Disciplinary Counsel (OPR)

State of Iowa•Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) is hiring Disciplinary Counsel for the Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board. This position will be located in the OPR office within the Iowa Judicial Branch building in Des Moines, IA. The Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board protects the public and preserves confidence in the legal profession by investigating allegations of attorney misconduct and prosecuting disciplinary cases on behalf of the Iowa Supreme Court. Disciplinary Counsel plays a central role in carrying out that mission through fair, independent, and professional enforcement of the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct. The Attorney Disciplinary Board seeks a disciplinary prosecutor who exercises sound judgment, demonstrates unquestioned integrity, treats all participants with professionalism and respect, and is committed to protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the legal profession. Disciplinary Counsel serves as litigation counsel for the Attorney Disciplinary Board and represents the Board in disciplinary proceedings before the Grievance Commission and the Iowa Supreme Court. The position requires independent legal judgment, careful investigation, strategic case evaluation, and sound exercise of prosecutorial discretion. This attorney also advises the Board on interpretation of the rules of professional conduct and proposed changes to the rules, and reviews and processes other disciplinary matters before the Board (including reciprocal discipline and reinstatements of law licenses after suspension or revocation).

Requirements

Graduated from an ABA-accredited law school and been admitted to practice law in the State of Iowa.
Law license must be in good standing, and should have no public disciplinary history (public reprimand, suspension, or revocation) in Iowa or elsewhere.
Able to simultaneously handle multiple areas of responsibility with minimum supervision, properly prioritizing tasks and duties as dictated by changing demands.
Able to simultaneously advance all assigned cases in a large trial and appellate caseload.
Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
High-level knowledge of standard office software, including word-processing and presentation software, PDF generation programs, and commercial case-management platforms (currently Clio).
Must be bondable.
Must possess high levels of personal and professional honesty and integrity, emotional maturity and stability, and a genuine interest in improving the legal profession and the administration of justice.
Must have a valid Iowa driver's license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Substantial litigation experience, including courtroom advocacy, motion practice, legal writing, and appellate briefing, is strongly preferred.
Five or more years of trial and appellate experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Reviewing and evaluating complaints.
Conducting confidential investigations.
Working closely with investigators, Board members, and other disciplinary counsel.
Negotiating stipulations and consent dispositions where appropriate.
Advising Board members during screening and hearing meetings.
Drafting reports, recommendations, briefs, and appellate filings.
Participating in rule development and policy discussions.
Responding to inquiries from judges, lawyers, and members of the public.
Other duties as assigned and required.