Disciplinary Counsel - Intake

WSBA Sections Policy Work Group; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 82,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Paid time off

Job summary

Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) seeks a Disciplinary Counsel - Intake to review grievances, oversee investigations, and guide intake processes. The role includes drafting memos, coordinating with the Managing Disciplinary Counsel, and training nonlawyer staff on inquiries from the public about the discipline system.

Requires a JD or WSBA Law Clerk Program completion and active WA State Bar status, with at least two years of practice; five years preferred.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or equivalent, active WA State Bar membership.
• Experience: 2 years practicing law; preferred 5 years in criminal and civil matters.

Responsibilities

• Review grievances to identify files needing investigation or dismissal.
• Investigate and analyze lawyer conduct; draft dismissal letters and notes.
• Direct intake staff and coordinate with other departments on inquiries.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.

Skills

Legal analysis

Written & oral communication

Confidentiality

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor or WSBA Law Clerk Program

Active WA State Bar member

Tools

Litify

Lexis/Nexis

Microsoft 365

Job description

Disciplinary Counsel - Intake Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) - Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)

Salary Range: $91,450 to $91,450 + Washington State Employee Benefits and Retirement
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Work Location: Hybrid - Commutable within Washington

Application Deadline: October 21, 2026

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:

The Intake Disciplinary Counsel reviews, investigates, and analyzes a high volume of grievances against lawyers; prepares dismissal letters and legal memos; and supports the Managing Disciplinary Counsel - Intake by making determinations on opening case files, grievance disposition, developing Intake processes and procedures, and guiding nonlawyer staff on how to respond to inquiries from members and the public about the lawyer discipline system.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Reviews grievances:

• Evaluates written grievances received by ODC to identify files requiring further investigation
• Dismisses grievances not requiring investigation
• Makes recommendations on referring matters for additional investigation and possible prosecution
• Reviews other sources of information regarding lawyer misconduct to identify matters requiring file opening and further investigation
• Handles a high volume of daily correspondence and phone calls as assigned by the Managing Disciplinary Counsel-Intake

Investigates disciplinary matters:

• Investigates and analyzes specific lawyer conduct, generally when it is the subject of an open file
• Directs investigator(s) as necessary in investigating open files
• Drafts detailed dismissal letters with analysis of applicable law and facts
• Drafts transfer notes for matters being referred for additional investigation
• Consults with assigned disciplinary counsel on files referred for investigation

Intake Team support:

• Assists the Managing Disciplinary Counsel-Intake with directing the work of Intake staff and with coordination with other departments on handling internal and public inquiries
• Otherwise provides back-up for Managing Disciplinary Counsel-Intake by making Intake decisions on file openings, the disposition of grievances, and statistical issues

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Required:

• Juris Doctor or successful completion of WSBA Law Clerk Program.
• Active member of the WA State Bar Association, and in good standing.

Experience Required:

• 2 years of practicing law, including experience.

Experience Preferred:

• 5 years of practicing law with experience in both criminal and civil areas.

Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Required:

• Clear, professional written and oral communication to a variety of audiences.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to respond to stakeholders promptly, accurately, and with professionalism.
• Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects with competing deadlines, and maintain effectiveness in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess complex or unfamiliar situations and determine appropriate actions.
• Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures accurately.
• Excellent legal analysis, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and consistently exercise professional judgment and ethics.
• Ability to foster teamwork, collaboration, and professionalism; able to work both independently and as a positive, contributing team member.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to quickly learn and use new software and technology platforms.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to WSBA/ODC systems, including Litify (case/file management), the ODC document management system, the WSBA membership database, online legal research tools (e.g., Lexis/Nexis), court record databases, and videoconferencing technology.

Competencies (Skills/Abilities) Preferred:

• Familiarity with Adobe Pro, Litify (case management system), and Docrio (document management system).
• Experience working in paperless work environment.

Working Conditions:

This is a Hybrid - Commutable position and job duties may be performed in person or remotely. All WSBA staff must be flexible to work in office or travel within WA state as deemed necessary, or as required.

The WSBA headquarters are the primary location while working for the WSBA regardless of where staff may reside within Washington. WSBA does not offer fully remote positions and reserves the right to require employees to work in-person and on-site at the WSBA headquarters or at any worksite necessary to fulfill job duties. For remote work (if applicable), staff must have an adequate work environment and internet access for performing work of a sensitive and confidential nature. Additionally, staff are required to use a personal smart mobile device for multifactor authentication via a WSBA authorized App.

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 WSBA’s business hours 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 use standard computer and office equipment (e.g., copiers, scanners, printers, phones, fax, etc.).

WSBA Benefits Include:

• State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).
• 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/PSSL, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave).
• Transportation incentives, based on primary work selection requirements.
• Allowance to set up a home office, based on a primary remote work selection.
• Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program.
• The WSBA is a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Eligible tuition assistance and continued training programs.
• Eligible for a discounted pet insurance 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).

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 WSBA is subject to Washington State Court Rules General Rule (GR) 12.4, which specifies the Bar’s responsibility and process to provide public access to Bar records.

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.

Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Grid