Assistant Counsel (Attorney 2)

New Jersey Courts•Trenton, NJ

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The New Jersey Judiciary is seeking a highly motivated attorney to serve as Assistant Counsel (Attorney 2) in the Office of Board Counsel. Under the general direction of the First Assistant Counsel, the position advises the Disciplinary Review Board (DRB) on attorney discipline and disability matters and the Attorney Regulatory Board (ARB) on reinstatement and readmission matters. Both boards function as tribunals under the Court Rules. Assistant Counsel reviews case files and prepares pre-hearing memoranda presenting the facts, relevant findings, independent legal research, analysis of the issues, and recommendations for the boards. The role also drafts formal and letter decisions, and dissents when directed. It requires strong legal research and writing, close attention to detail, organization, independence, and the ability to work efficiently amid shifting priorities. The position may qualify for a hybrid schedule with up to two remote-work days outside Judiciary buildings. Remote-work participants must install a multifactor authentication app on a phone or tablet and have high-speed home internet. Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function. The salary range is $100,154.67–$145,874.92 for Schedule A and $100,154.67–$138,581.18 for Schedule B. Newly hired individuals normally start at the minimum of the applicable range. Three writing samples of complex research and writing assignments are required at the time of interview.

Requirements

Graduation from an American Bar Association-approved law school.
Three years of experience as an Attorney-at-Law performing legal research and analyzing and evaluating legal documents, rules, regulations, and/or legislation.
A plenary Attorney-at-Law license in New Jersey and active Supreme Court Good Standing Status.
Excellent legal research and legal writing skills.
Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
Three writing samples of complex research and writing assignments must be provided at the time of interview.
Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States under Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
Newly hired employees must agree to a background check that includes fingerprinting.
New hires must establish and maintain principal residence in New Jersey within one year, subject to the stated exemption process.
A valid New Jersey driver's license is required only if operating a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties.

Responsibilities

Review case files thoroughly for completeness.
Prepare timely pre-hearing memoranda for DRB members, including a concise account of the facts, findings of the District Ethics Committee or Special Ethics Adjudicator, and recommendations on findings and determinations.
Prepare pre-hearing memoranda for ARB members that analyze party submissions under applicable Court Rules and precedent.
Analyze complex factual records and legal issues involving attorney discipline and regulation.
Evaluate financial records, evidence, and testimony supporting presenters’ and respondents’ cases to assess charged violations or requests for reinstatement or readmission.
Identify and summarize factual and legal issues for the boards and recommend resolutions.
Apply and analyze disciplinary precedent in recommendations.
Conduct legal research and validate or supplement case law using the DRB portal, Lexis+, and other legal resources.
Prepare for and attend monthly DRB and ARB sessions, answering legal and factual questions about assigned cases.
Draft dispositive letters and formal decisions for review by First Assistant Counsel and Chief Counsel, accurately reflecting parties’ positions at oral argument and the board’s rationale.
Draft dissents when directed by the relevant board.
Assist Chief Counsel and First Assistant Counsel with processing and disposition of matters before the boards and with appeals from district ethics and fee arbitration committee determinations, as assigned.