Temporary Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake

Washington State Bar Association. • Seattle, WA

11h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Temporary Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake 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, MS Teams, and other MS applications) 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 reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status.
• 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.
• 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

• Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked
• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level