Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake

$90,099.00 To $90,099.00 Annually

Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake
Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) – Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)

Salary Range: $90,099 to $90,099 + Washington State Employee Benefits and Retirement
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Work Location: Hybrid

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.

Purpose and Position Summary:

The 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.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Reviews grievances:

• 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 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
• 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
• 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.

Education Required:
Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor or Law Clerk Program Completion.

Experience Required:

• 5 years in the active practice of law, including litigation experience; and active Washington license to practice law.
• Experience Preferred:
• 7 or more years practicing law, with experience in both criminal and civil areas.
• Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Required:
• 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); and
• 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.

Competencies (Skills/Abilities Preferred):
Experience working with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct, and/or legal ethics/risk management issues.

Working Conditions:

• This is a hybrid position and must be flexible to work onsite in the Seattle offices, and travel within WA state as deemed necessary, or as required. This position may also have the option to work in-office. For hybrid work, must have an adequate home/work environment and internet access, for performing work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature. Staff are required to use a personal mobile device for multifactor authentication.
• Employment with the Washington State Bar Association mandates that WSBA Staff must reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status. The WSBA office is everyone's primary location while working for the WSBA regardless of where staff may reside within Washington. WSBA does not offer fully remote positions and reserves the right to require employees to work in-person and on-site at the WSBA headquarters or at any worksite necessary to fulfill job duties.
• The essential functions of the job that must be performed, with or without a reasonable accommodation: This position 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, and 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). This position must be able to read, write, and speak with others in English.