Attorney II/III

The State Bar of California•Los Angeles, CA

14d•$119,076 - $210,021•Hybrid

About The Position

The State Bar Court (SBC) adjudicates disciplinary and regulatory cases involving attorneys and recommends attorney discipline to the California Supreme Court. The SBC is structured as a Hearing Department (trial court) and a Review Department (appeals court). California is the only state with an independent professional Court dedicated to ruling on attorney discipline cases. The State Bar Court seeks an Attorney for the Review Department. The ideal candidate will possess excellent research and writing skills, the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, attention to detail, and sound judgment. Prior judicial or appellate experience preferred but not required. The Review Department Attorney provides critical legal support to the judges of the Review Department in fulfilling their primary function of conducting independent review of disciplinary decisions issued by the Hearing Department. Core responsibilities include drafting and editing opinions, conducting legal research, preparing interlocutory review orders and other judicial orders, and assisting with recommendations for summary disbarments and resignations with charges pending. Attorney II Definition Under general supervision, the Attorney II performs legal work under general direction of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel and/or Attorney V (collectively “Management”), with progressively increasing degree of complexity and independence that includes the identification of legal issues, recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research; and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda; and litigation activities. The Attorney II handles assigned litigation, may take lead responsibility in case/project management presentations, and may assist in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar. Distinguishing Characteristics The Attorney II is the journey-level classification in the attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff or as a lead counsel in trials. The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff. Attorney III Definition Under direction and with a progressively increasing degree of complexity and independence, the Attorney III performs complex legal work that includes the identification of legal issues; recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda, and litigation activities. The Attorney III handles assigned litigation, frequently takes lead responsibility in case/project management presentations, and assists in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar. Distinguishing Characteristics The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the Attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff, or as a lead counsel in trials. The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff. The Attorney III differs from the Attorney IV in that the latter has a more complex caseload and serves in a lead capacity over other attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.

Requirements

Excellent research and writing skills
The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
The ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Attention to detail
Sound judgment
Substantive knowledge of law, rules, decisions, practices, and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature.
Substantive knowledge of effective investigation techniques, case management, and presentation of matters to administrative bodies.
Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions.
Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
Rules and procedures related to public meetings.
Principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management.
Advanced analytical skills.
Principles of effective time management.
Principles of oral advocacy.
Strong writing and oral communication skills.
Strong legal research and writing skills.
Principles of legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings.
Principles of conflict resolution.
Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California.
Ability to receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
Ability to conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
Ability to work under the pressure of short deadlines.
Ability to effectively address conflict.
Ability to review and analyze complex written documents.
Ability to obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.
Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating knowledge and skills necessary for the position.
Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity.
Must be an active member, in good standing, of the State Bar of California.
Minimum of four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary for this position.

Nice To Haves

Prior judicial or appellate experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Drafting and editing opinions
Conducting legal research
Preparing interlocutory review orders and other judicial orders
Assisting with recommendations for summary disbarments and resignations with charges pending
Handling litigation matters, including responding to complaints, propounding and responding to discovery, substantive motions, and hearings, up to and including trial.
Conducting “second look” reviews of complaints filed against attorneys that have been closed by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel without taking any action, and determining whether to recommend further actions with respect to such complaints.
Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities of an increasingly complex nature and is responsible for the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, reports, opinions, and other materials of an increasingly complex nature.
Prepares for and completes cases, projects, presentations, and other assignments of an increasingly complex nature.
Coordinates with other attorneys, volunteers, and other constituencies as assigned.
Ensures the adequate, effective, and timely preparation, presentation, and completion of investigations, cases, and/or legal projects assigned.
Keeps informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to their function.
Assists in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to assigned matters.
Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues.
Reviews applications for program eligibility.
Makes recommendations regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints.
Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, tentative or draft decisions, and/or other documents.
Prepares cases for hearing or trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
Serves as counsel on trials, which may include delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations, and preparing post-trial briefs.
Writes legal analysis and provides instruction and/or advice to others.
Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, applications, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
Provides direction to non-attorney staff.
Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned and assists in the evaluation of the work product.
Stays informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions or alternative methods of procedures.
Presents matters before State Bar sub-entities, commissions, or oversight bodies, including preparing, reviewing, or editing draft decisions and agenda items.
Participates in training and professional development activities.
Independently researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies legal principles within the assigned work area.
Provides substantive and procedural recommendations to other attorneys to assist them with their cases or prepare them for trial.
Provides legal advice to management, executive staff, judges, sub-entities, commissions, or oversight bodies.
Performs trials, including delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross examinations, and preparing post-trial briefs.
Writes legal analysis setting forth facts and legal conclusions.
Serves as lead attorney on trials or appellate cases.
Conducts informal and formal discovery to ensure that legal analyses and recommendations have sufficient evidentiary and legal bases.
Performs independent review of the record of moral character and disciplinary proceedings on appeal from the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court.
May serve as a guide and mentor to other attorneys and staff, as needed, in researching, interpreting, and applying complex legal principles and preparing them for trial.