Public Affairs Counsel

State Bar of Texas • Austin, TX

2d

About The Position

This position serves as the primary media contact for all inquiries regarding the attorney grievance and discipline system and disciplinary actions against members of the State Bar of Texas and as the internal communications coordinator for the purpose of informing and educating members of the Bar and the public about the grievance and discipline system. This role also serves as administrator and legal counsel to the State Bar of Texas Client Security Fund Committee. The position involves frequent communication with the Chief Disciplinary Counsel staff in its various offices statewide, the Executive Department of the State Bar, members of the Commission for Lawyer Discipline, the media, and external entities and individuals. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports directly to the Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

Requirements

• J.D. required.
• Must have a Texas law license.
• Requires professional demeanor, good diplomacy skills, excellent writing and communication skills, strong organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to assimilate information from a variety of sources, analyze information, and quickly recommend course of action.
• Requires ability to explain and advocate facts, positions, and policy in a succinct and convincing manner.
• Ability to develop press releases, presentation talking points, reports, and newsletters.
• Experience using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.
• Ability to establish credibility and support the organization’s preferences and priorities.
• Occasional travel required.
• Position also requires technological competency, including experience using Microsoft Word, Adobe, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook, etc.

Nice To Haves

• An undergraduate degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or related concentration, plus a minimum of five years of related communications and public relations experience preferred.
• Broad knowledge of the Texas legislative process preferred.

Responsibilities

• Initiates contact and respond promptly to requests from the news media with respect to inquiries about the attorney grievance and discipline process and pending or final disciplinary actions against members of the State Bar of Texas and coordinates with the Bar’s Communications Department on press releases regarding recent judgments provided to local media outlets.
• Responds to all public information requests with respect to attorney grievance/disciplinary matters.
• Develops educational materials for constituency groups and presentation materials for speaking engagements to educate and enhance the understanding of the attorney grievance and discipline process to members and the public. Provides strategic and tactical support for communications response to unanticipated events in short time frames.
• Coordinates content and development of various reports, articles, newsletters, and brochures highlighting aspects of the disciplinary system, including the Commission for Lawyer Discipline’s Annual Report and other discipline related programs. Provides relevant and up-to-date content for the department’s communications, including website, Texas Bar Journal and other social media outlets on timely issues relative to the attorney grievances and discipline process.
• Monitors statewide media for reports on allegations of attorney ethics violations and/or involvement in criminal activity. Monitors high-profile grievance and disciplinary matters.
• Administrator and Legal Counsel to the State Bar of Texas Client Security Fund Committee. Prepares written summaries of applications which incorporate necessary research and meets quarterly or more frequently with the committee to present recommendations regarding payment or denial. Represents Texas at the statewide annual meeting of client protection professionals. Designs and disseminates a national newsletter.
• Assists the Chief Disciplinary Counsel in legislative matters, working closely with Governmental Relations to provide information and services to members of the Texas Legislature. Drafts proposed statutes and regulations as necessary.
• Develops and cultivates professional relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to the grievance and discipline system. Identifies outreach strategies for stakeholders to the attorney discipline system.
• Performs other responsibilities as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees