Attorney II/III

Job Description

State Bar Court

Annual Salary Range for Attorney II: $119,076 - $178,472

Annual Salary Range for Attorney III: $140,123 - $210,021

FLSA Exempt / Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week

About the Office

The State Bar Court (SBC) adjudicates disciplinary and regulatory cases involving attorneys and recommends attorney discipline to the California Supreme Court. The SBC is structured as a Hearing Department (trial court) and a Review Department (appeals court). California is the only state with an independent professional Court dedicated to ruling on attorney discipline cases.

The Ideal Candidate

The State Bar Court seeks an Attorney for the Review Department. The ideal candidate will possess excellent research and writing skills, the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, attention to detail, and sound judgment. Prior judicial or appellate experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

The Review Department Attorney provides critical legal support to the judges of the Review Department in fulfilling their primary function of conducting independent review of disciplinary decisions issued by the Hearing Department. Core responsibilities include drafting and editing opinions, conducting legal research, preparing interlocutory review orders and other judicial orders, and assisting with recommendations for summary disbarments and resignations with charges pending.

Attorney II

Definition

Under general supervision, the Attorney II performs legal work under general direction of the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel and/or Attorney V (collectively "Management"), with progressively increasing degree of complexity and independence that includes the identification of legal issues, recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research; and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda; and litigation activities. The Attorney II handles assigned litigation, may take lead responsibility in case/project management presentations, and may assist in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Attorney II is the journey-level classification in the attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff or as a lead counsel in trials.

The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

When Assigned to the Office of General Counsel:

• Maintains close working relationships with Management, and subject matter supervisors, to whom they are assigned in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Coordinates the work of other staff necessary to perform assigned responsibilities and may participate in the training of other personnel.
• Responsible for increasingly complex matters of difficulty, with the expectation of producing favorable results.
• Handling litigation matters, including responding to complaints, propounding and responding to discovery, substantive motions, and hearings, up to and including trial.
• Conducting "second look" reviews of complaints filed against attorneys that have been closed by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel without taking any action, and determining whether to recommend further actions with respect to such complaints.
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities of an increasingly complex nature and is responsible for the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, reports, opinions, and other materials of an increasingly complex nature.
• Prepares for and completes cases, projects, presentations, and other assignments of an increasingly complex nature.
• Coordinates with other attorneys, volunteers, and other constituencies as assigned.
• Ensures the adequate, effective, and timely preparation, presentation, and completion of investigations, cases, and/or legal projects assigned.
• Keeps informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to their function.
• Assists in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to assigned matters. May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

When Assigned Outside of the Office of General Counsel:

• Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues.
• Reviews applications for program eligibility.
• Makes recommendations regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints.
• Conducts legal research in various areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
• Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, tentative or draft decisions, and/or other documents.
• Prepares cases for hearing or trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
• Serves as counsel on trials, which may include delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations, and preparing post-trial briefs.
• Writes legal analysis and provides instruction and/or advice to others.
• Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, applications, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
• Provides direction to non-attorney staff.
• Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned and assists in the evaluation of the work product.
• Stays informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
• Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions or alternative methods of procedures.
• Presents matters before State Bar sub-entities, commissions, or oversight bodies, including preparing, reviewing, or editing draft decisions and agenda items. • Participates in training and professional development activities.
• May perform a number of other similar or related duties that are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Substantive knowledge of law, rules, decisions, practices, and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature.
• Substantive knowledge of effective investigation techniques, case management, and presentation of matters to administrative bodies.
• Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions.
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
• Rules and procedures related to public meetings.
• Principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Principles of effective time management.
• Principles of oral advocacy.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Principles of legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings.
• Principles of conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California.

Ability to:

• Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
• Conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
• Work under the pressure of short deadlines.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Review and analyze complex written documents.
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating knowledge and skills necessary for the position.
• Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar's selection process for this classification.

License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements:

• Must be an active member, in good standing, of the State Bar of California.

Attorney III

Definition

Under direction and with a progressively increasing degree of complexity and independence, the Attorney III performs complex legal work that includes the identification of legal issues; recommendations of appropriate action; resolution of legal problems; interpretation and application of laws, rules, regulations, and other legal authorities; legal research and analysis; preparation of legal documents, opinions, and other memoranda, and litigation activities. The Attorney III handles assigned litigation, frequently takes lead responsibility in case/project management presentations, and assists in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the Attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff, or as a lead counsel in trials.

The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.

The Attorney III differs from the Attorney IV in that the latter has a more complex caseload and serves in a lead capacity over other attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

When Assigned to the Office of General Counsel:

• Maintains close working relationships with Management, subject matter supervisors, and members of the team to which they are assigned in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Coordinates the work of other staff necessary to perform assigned responsibilities and may participate in the training of other personnel.
• Responsible for handling complex matters, with the expectation of producing favorable results.
• Handling litigation matters, including responding to complaints, propounding and responding to discovery, substantive motions, and hearings, up to and including trial.
• Conducting "second look" reviews of complaints filed against attorneys that have been closed by the Office of Chief Trial Counsel without taking any action and determining whether to recommend further actions with respect to such complaints.
• Studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities that are more complex than those handled by Attorney IIs and is responsible for the preparation of legal documents, pleadings, memoranda, reports, opinions, and other materials.
• Prepares for and completes cases, projects, presentations, and other assignments of a more complex nature.
• Coordinates with other attorneys, volunteers, and other constituencies as assigned.
• Ensures the adequate, effective, and timely preparation, presentation, and completion of investigations, cases, and/or legal projects assigned.
• Keeps informed and assures that subordinate staff is informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to their function.
• May participate in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy and represents and counsels management with respect to human resources issues.
• Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions and or alternative methods or procedures.
• Assumes a senior-level role in advising management in the effectuation and/or formulation of management policy.
• Provides substantive and procedural guidance to lower-level Attorneys.
• Provides direction to, and reviews the work of, non-attorney staff.
• May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

When Assigned Outside of the Office of General Counsel:

• Independently researches, analyzes, interprets, and applies legal principles within the assigned work area.
• Conducts legal research in various areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
• Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, tentative or draft decisions, and/or other documents.
• Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned and assists in the evaluation of the work product.
• Stays informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
• Provides substantive and procedural recommendations to other attorneys to assist them with their cases or prepare them for trial.
• Provides legal advice to management, executive staff, judges, sub-entities, commissions, or oversight bodies.
• Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues, and makes decisions regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints. • Reviews applications for program eligibility.
• Prepares cases for hearing or trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
• Performs trials, including delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross examinations, and preparing post-trial briefs.
• Writes legal analysis setting forth facts and legal conclusions.
• Serves as lead attorney on trials or appellate cases.
• Conducts informal and formal discovery to ensure that legal analyses and recommendations have sufficient evidentiary and legal bases.
• Performs independent review of the record of moral character and disciplinary proceedings on appeal from the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court.
• Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, applications, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
• Presents matters before State Bar sub-entities, commissions, or oversight bodies, including preparing, reviewing, or editing draft decisions and agenda items.
• Participates in training and professional development activities and may lead training activities.
• May serve as a guide and mentor to other attorneys and staff, as needed, in researching, interpreting, and applying complex legal principles and preparing them for trial.
• Performs similar or related duties, which may not be specifically included within this job description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Substantive knowledge of law, rules, decisions, practices, and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature.
• Substantive knowledge of effective investigation techniques, case management, and presentation of matters to administrative bodies.
• Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions.
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
• Rules and procedures related to public hearings.
• Principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management.
• Advanced analytical skills.
• Principles of effective time management.
• Principles of oral advocacy.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills.
• Advanced legal research and preparation of reports, briefs opinions, and pleadings.
• Principles of conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California.

Ability to:

• Receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
• Conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
• Work under the pressure of short deadlines.
• Effectively address conflict.
• Review and analyze complex written documents.
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.

Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in litigation and/or legal advice work demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary for this position.
• Demonstrated verifiable reputation for integrity and no history of disciplinary offenses as an attorney or in any other capacity.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar's selection process for this classification.

License, Certificate, and Registration Requirements:

• Must be an active member, in good standing, in the State Bar of California.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.

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• The State Bar of California

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