Summary: The Deputy General Counsel (DGC) has primary responsibility for management and oversight of the disciplinary function of the State Bar of Georgia.

About the Bar: The State Bar of Georgia exists to foster among the members of the Bar of this state the principles of duty and service to the public; to improve the administration of justice; and to advance the science of law. All persons authorized to practice law in this State are required to be members.

About the Office of the General Counsel: The Disciplinary Unit of the Office of the General Counsel acts with the authority of the Supreme Court of Georgia to investigate allegations of misconduct by lawyers, to prosecute cases where a lawyer’s conduct may violate the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct, and to maintain current records of disciplinary information for lawyers licensed to practice law in Georgia.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provides day-to-day supervision and training for staff lawyers in the disciplinary unit, including those responsible for the Client Assistance Program and the screening office
• Serves as primary counsel to the State Disciplinary Board, providing legal advice, conducting orientation and periodic CLE programs, preparing annual reports, staffing Board meetings, and supervising the Clerk of the State Disciplinary Board in duties related to the Board
• May be called upon to handle a caseload of disciplinary cases or to serve as primary counsel for high-profile or complex cases
• Stays abreast of national trends and developments in lawyer regulation through participation in the National Organization of Bar Counsel and the American Bar Association Center for Professional Responsibility
• Serves as office manager with responsibility for office staffing, daily management, monitoring staff expenditures, and budget requests
• Serves as counsel to the Disciplinary Rules and Procedures Committee and other State Bar committees as assigned
• Provides ethics advice to lawyers and judges
• Researches, prepares written materials, and serves as a speaker for CLE programs
• Acts for General Counsel or Bar Counsel in their absence as necessary
• Performs various other duties relating to the regulation of Georgia’s legal profession, as directed by the Supreme Court of Georgia, the State Disciplinary Boards, the State Bar Board of Governors, and the General Counsel
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the General Counsel

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB 

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Possess analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to supervise and lead numerous employees, including OGC staff attorneys, while also accepting supervision
• Ability to be patient, discreet, professional, and tactful while interacting with State Bar staff, members, volunteers, committee/board members, and leaders
• Even temperament and ability to deal with difficult telephone calls, challenging situations, and staff issues
• Available to interact with and support the public and State Bar staff, members, volunteers, committee/board members, and leaders in a timely and professional manner
• Manage budget development, preparation, and maintenance
• Legal research skills, using programs such as Lexis/Nexis, Westlaw, and Fastcase
• Attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work product
• Handle and prioritize multiple tasks and litigation caseload
• Willingness to work as part of a team
• Comply with all State Bar policies
• Subject to in-person and remote supervision and expected to perform their job in a State Bar office unless managing or supporting a meeting or event that takes place away from a State Bar office or telecommuting in compliance with State Bar policy

REQUIRED SKILLS 

• Must approach all duties with the professional competence of an experienced litigator and manager
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently (or with co-counsel)
• Excellent public speaking and writing skills
• Exceptional legal judgment
• Must be able to accept and provide constructive criticism
• Should be even-tempered, level-headed, and diplomatic
• Should be organized and able to perform various tasks while meeting deadlines and handling a heavy workload.
• Working knowledge of word processing and database programs, such as Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Acrobat

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE 

• Member of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing with at least 10 years of active litigation experience strongly preferred
• Supervisory and management experience required
• Should have a thorough understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct

How to Apply:

• Please send a letter of interest and a resume to HR@gabar.org with a copy to PaulaF@gabar.org