in court. Both roles are essential in immigration law but differ significantly in credentials and responsibilities.

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Immigration Attorney job openings in Columbia, SC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,063 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Assistant Labor Counsel (Whistleblower Investigations)

Columbia, SC • On-site

State of South Carolina
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the 11c whistleblower program and supervise whistleblower investigators to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

  • Conduct whistleblower investigations by locating and interviewing witnesses, analyzing information, preparing reports, and making recommendations.

  • Serve as litigation counsel for OSHA and other labor entities in various courts and research legal topics related to OSHA and labor law.


State Of South Carolina rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities Come join our team at the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) where you will experience work-life balance, great benefits, and an exciting career that supports the Agency's mission to make South Carolina a safe place to work and live. Responsibilities You will serve as an Assistant Labor Counsel, providing professional legal work, advice and support for the Division of Labor (SC OSHA, Child Labor/Wages, and Immigration Compliance). You will oversee the 11c whistleblower program, including supervising whistleblower investigators to ensure that job duties are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures.

You may conduct whistleblower investigations by locating and interviewing witnesses, analyzing information, preparing reports, making recommendations regarding disposition, and/or preparing settlement documentation. You will serve as litigation counsel for OSHA and other labor entities in matters before the Administrative Law Court (ALC), State circuit courts, State Court of Appeals, and/or State Supreme Court. You will research routine and complex topics and issues for OSHA and other labor entities, including providing policy, regulatory, and statutory legal guidance.

Minimum and Additional Requirements Minimum Qualifications A juris doctor degree or its equivalent form an accredited law school and experience and five (5) years' experience as a practicing attorney. Member of the SC Bar. Preferred Qualifications Experience in one or more of the following areas: OSHA law, retaliation and/or discrimination laws, labor and employment law, and/or regulatory law.

Considerable knowledge of general cases, statutory and common law, 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 documents.

Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Ability to perform research and to understand aspects of professional practice as they relate to hearings and other judicial and/or quasi-judicial proceedings in-house, at the Administrative Law Court, and other local and state courts. Ability to lead and advise subordinate staff members, as well as establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, law officers, professional and nonprofessional individuals, and the general public.

Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to evaluate evidence and conduct investigations. Other Requirements Position is located in an office environment with long periods of sitting.

Occasional overnight travel and weekend assignments. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Contacts: Federal and state government officials, hearing officers and judges, practicing attorneys, general public, LLR Staff including administrators and compliance personnel.

Additional Comments Benefits Offered The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes: Health, dental, vision, long term disability, and life insurance for employee, spouse, and children 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs


What State Of South Carolina employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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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

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