Job Title: Contract Associate Attorney
Job Responsibilities:
1. Client Representation:
- Provide legal advice and guidance to attorneys facing disciplinary proceedings, ensuring they fully understand their rights, obligations, and potential consequences.
- Advise attorneys on ethical obligations, professional responsibility, and compliance with state bar association rules.
- Maintain regular communication with clients throughout the application/disciplinary process, providing timely updates, explaining case progress, and addressing any concerns or questions.
- Represent attorneys in proceedings by attending disciplinary hearings, oral arguments, and related events before state bar associations.
- Present compelling arguments, skillfully cross-examine witnesses, and introduce evidence to challenge allegations against attorneys and safeguard their professional reputations.
2. Case Investigation, Legal Documentation, and Presentation:
- Evaluate complaints filed against attorneys by reviewing pertinent documents, conducting witness interviews, and analyzing the facts and circumstances surrounding alleged ethical violations.
- Develop comprehensive defense strategies tailored to each attorney's unique situation.
- Prepare persuasive legal arguments, gather evidence, and compile supporting documents to effectively defend attorneys against allegations of ethical misconduct.
- Draft well-reasoned and compelling legal briefs, motions, responses, and other necessary documents required for the defense of attorneys facing disciplinary actions, ensuring all documents adhere to applicable rules and regulations.
- Engage in settlement negotiations with state bar associations when appropriate, aiming for favorable resolutions that protect the interests of the attorney while ensuring compliance with ethical standards.
- Collaborate closely with other attorneys and legal professionals within the firm to leverage their expertise, gather relevant information, and coordinate defense strategies.
3. Other Responsibilities:
- Practice daily contemporaneous billing through Clio.
- Create and maintain a positive work environment and culture.
- Contribute to client-centered mission.
- Perform other duties or projects as requested.
Education and Experience Information:
- Education:
- Juris Doctor (.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing with the state bar association.
- Experience:
- 3+ years of experience practicing law, preferably with a focus on legal ethics, professional responsibility, or disciplinary defense.
- California State Bar experience preferred.
- Familiarity with the applicable state bar association rules and regulations governing attorney conduct and ethics is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and maintain confidentiality.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple cases simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present information effectively and persuasively.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to assess complex legal issues and develop sound legal arguments.
- Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication skills to liaise with attorneys, legal assistants, and clients.
- Strong organizational and time management skills to meet client deadlines.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis.
- Ability to work proactively and autonomously in a fast-paced environment while maintaining flexibility through changing-adaptable priorities and demanding timelines.
- Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
- Comfortable with technology, able to quickly learn and navigate new platforms and software applications.
- Adaptable, teachable, and open to learning; strong ability and desire to collaborate regarding strategy and seek/receive feedback as appropriate.
Salary Information:
- $80 - $110 per hour
The law firm promotes equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, pregnancy, marital status, family status, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other non-merit-based factor in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
