Staff Attorney/Disciplinary Counsel (Job 2771)

JOB TITLE :

Staff Attorney / Disciplinary Counsel

JOB # : 2771

2771

TYPICAL HIRING SALARY :

up to $100,000.00 annualized, DOE

CLOSING DATE :

All positions are open until filled.

AGENCY PROFILE :

The Commission on Judicial Conduct is an independent agency within the judicial branch of state government. It consists of eleven members (six judges, three public members and two attorneys) and a small staff located in Phoenix.

The Commission processes approximately 500 complaints against judges each year and provides staff support for the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, which issues advisory opinions to judges and court employees throughout the state.

For more information, visit its website at : www.azcourts.gov / azcjc.

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Commission on Judicial Conduct is seeking an associate Staff Attorney to act as investigator (Staff Attorney) and prosecutor (Disciplinary Counsel) on complaints filed with the Commission.

This position would assist our current Staff Attorney / Disciplinary Counsel.

The Staff Attorney evaluates complaints, conducts multiple investigations of varying complexity simultaneously, and performs traditional litigation functions in formal cases before both the Commission and the Arizona Supreme Court.

Investigation functions include interviewing complainants, witnesses, and judicial officers; researching court records; and preparing case summaries.

Litigation functions include preparing and filing formal charges, motions, and briefs; conducting depositions; drafting and responding to discovery requests;

prosecuting formal hearings; and engaging in oral arguments. Because formal cases are only a small percentage of the workload, the primary focus and most crucial essential functions relate to the evaluation and investigation of complaints.

Other duties as assigned, including assisting with the development and adoption of changes to various rules applicable to the Commission's work, helping to maintain and improve the Commission's website, and helping to maintain and improve the Commission's electronic records management systems.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid-telework schedule once the employee has completed three (3) months of employment and has sufficiently proved their ability to perform assigned tasks.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

The successful candidate will hold a law degree from an American Bar Association-approved law school, active membership in the State Bar of Arizona, and a minimum of two years experience in court litigation (trial and / or appellate) and / or administrative proceedings.

• In addition, this individual must have a working knowledge and reasonable familiarity with all levels of the Arizona court system as well as general knowledge of court records and administrative processes;
• strong analytical abilities and attention to detail; ability to apply court and commission rules, procedures, orders, and policies;

demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with others in a professional manner; and excellent oral and written communication skills.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the field of legal and / or judicial ethics; experience in investigating citizen complaints;

experience with Microsoft applications (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint) and Adobe Acrobat; and familiarity with Microsoft Surface Pros and cloud-based document storage and retrieval services.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

Travel level : Minimal. The successful candidate will have the ability to travel periodically for commission meetings, to conduct investigations, and to attend educational programs and other job-related conferences.

SELECTION PROCESS :

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Only applicants whose backgrounds most closely meet the needs of the position may be invited to interview.

References and writing samples may be requested at a later date. Requests for a special accommodation to participate in the interview process should be made at the time you are contacted to schedule an interview.

This is a regular, full-time, exempt position that is not covered by the State Merit System. The disciplinary counsel is an at-will employee.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The candidate selected will be required to undergo and pass a background check.

Benefits include State of Arizona health insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holiday pay, and are as provided to all full-time commission employees pursuant to the commission's human resources policy manual.

Participation in the Arizona State Retirement Plan (ASRS) is a mandatory condition of employment for this position.

BENEFITS :

The Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Court offers a comprehensive benefits package to include :

• Accrued vacation pay and sick leave
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work / life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive.

Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

RETIREMENT :

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

The Commission on Judicial Conduct is an EOE / ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer

NOTE :

This position has been grant-funded on a one-year basis with on-going efforts to seek permanent funding from the legislature.