Attorney III

The State Bar of California•Los Angeles, CA

4h•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 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. 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

Excellent research and writing skills
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
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 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
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

Nice To Haves

Prior judicial or appellate experience

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
Maintains close working relationships with Management, subject matter supervisors, and members of the team to which they are assigned in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position
Coordinates the work of other staff necessary to perform assigned responsibilities and may participate in the training of other personnel
Responsible for handling complex matters, with the expectation of producing favorable results
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 that are more complex than those handled by Attorney IIs and is responsible for the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, reports, opinions, and other materials
Prepares for and completes cases, projects, presentations, and other assignments of a more 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 and assures that subordinate staff is informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to their function
May participate in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to human resources issues
Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions and or alternative methods or procedures
Assumes a senior-level role in advising management in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy
Provides substantive and procedural guidance to lower-level Attorneys
Provides direction to, and reviews the work of, non-attorney staff
May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described
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