The Disciplinary Counsel administers the attorney misconduct program pursuant to Supreme Court Administrative Order 9, including investigating and litigating all disciplinary and disability matters. The Disciplinary Counsel position reports to the State Court Administrator and supports the leadership of the Professional Responsibility Board (PRB). Will look to the PRB for guidance on caseload management and when to engage outside contract counsel due to conflict or excess of cases. Disciplinary Counsel shall also confer periodically with the PRB to review operations and perform other assigned tasks.

This is a full-time, permanent opening in Montpelier or Burlington, Vermont. Starting salary is $98,000 or higher, depending upon experience, with full State of Vermont employee benefits. The State of Vermont’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth approximately 30% of your total compensation.

Essential Job Functions:

• Investigate professional conduct complaints filed against lawyers and referred by bar counsel.
• Investigate notices of overdrafts to pooled interest-bearing trust accounts.
• Interview complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
• Request, gather and review evidence of all types, including electronically stored information and financial records.
• Conduct discovery, including depositions.
• Analyze and assess the results of an investigation and decide whether to dismiss a complaint, refer a complaint for non-disciplinary resolution, or recommend that formal disciplinary or disability proceedings be commenced against a lawyer.
• Litigate and prosecute all phases of cases in which formal disciplinary or disability proceedings are commenced, including the appellate phase.
• Conduct cross-examination, discovery, and the submission of evidence, if any, in response to motions for reinstatement.

This job description provides the general nature and level of work performed by employees of this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required of this classification.

Minimum Qualifications:

(Required to perform the essential functions of the job.)

• The applicant must be admitted to Bar of the Vermont Supreme Court, on active status, and in good standing.
• A minimum of 5-8 years’ experience in litigation.
• Strong research & analytical skills, including skills in web & cloud based legal research.
• Strong writing skills. A writing sample might be requested.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience as a prosecutor, whether civil enforcement or criminal.
• Experience working with skilled opposing counsel.
• Experience working with short deadlines.
• Experience as an appellate advocate.
• Experience responding to media requests.
• Experience as a public speaker.

Benefits:

• Twelve days each of vacation and sick leave are earned per year. 
• Twelve holidays are paid per year.
• Group life and medical insurance are available.
• Dental coverage is effective after six months.
• Long Term Disability coverage after one year.
• Deferred Compensation (457 Plan), a supplemental savings and investment plan for retirement. 
• Membership in the Vermont State Employees’ Retirement System, through either a Defined Benefit (i.e. pension) plan or through a Defined Contribution plan.

The annual equivalent for this position will be $98,000 or higher depending upon experience. Occasional travel to other locations throughout the state may be required. Private means of transportation is necessary. Travel will be reimbursed according to reimbursement policies of the State of Vermont. Job code # 23005.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills in all state government positions. The Judicial Branch is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and the recruitment process is designed to treat all applicants equitably.