Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake
Human Resources Department (HRD) – 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 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.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Reviews grievances:
Evaluates written grievances received by ODC to identify files requiring further investigationDismisses grievances not requiring investigationMakes recommendations on matters relating to additional investigation and possible prosecutionReviews other sources of information regarding lawyer misconduct to identify matters requiring file opening and further investigationHandles 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 fileDirects investigator(s) as necessary in investigating open filesDrafts detailed dismissal letters with analysis of applicable law and factsDrafts transfer notes for matters being referred for additional investigationConsults 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 inquiriesOtherwise 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:
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); andTeamwork and professionalism. Excellent legal analysis, writing, and oral skills.Proficiency use of Microsoft’s Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint and other MS Apps) 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.
WSBA Benefits Include:
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 VisionLong-Term Disability and Life Insurance PlansGenerous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick, 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 ProgramYou will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish WSBA’s MissionA company culture that truly focuses on a quality work and life balance for its staff through our 4 Pillars:1) Excellence (Mission-driven results), 2) Unity (Team-driven results), 3) Integrity (Value-driven results), and 4 JOY! (People-driven culture).
For consideration and to apply interested and qualified candidates must apply online and upload the following required materials (3): a comprehensive professional cover letter, resume, and writing sample. Applications submitted without a cover letter and writing sample will be considered incomplete. Priority towards consideration if application is received by May 15th.
WSBA Staff must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis, upon hire. This position is not eligible for Sponsorship.
WSBA administers pre-employment background screening upon a contingent verbal offer, and prior to hire.
The WSBA is subject to Washington State Court Rules General Rule (GR) 12.4, which specifies the Bar’s responsibility and process to provide public access to Bar records.
The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court and exercises a governmental function authorized by the Washington Supreme Court to license and regulate the state’s nearly 40,000 legal professionals, including lawyers, limited practice officers, and limited license legal technicians. The WSBA both regulates legal professionals under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. The WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; administers the lawyer discipline system. and provides continuing legal education for legal professionals, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.
The WSBA is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The statements contained in this job announcement are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Grid
