Disciplinary Counsel, District II - Office of Disciplinary Counsel, Disciplinary Board

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (“ODC”) is the branch of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania that investigates and prosecutes complaints of misconduct against Pennsylvania attorneys. This position is professional legal work in fulfillment of ODC’s mission to protect the public and ensure the integrity of the bar involving the performance of research and analysis, communication with complainants and respondent-attorneys, and legal writing. While based in ODC’s Trooper office, remote work is available for some of the position’s duties.

Starting Salary Range: $70,497 – $110,594
Current Maximum Salary: $148,001

Remarks: Disciplinary Board employees are not state employees and therefore not participants in the State Employees’ Retirement System. Starting salary will vary depending upon the qualifications and employment history of the selected candidate.

Salary information

Typical Duties:

• Lead the prompt and thorough investigation of complaints against attorneys. Promptly review new files upon assignment and take appropriate investigative steps. Document the file with material investigative information.
• Supervise Auditor/Investigator and/or Paralegal in investigating such complaints. Promptly evaluate investigation results and advise the Auditor/Investigator and/or Paralegal if additional investigation is required.
• Coordinate issuance of subpoenas.
• Recommend discipline or dismissal of disciplinary complaints.
• Lead the prompt and thorough investigation of Petitions for Reinstatement and direct Auditor/Investigator to conduct inquiries in specific and general investigative areas. Make a recommendation regarding ODC’s position on reinstatement.
• Prepare disciplinary matters and reinstatement from discipline matters for hearing before a hearing committee. Represent ODC at disciplinary hearings and reinstatement hearings, including presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses.
• Review hearing committee reports and Disciplinary Board reports, make recommendations whether to file briefs on exceptions, briefs opposing exceptions and petitions for review, and draft required briefs and petitions.
• Represent ODC at oral arguments before the Disciplinary Board and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
• Draft pleadings (including Petitions for Discipline and Emergency Temporary Suspension) and briefs for submission to hearing committees, the Disciplinary Board and the Supreme Court.
• Handle matters involving attorneys pursuing disability status.
• Participate in CLE programs on topics of legal ethics.
• Assist in special projects as assigned by a supervisor.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required and/or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an approved school of law, PLUS progressively responsible experience in professional legal work.
• Possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, or eligibility for such certification.

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge of rules governing attorney conduct.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, particularly in regard to disciplinary administration.
• Knowledge of Disciplinary Board policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research.
• Knowledge of and skillful ability in Microsoft Office Suite and other basic or proprietary computer applications.
• Skill in analyzing and drafting legal documents, legal instruments, and other work product.
• Ability to express ideas effectively, appropriately, logically, and in an organized fashion, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively with supervisors and fellow employees.
• Ability to work without significant supervision.
• Trial experience is preferred.