Disciplinary Counsel, District II - Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Disciplinary Board

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts•Lower Providence Township, PA

1d•$85,230 - $148,001

About The Position

The Disciplinary Counsel performs professional legal work for the Pennsylvania Office of Disciplinary Counsel, a branch of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The office investigates and prosecutes complaints of misconduct against Pennsylvania attorneys to protect the public and ensure the integrity of the bar. Duties include legal research and analysis, communication with complainants and respondent-attorneys, and legal writing. The position is based in ODC’s Trooper office, with remote work available for some duties.

Requirements

Graduation from an approved school of law.
Progressively responsible experience in professional legal work.
Admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, or eligibility for admission.
Knowledge of rules governing attorney conduct.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, particularly those concerning disciplinary administration.
Knowledge of Disciplinary Board policies and procedures.
Knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
Knowledge of and skill in using Microsoft Office Suite and other basic or proprietary computer applications.
Skill in analyzing and drafting legal documents, legal instruments, and other work product.
Ability to express ideas effectively, appropriately, logically, and in an organized manner, orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with supervisors and fellow employees.
Ability to work without significant supervision.

Nice To Haves

Trial experience.

Responsibilities

Lead prompt and thorough investigations of complaints against attorneys, promptly review newly assigned files, take appropriate investigative steps, and document material investigative information.
Supervise Auditors/Investigators and/or Paralegals conducting investigations, evaluate results promptly, and advise whether further investigation is needed.
Coordinate the issuance of subpoenas.
Recommend discipline or dismissal of disciplinary complaints.
Lead investigations of Petitions for Reinstatement, direct Auditors/Investigators to conduct inquiries, and recommend ODC’s position on reinstatement.
Prepare disciplinary and reinstatement matters for hearing before a hearing committee.
Represent ODC at disciplinary and reinstatement hearings, including presenting evidence and examining and cross-examining witnesses.
Review hearing committee and Disciplinary Board reports and recommend whether to file briefs on exceptions, briefs opposing exceptions, and petitions for review; draft required briefs and petitions.
Represent ODC at oral arguments before the Disciplinary Board and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Draft pleadings, including Petitions for Discipline and Emergency Temporary Suspension, and briefs for submission to hearing committees, the Disciplinary Board, and the Supreme Court.
Handle matters involving attorneys pursuing disability status.
Participate in continuing legal education programs on legal ethics.
Assist with special projects as assigned by a supervisor and perform other related duties as required or assigned.