Purpose and Position Summary:

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.

• 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, which include consulting with members about the conduct of other members, presenting CLEs, coordinating with Adjunct Trial Counsel, Adjunct Investigative Counsel, or Special Disciplinary Counsel, and providing staff support or liaison to groups, committees, and special task forces within and outside of ODC.

Education Required:

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

Experience Required:

• 2 years practicing law, including litigation experience; active Washington license to practice law.

Experience Preferred:

• 7 or more years practicing law with experience in both criminal and civil areas and/or appeals is 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.
• 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 and 365 within Windows, with a strong technical aptitude to quickly learn others, including WSBA’s existing systems (i.e., Westlaw, Worldox, case management software, and videoconferencing technology, etc.), copiers, scanners, fax machines, standard office equipment, and courtroom display technology.

Working Conditions:

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 work selection requirements
• Allowance to set up a home office, *based on a Remote work selection option 
• 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).

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.