Job Title: Deputy counsel
Department: Office of Counsel
Immediate Supervisor: Counsel and senior deputy counsel
Ultimate Supervisors: Counsel and executive director
Positions Supervised: None
Purpose of the Job: The primary responsibilities of this position are to investigate and report to the Grievance Committee upon grievances filed against lawyers licensed to practice law in North Carolina and to provide legal advice and other support to the State Bar and its committees, boards, and commissions. The counsel may also assign this position one or more other responsibilities of the Office of Counsel, which could include duties associated with trusteeships, public records requests seeking potentially privileged or confidential materials, prepaid legal services plans, and the Client Security Fund. This position does not include significant litigation responsibilities.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Work with Grievance Committee
- Direct investigations of grievances involving North Carolina licensees
- Prepare reports and make recommendations to the Grievance Committee concerning disposition of grievances
- Staff meetings of the Grievance Committee
- Field questions from grievance complainants and respondents
- Draft disciplinary orders issued by the Grievance Committee
- Provide legal advice and support to the Attorney Client Assistance Program
Work with State Bar Committees, Boards and Commissions
- Provide legal opinions to State Bar committees, boards, and commissions
- Prepare agendas and minutes for meetings of assigned State Bar committees
- Draft proposed rule changes for assigned State Bar committees
Accountability and Authority
This position reports directly to the counsel, the senior deputy counsel, and the executive director of the State Bar. Deputy counsel exercises independent judgment concerning his or her caseload and is expected to complete all assigned responsibilities timely with minimal supervision. Deputy counsel consults with the counsel and the executive director concerning issues of State Bar policy and concerning legal issues and proceedings respecting which deputy counsel represents the State Bar. Deputy counsel has some supervisory responsibility, in conjunction with the counsel, the senior deputy counsel, the director of operations of the Office of Counsel, and the director of investigations, for the paralegal, administrative, and investigative staff.
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
- JD and active North Carolina law license with no professional discipline
- Minimum of five years experience in the practice of law, which may include in part judicial clerk experience
- Trial experience in state or federal courts or administrative tribunals preferred but not required
- Excellent writing and speaking skills
- Academic success in undergraduate and law school
Working Conditions
- Position is exempt in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, one hour lunch break
- Overtime as required, unpaid
- Some travel, usually in state, mileage reimbursed
The North Carolina State Bar is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
Please send resume, cover letter, references, and a recent writing sample to Katherine Jean.
