The Office of Disciplinary Counsel
Salary: $62,587 + Washington State Employee Benefits
FLSA - Exempt; Full-time
The WSBA's mission is to serve the public and the me mbers of the Bar, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.
The Washington State Bar Association operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court and exercises a governmental function authorized by the Washington Supreme Court to license and regulate the state’s nearly 40,000 legal professionals, including lawyers, limited practice officers, and limited license legal technicians. The WSBA both regulates legal professionals under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. The WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; administers the lawyer discipline system. and provides continuing legal education for legal professionals, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.
Purpose and Position Summary:A Random Examination Auditor, as an integral part of the WSBA’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), plays a lead role in examining lawyers’ handling of client funds by examining trust-account records, in connection with the random examination program, to determine compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC). A Random Examination Auditor also educates legal professionals regarding the trust-account rules.
Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities:- Performs preliminary examination of lawyers’ handling of client funds, recordkeeping, and practices to determine compliance with the RPC and to assist the lawyers in bringing their practices into compliance with the RPC.
- Prepares Random Examination Reports.
- Manages multiple cases simultaneously, with an eye for detail and organization.
- Educates legal professionals regarding the trust-account rules and establishing proper procedures, by responding to inquiries, teaching Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars, and participating in other proactive prevention programs.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or related field, or equivalent experience
Licensing/Certification Preferred:Certified Fraud Examiner certification
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills Required:- Minimum of three years of experience in financial accounting and/or bookkeeping, including account and bank reconciliations, preferably in the legal profession (including lawyers’ trust accounts)
- Forensic auditing experience, as well as other advanced investigative skills
- Knowledge of, and experience with, government rules, legal regulations, and compliance auditing
- Experience in public speaking
- Adherence to strict confidentiality
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, with particular emphasis on Excel
- Proficiency with QuickBooks software
- Skilled in performing bank-account reconciliations manually
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Must demonstrate high level of integrity
- Good judgment and decision-making skills
- Analytical skills and the ability to understand and resolve complex issues
- Strong organization and time-management skills; detail and task-oriented
A Random Examination Auditor may work primarily remotely (upon approval by the Audit Manager) after the completion of initial training and onboarding activities, provided that the Random Examination Auditor has an adequate home/work environment for performing and attending online meetings regarding confidential work during scheduled work hours. A Random Examination Auditor must be able to attend in-person trainings, meetings, hearings, and/or seminars as needed. Occasional travel around the State and locally, including overnight travel, may be necessary (must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and auto insurance).
WSBA Benefits:- Flexible work environment with the ability to work remotely, in office, or hybrid (employees must reside in WA state and maintain regular scheduled hours)
- State of Washington Retirement system (PERS) including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan through DRS
- Medical benefits through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost
- 100% coverage for employee Dental and Vision Coverage
- Short-term and Long-term Disability coverages
- Generous Paid Time Off Benefits
- Transportation benefit through the ORCA Passport system, based on a primary in-office work selection option
- Allowance to set up a home office, based on a Remote work selection option
- Free Employee Assistance Program
- Additional Employee Discounts & Incentives
- You will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish our WSBA Mission
WSBA employees must have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of November 1, 2021. All new employees are required to present proof of vaccination status on their first day of employment, unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption, and an approved accommodation by Human Resources.
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.