Jasper County, South Carolina – County Attorney
Jasper County is seeking an experienced and collaborative County Attorney to serve as the chief legal advisor to County Council, the County Administrator, and county departments. This executive leadership role provides legal guidance on a broad range of municipal law matters, including governance, contracts, land use, litigation, employment law, real estate, and regulatory compliance.
The County Attorney represents the County’s legal interests, drafts and reviews ordinances, resolutions, and agreements, oversees litigation, and ensures County operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor who can provide practical legal counsel, support strategic decision-making, and foster productive relationships with elected officials, staff, boards, commissions, and community partners.
This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing counties while serving the public through sound legal guidance and effective municipal leadership.
MAJOR DUTIES
- Provides legal counsel and advice on various issues to the County Council, County Administrator, and county constitutional officers.
- Represents the county in all litigation matters to which the county is a party.
- Conducts legal research and drafts legal opinions for the County Council, County Administrator, and staff.
- Negotiates, drafts, and reviews proposed contracts for the acquisition of consultant services, supplies, and equipment for the county.
- Researches and drafts proposed ordinances and resolutions for adoption by the County Council.
- Represents and advises the Jasper County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Represents the county in the acquisition and disposal of real property.
- Negotiates, drafts, and reviews proposed intergovernmental contracts and agreements.
- Represents the county as local counsel in bond issues.
- Advises county staff regarding public information law issues; provides relevant legal education as warranted.
- Represents and advises the Jasper County Grievance Committee and various boards and agencies.
- Represents the county before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.
- Serves as parliamentarian to the Jasper County Council.
- Monitors pending legislation and advises staff regarding statutory and case law relevant to county operations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
- Knowledge of state, federal, and local laws and regulations pertaining to government operations.
- Knowledge of county ordinances, including zoning laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract, zoning, real estate, and labor laws.
- Knowledge of parliamentary rules and procedures.
- Knowledge of applicable laws regarding government finance and tax issues.
- Knowledge of rules governing civil law procedure.
- Skill in conducting research and preparing opinions and legal documents.
- Skill in developing and interpreting statutes.
- Skill in negotiating.
- Skill in using a computer.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
Compensation and Benefits
Jasper County offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Process
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references to Heather Simmons Jones at heather.simmonsjones@swiftwaterstrategies.com with subject line as “County Attorney-Jasper County”.
Application Deadline – August 21, 2026
About Jasper County, South Carolina
Located in the state’s southern Lowcountry, Jasper County spans 662 square miles along the Georgia border and is known as the “Gateway to the Lowcountry”. Its county seat is Ridgeland, and its largest community is Hardeeville. Thanks to its prime location along Interstate 95 and proximity to major ports, it is among the fastest-growing counties in the US.
