[Attorney] Temporary Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake [Temporary]

Temporary: Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake

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

Salary Range: $50.00 to $50.00 per hour

FLSA Status: Temporary Full-time - Non-Exempt

Assignment Duration: 4 months, with potential extension or early conclusion at WSBA's discretion

Work Location: Hybrid

This temporary Disciplinary Counsel I - Intake will review, investigate, and analyze 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.

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.

• Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor or Law Clerk Program Completion

• 2 years in the active practice of law, including litigation experience; and active Washington license to practice law

• 5 or more years practicing law, with experience in both criminal and civil areas

• 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)
• Teamwork and professionalism
• Excellent legal analysis, writing, and oral skills
• Proficiency with 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 (eg, 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

• Experience working with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct, and/or legal ethics/risk management issues

• This is a hybrid position; must be flexible to work onsite in the Seattle offices and travel within Washington state as needed.
• Must have an adequate home/work environment and Internet access for performing work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature; staff must use a personal mobile device for multifactor authentication.
• Must reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire and during active employment; WSBA does not offer fully remote positions.
• Essential functions: regular work five days per week in an office environment (remote or in office), ability to sit/stand and use a computer, lift/push/pull items up to 25 pounds, use a computer keyboard and standard office equipment, read, write, and speak in English.

• This is a non-benefited temporary assignment; Temporary/Seasonal employees are not benefit eligible and accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave per 40 hours worked.

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.