Criminal Defense Attorney Visa Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina
Criminal defense attorney visa sponsorship jobs in South Carolina are concentrated in Columbia, Greenville, and Charleston, where public defender offices, large regional law firms, and criminal justice nonprofits handle high caseloads. Employers including the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense and established private firms regularly seek qualified attorneys licensed or eligible for licensure under South Carolina Bar requirements.
Find Criminal Defense Attorney JobsOverview
Showing 3 of 7+ Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in South Carolina with Visa Sponsorship






See all Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in South Carolina with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in South Carolina with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All Jobs
Posting Number RTF00209PO26
USC Market Title Program Manager
Business Title (Internal Title) Senior Resource Attorney - Child Welfare
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division School of Law
Department LAW Children's Law Center
Anticipated Hiring Range $90,000 to $100,000 commensurate with experience
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
* Standard working schedule: 8:30am – 5:00pm
* Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.
Type of Staff Position Staff Research Grant (SRGP)
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement Yes
State Insurance Programs Yes
Annual Leave Yes
Sick Leave Yes
Advertised Job Summary
The Children’s Law Center seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Senior Resource Attorney, providing statewide leadership in child welfare legal education and professional development. This position is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about improving child welfare practice and is looking to expand their impact beyond individual cases. The Senior Resource Attorney develops and leads high-quality training programs for Department of Social Services attorneys, paralegals, and child welfare professionals, including the Children’s Law Center’s signature court skills training. The position also manages key statewide initiatives, including the South Carolina Citizen Review Panels, and collaborates with judges, attorneys, agency leaders, and other partners to strengthen child welfare practice across South Carolina. This position offers the opportunity to improve child welfare practice statewide through training, systems collaboration, and professional development, allowing the selected attorney to extend their impact beyond individual cases. The Senior Resource Attorney helps strengthen the child welfare workforce and advance better outcomes for children and families across South Carolina.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
* Requires law degree and minimum of five years of experience as a practicing attorney in proceedings related to child abuse and neglect.
Preferred Qualifications
* Membership in the South Carolina Bar and experience representing the child protection agency.
* Experience in developing curricula and conducting training programs, including the use of technology in training.
* Prefer at least one year of managerial experience.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* Thorough knowledge of general and South Carolina statutory and case law relating to child abuse and neglect.
* Thorough knowledge of family court rules and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply the law.
* Considerable knowledge of the dynamics and effects of child abuse and neglect.
* Excellent organizational and communication skills, including public speaking.
* Ability to explain legal concepts and procedures to non-lawyers.
* Ability to handle numerous details and concurrent tasks with a high degree of proficiency.
* Ability to exercise discretion in a responsible manner.
Job Duty
Develops, conducts, and manages initial court skills training for new child welfare professionals. Coordinates mock hearings, including preparation of staff and external trainers for their roles. Updates training curriculum and materials as needed. Manages operation of training program.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 45%
Job Duty
Oversees implementation of the SC Citizen Review Panels contract and the DSS child welfare training contract. Assists with contract management, ensures deliverables are met and performance reports submitted, maintains communication with DSS and partners, and develops scopes of work for future contracts as needed.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 20%
Job Duty
Oversees coordination of continuing legal education programs for DSS attorneys and paralegals. Improves, expands, or develops new training programs as needed or requested.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15%
Job Duty
Supervises employees by applying appropriate management principles according to university policy and procedures, completing EPMS timely and accurately, and monitoring employee progress towards goal attainment. Communicates expectations and provides feedback to assist employee with performance improvement, professional development, and skills/competency development.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 15%
Job Duty
Other duties as assigned related to the child welfare training contract and membership in the CLC’s leadership team.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 5%
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing. No
Number of Vacancies 1
Job Open Date 09/10/2026
Job Close Date 12/09/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by December 9, 2026.
This posting is a re-advertisement. Applications previously submitted are all being considered. Previous applicants do not need to reapply.
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
Criminal Defense Attorney Job Roles in South Carolina
See all Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in South Carolina
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Criminal Defense Attorney Jobs in South CarolinaCriminal Defense Attorney Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which visa types realistically fit criminal defense attorney roles in South Carolina?
Criminal defense attorneys in South Carolina can pursue H-1B visa sponsorship, as the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a law degree. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under the TN visa as a Lawyer under the USMCA profession list. J-1 visa exchange visitor programs may also apply for attorneys working in research or clinical legal education settings. F-1 students nearing graduation may use OPT to gain temporary authorization while pursuing longer-term sponsorship.
Which companies sponsor visas for criminal defense attorneys in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, visa sponsorship for criminal defense attorneys comes primarily from large regional law firms in Columbia and Greenville, public defender organizations such as the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense, and criminal justice nonprofits. University-affiliated legal clinics at institutions like the University of South Carolina School of Law also occasionally support attorney hires that may involve visa sponsorship, particularly for specialized or research-oriented roles.
How to find criminal defense attorney visa sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate lists criminal defense attorney roles in South Carolina filtered by verified visa sponsorship history, so you can focus on employers who have actively sponsored attorneys rather than guessing from general job postings. Searching by city, such as Columbia or Charleston, narrows results to employers within South Carolina's public defender ecosystem, regional law firms, and legal nonprofits that have a track record of supporting international attorney hires.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most criminal defense attorney sponsorship jobs?
Columbia leads in criminal defense attorney sponsorship opportunities as the state capital and home to the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense, the state Supreme Court, and the University of South Carolina School of Law. Greenville follows as a growing legal market with an expanding private bar. Charleston also offers opportunities through established private criminal defense firms and legal aid organizations serving the coastal region's diverse population.
What state-specific factors should international criminal defense attorneys know about working in South Carolina?
International attorneys seeking criminal defense roles in South Carolina must meet South Carolina Bar admission requirements, which typically include passing the state bar examination. Candidates educated abroad may face additional scrutiny of their legal credentials. Employers sponsoring H-1B or TN visa petitions will generally require proof of a qualifying law degree and eligibility for bar admission. South Carolina's public defender system is a notable employer, but sponsorship decisions rest entirely with individual hiring offices.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored criminal defense attorney jobs in South Carolina?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.