Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake

Washington State Bar Association.•Seattle, WA

8h•Hybrid

About The Position

The WSBA's mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice. The Intake Disciplinary Counsel reviews, investigates, and analyzes a high volume of grievances against lawyers; prepares dismissal letters and legal memos; and supports the Managing Disciplinary Counsel – Intake by making determinations on opening case files, grievance disposition, developing intake processes and procedures, and guiding nonlawyer staff on how to respond to inquiries from members and the public about the lawyer discipline system.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor or Law Clerk Program Completion.
5 years in the active practice of law, including litigation experience
Active Washington license to practice law.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills
High attention to detail
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of information
Proficiency in legal research
Advanced knowledge of legal procedures (will train regarding specific lawyer discipline procedures)
Teamwork and professionalism
Excellent legal analysis, writing, and oral skills
Proficiency use of Microsoft’s Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint and other MS Apps) in a Windows environment
Ability and willingness to adapt to changing technological requirements
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to the WSBA ODC case/file management system (Litify), ODC document management system, WSBA membership database, online legal research platforms (e.g., Lexis/Nexis), court record databases, and videoconferencing technology
Enthusiastic about helping to foster a culture of inclusion, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Must be able to regularly work five days per week in an office type environment (remote or in office)
Possess the ability to primarily sit/stand and use a computer
Lift/push/pull items weighing up to 25 pounds
Must be able to operate a computer keyboard, and other standard office equipment (e.g., printer/scanner/fax/telephone)
Must be able to read, write, and speak with others in English
WSBA Staff must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis, upon hire.

Nice To Haves

7 or more years practicing law, with experience in both criminal and civil areas.
Experience working with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct, and/or legal ethics/risk management issues.

Responsibilities

Evaluates written grievances received by ODC to identify files requiring further investigation
Dismisses grievances not requiring investigation
Makes recommendations on matters relating to additional investigation and possible prosecution
Reviews other sources of information regarding lawyer misconduct to identify matters requiring file opening and further investigation
Handles a high volume of daily correspondence and phone calls as assigned by the Managing Disciplinary Counsel-Intake
Investigates and analyzes specific lawyer conduct, generally when it is the subject of an open file
Directs investigator(s) as necessary in investigating open files
Drafts detailed dismissal letters with analysis of applicable law and facts
Drafts transfer notes for matters being referred for additional investigation
Consults with assigned disciplinary counsel on files referred for investigation
Assists the Managing Disciplinary Counsel-Intake with directing the work of Intake staff and with coordination with other departments on handling internal and public inquiries
Provides back-up for Managing Disciplinary Counsel-Intake by making Intake decisions on file openings, the disposition of grievances, and statistical issues
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).
Medical benefits (including Rx) through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost.
100% paid premiums for employee Dental and Vision
Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans
Generous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave)
Transportation incentives, based on primary work selection requirements.
Allowance to set up a home office, based on a primary remote work selection.
Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program
Supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish WSBA’s Mission
A company culture that truly focuses on a quality work and life balance for its staff through our 4 Pillars: 1) Excellence (Mission-driven results), 2) Unity (Team-driven results), 3) Integrity (Value-driven results), and 4 JOY! (People-driven culture).