Disciplinary Counsel I

Disciplinary Counsel I
Office of Disciplinary Counsel ? Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)

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

Deadline to apply: On or prior to August 31, 2025

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:

Disciplinary Counsel exercise authority delegated by the Washington Supreme Court to act as counsel on all matters under the Washington Supreme Court?s Rules for Enforcement of Lawyer Conduct (ELC).

Disciplinary Counsel are responsible for the efficient and effective conduct of investigations, prosecutions, and appeals related to lawyer misconduct or incapacity.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Investigates Disciplinary Matters:

• Investigates and analyzes grievances alleging ethical misconduct by lawyers in accordance with the ELC and Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) procedure.
• Promptly and accurately determines the best means to protect the public from harmful and unprofessional conduct by lawyers, and protect respondent lawyers from unfounded allegations, all in service of maintaining the integrity of the profession.
• May require lawyers to provide written responses, records, files and accounts, appear for interviews or depositions, and seek suspension of lawyers who fail to cooperate with investigations.
• Directs the work of investigators, paralegals, administrative assistants, and auditors who have been assigned to assist their investigations, and are responsible for ensuring that the conduct of these persons is compatible with Disciplinary Counsel?s professional obligations under the Supreme Court?s Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) and the ELC, including the obligation of strict confidentiality.
• Upon completion of an investigation, applies the law to the facts, assesses the proper resolution of the matters - whether to dismiss, defer, divert, or seek public discipline against the lawyer - and then drafts letters and memoranda that detail the results of their investigations.

Tries Disciplinary Cases:

• Conducts trial-like hearings of public disciplinary cases.
• Drafts pleadings, motions, discovery requests, briefs, and responses to papers filed by respondent lawyers.
• Decides what evidence to present during disciplinary hearings, determines how to admit evidence, conducts legal research, and prepares witnesses.
• Decides what evidentiary objections or stipulations are appropriate to make, presents opening statements and closing arguments, and must be able to effectively examine and cross-examine witnesses.
• Represents ODC in conducting settlement conferences as ordered by a hearing officer.
• Briefs and argues discipline and disability cases in appeals to the Disciplinary Board and Supreme Court, and organizes facts and ODC?s arguments in a clear, cogent manner.
• Responds to questions from the Board and the Court during oral arguments.
• Prepares interim suspension petitions to the Washington Supreme Court if a lawyer fails to cooperate during the investigation, receives a felony conviction, declares a disability, presents an immediate threat to the public, or after the Disciplinary Board recommends disbarment.
• Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each case to make sanction recommendations.
• Negotiates and draft proposed stipulations to discipline, disability inactive status, and resignations in lieu of discipline.

Performs other duties as assigned:

Education Required:

Experience Required:

Experience Preferred:

Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Required:

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced attention to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of information.
• Ability to adapt to changing technological requirements.
• Proficiency in legal research.
• Advanced knowledge of legal procedures (will train on specific lawyer discipline procedures).
• Teamwork and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft 365, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc., within Windows. Possess a strong technical aptitude to quickly learn others, including WSBA?s existing systems (i.e., Westlaw, Docrio/Litify, case management software, and videoconferencing technology, etc.), copiers, scanners, fax machines, standard office equipment, and courtroom display technology.

Working Conditions:

This position, while primarily remote, must be flexible to work in office (Seattle, WA) or travel within WA state as deemed necessary, or as required. This position may also have the option to work in-office. For remote work, must have an adequate home/work environment and internet access, for performing work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature.

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 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
• 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 Vision
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans
• Generous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave)
• Transportation incentives, *based on a primary ?on-site? work requirement
• Allowance to set up a home office, *based on a primary ?remote? work requirement
• Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program
• You will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish WSBA?s Mission
• A 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 candidates must apply online apply onlineand submit the following required materials: a comprehensive professional cover letter, resume, and writing sample (writing sample to be redacted if an actual case). Applications submitted without this information can be considered incomplete.

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 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.

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