Bar Counsel

Under the oversight of the State Court Administrator and the Professional Responsibility Board, Bar Counsel?s role is to effectuate the goals and objectives of a comprehensive system of attorney regulation that the Vermont Supreme Court has articulated in Administrative Order 9. Generally, Bar Counsel assists attorneys and the public by providing guidance, education, referrals, and other information designed to achieve, maintain, and enhance professional competence and professional responsibility.

Essential Attributes for Bar Counsel

• an understanding of the meaning, scope, and application of the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct;
• an ability to provide lawyers, judges, and others within the legal profession with guidance as to their professional obligations and responsibilities in time-sensitive circumstances;
• a commitment to proactive regulation;
• a commitment to the fair and prompt resolution of disciplinary complaints through non-disciplinary dispute resolution methods when appropriate; and
• a commitment to decoupling behavioral health assistance from the disciplinary process.

This is a full-time, permanent opening based in Burlington, Vermont. Starting salary will be $120,000 or higher depending upon experience. The position is a confidential exempt Judicial Branch position. The State of Vermont?s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 13 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Minimum Qualifications

• member in good standing of the Vermont bar or eligible to obtain admission by waiver;
• 10 or more years of relevant legal experience; and
• excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• experience in presenting professional education programs;
• familiarity with the Vermont legal community;
• an approachable and engaging personality

Essential Job Functions

• administers the Bar Assistance Program;
• responds to inquiries from judges, lawyers, legal professionals, law students, and the public regarding the Rules of Professional Conduct, professionalism and professional responsibility, legal ethics, law practice management, and behavioral health issues that impact a lawyer or judge?s professional competence;
• develops and presents programs related to the Rules of Professional Conduct, legal ethics, and a lawyer?s professional competence and professional responsibilities;
• develops and presents programs concerning lawyer wellness and on issues related to the signs, symptoms, causes, and prevention of behavioral health issues that affect lawyers? and judges? professional competence;
• helps lawyers and judges to secure expert counseling and treatment for behavioral health issues that affect professional competence, and maintains information on available treatment programs and services;
• administers the non-disciplinary dispute-resolution program, including its assistance panels;
• recruits, coordinates, and trains judges, lawyers, legal professionals, qualified health professionals, and members of the public to serve as assistance panel members and as hearing panel members;
• collaborates with, and mentors Professional Responsibility Program staff to ensure mission of the Program is effectively and efficiently administered;
• as the Board?s liaison, consults and coordinates with the ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs, the Vermont Bar Association, Vermont?s local and county bar associations, the Vermont Law & Graduate School, the Judicial Conduct Board, the Board of Bar Examiners, the Character and Fitness Committee, the Board of Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, and other related organizations on matters related to professional responsibility, legal ethics, and law practice management;
• provides legal support to the Board as requested;
• screens disciplinary complaints and assists the Board?s oversight of the Professional Responsibility Program and its staff; and
• other duties as assigned.

This job description provides the general nature and level of work performed by employees of this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. Duties are performed in person and remotely. Attendance at a variety of meetings is expected and may occur outside of regular hours. Travel throughout the state is required. Travel will be reimbursed according to State policies. This position will be eligible for longevity increases in accordance with the State step pay plan and annual cost of living increases as enacted by the Vermont State Legislature. Job Code # 25054

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills in all state government positions. The Judicial Branch is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and the recruitment process is designed to treat all applicants equitably.

Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Medical Insurance, Pension, Vision