Disciplinary Counsel - Intake

Washington State Bar Association.•Seattle, WA

11d•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

Juris Doctor or successful completion of WSBA Law Clerk Program.
Active member of the WA State Bar Association, and in good standing.
2 years of practicing law, including experience.
Clear, professional written and oral communication to a variety of audiences.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to respond to stakeholders promptly, accurately, and with professionalism.
Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, and maintain effectiveness in a fast‑paced environment.
Sound judgment, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to assess complex or unfamiliar situations and determine appropriate actions.
Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures accurately.
Excellent legal analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high‑quality work.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and consistently exercise professional judgment and ethics.
Ability to foster teamwork, collaboration, and professionalism; able to work both independently and as a positive, contributing team member.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to quickly learn and use new software and technology platforms.
Ability to quickly learn and adapt to WSBA/ODC systems, including Litify (case/file management), the ODC document management system, the WSBA membership database, online legal research tools (e.g., Lexis/Nexis), court record databases, and videoconferencing technology.
Must be able to regularly work WSBA’s business hours in an office type environment (remote or in office), possess the ability to primarily sit/stand and use a computer, and lift/push/pull items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Must be able to use standard computer and office equipment (e.g., copiers, scanners, printers, phones, fax, etc.).
Must reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status.

Nice To Haves

5 years of practicing law with experience in both criminal and civil areas.
Familiarity with Adobe Pro, Litify (case management system), and Docrio (document management system).
Experience working in paperless work environment.

Responsibilities

Reviews grievances: Evaluates written grievances received by ODC to identify files requiring further investigation, dismisses grievances not requiring investigation, makes recommendations on referring matters for additional investigation and possible prosecution, reviews other sources of information regarding lawyer misconduct to identify matters requiring file opening and further investigation, and handles a high volume of daily correspondence and phone calls as assigned by the Managing Disciplinary Counsel-Intake.
Investigates disciplinary matters: 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, and consults with assigned disciplinary counsel on files referred for investigation.
Intake Team support: 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, and otherwise 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/PSSL, 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.
The WSBA is a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
Eligible tuition assistance and continued training programs.