Forensic Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $79,600.00 - $95,000.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 189139
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Central Office
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE30
Position Number:: 60004598
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN12
Hiring Range - Min.: $79,600.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $95,000.00
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education using verifiable dates.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Job Responsibilities
Stop counting minutes and start making an impact. Join the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for a legal career with zero billable hours, a true 40-hour week, and work that serves the public good. Trade the grind for a mission.
This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Central Office, 400 Otarre Parkway Cayce, SC 29033.
As the Attorney III, under the general supervision of the BHDD General Counsel, acting with substantial independence, attorney provides professional legal services and representation for agency in the primary areas of employment actions, mental health law and processes, and related advice and counsel to agency.
Responsibilities for the Attorney III:

• Advise agency Human Resources on employment actions. Draft and reply to employee appeals to the Division of State Human Resources (DSHR). Represent agency in state and human resources mediations, arbitrations, and hearings. Interpret and respond to inquiries about agency directives, policies and procedures related to employment. Interact with and assist outside counsel retained on behalf of agency in employment cases.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to agency regarding incapacity, conservatorship, and/or guardianship. Assist in petitioning the Probate Court in limited cases where a guardian is needed as determined by agency for patients not competent to make decisions regarding treatment with no known family member or other legal representatives with such authority.
• Develop, review, approve, and monitor departmental contracts. Provide legal advice to agency employees, management, and officials in matters primarily related to contracts. Provide legal assistance in the development and the ongoing operation of an effective monitoring system for agency clinical contracts including providing legal advice and training to staff assigned to monitor such contracts as well as guiding enforcement actions when required.
• Assist the Office of General Counsel (OGC) Forensic Attorney and General Counsel in forensics matters and provide backup for Forensic NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity) discharge hearings. Assist OGC Forensic Attorney and provide backup for the Forensic Review Board and/or the Administrative Forensic Review Board.
• Respond to questions of a legal nature from agency staff, public officials, courts, attorneys, public agencies, medical providers, and the general public about agency operations, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and applicable laws and policies.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney
• A member and in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and completion of the 403 requirements
• At least five (5) years of experience as an attorney

Additional Requirements

• Ability to attend meetings or conduct trainings outside of usual business hours.
• Ability to travel within South Carolina.
• Occasionally in-state travel to hearings, usually during normal working hours (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments
Post hire, employees must have:

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina and knowledge of general case, statutory and common law.
• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance
• Good verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on attention to written details.
• 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.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental 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.
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click 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
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
Why Cayce, South Carolina?
Cayce, South Carolina offers a perfect mix of art, history, and outdoor fun-all in one convenient location. Experience the best of the Midlands in Cayce-where creativity, history, and adventure come together.
Explore the creative energy of the Cayce River Arts District, or step back in time at the Cayce Historical Museum and 12,000 Year History Park.
Enjoy family-friendly attractions nearby like Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden and EdVenture Children's Museum, or relax along the scenic Cayce Riverwalk.
Just minutes away, discover local culture at the Columbia Museum of Art, shop fresh goods at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, or catch a game at Williams-Brice Stadium.
From outdoor adventures to local favorites, Cayce is your starting point for unforgettable experiences in the heart of South Carolina.
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.
01
Have you ever been employed by the SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities - Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)?

• Yes
• No

02
If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application.PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below.

• Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement.

03
Do you have a juris doctor degree or equivalent from an accredited law school with experience as a practicing attorney?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar?

• Yes
• No

05
Have you completed the Rule 403 requirements of the South Carolina Judiciary?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have at least five (5) years of experience as an attorney?

• Yes
• No

07
Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").
Required Question