Attorney III

The State Bar of California•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Client Security Fund (CSF) seeks an attorney with exceptional analytical and drafting skills and extensive experience investigating and analyzing complex legal matters in a variety of areas of law. The ideal candidate also possesses strong oral presentation skills. This is not a litigation or advocacy position but involves applying facts to the law and concluding whether to grant or deny an application. It requires a commitment to public protection and a desire to assist those who may have been a victim of attorney theft. The CSF attorney must provide courteous and professional service to applicants, respondents, State Bar officials and employees, and the general public regarding all Client Security Fund functions. 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.

Requirements

Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
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.
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, in the State Bar of California.
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 hearings.
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.
Advanced 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.
Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
Conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
Work under the pressure of short deadlines.
Effectively address conflict.
Review and analyze complex written documents.
Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.

Nice To Haves

Exceptional analytical and drafting skills
Extensive experience investigating and analyzing complex legal matters in a variety of areas of law
Strong oral presentation skills
Commitment to public protection and a desire to assist those who may have been a victim of attorney theft
Courteous and professional service to applicants, respondents, State Bar officials and employees, and the general public regarding all Client Security Fund functions

Responsibilities

Independently researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies legal principles within the assigned work area.
Conducts legal research in various areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, tentative or draft decisions, and/or other documents.
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.
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.
Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues, and makes decisions regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints.
Reviews applications for program eligibility.
Prepares cases for hearing or trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
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.
Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, applications, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
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 and may lead training activities.
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.
Performs similar or related duties, which may not be specifically included within this job description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.