Assistant Ethics Counsel

Posted on August 12, 2024

The Virginia State Bar has an immediate opening for an experienced attorney to work as an Assistant Ethics Counsel. The VSB Ethics department attorneys advise bar members, judges, and out-of-state attorneys through the ethics hotline on a variety of professional regulation issues, including legal ethics, lawyer advertising, and unauthorized practice of law. They also develop and present CLEs, interpret statutes and rules relating to legal ethics, draft legal ethics opinions and rule amendments, and provide counsel and support to assigned committees, task forces and work groups.

Position Description:

  • Staffs the ethics hotline on a rotating basis during regular business hours and provides prompt and appropriate ethics advice to inquirers.
  • Develops and presents CLEs on topics related to legal ethics, including regular travel throughout the state.
  • Creates and updates other educational materials such as articles, website content, and VSB publications.
  • Provides support to VSB committees and other groups as needed.
  • Identifies and pursues opportunities for improvement to rules, educational materials, or other resources, including collaboration with other VSB employees and groups.

Required Qualifications

  • J.D. from an accredited law school.
  • Active member in good standing with the VSB with no disciplinary sanctions.
  • Experience in the practice of law.
  • Ability to advise effectively on ethics issues over the phone and in writing.
  • Ability to work effectively with a team and to communicate effectively with VSB members and employees, other volunteers, and members of the public.
  • Ability to develop and present CLEs, both individually and as part of a panel.
  • Knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Work well under pressure and manage several priorities in a day, including independently managing short- and long-term deadlines.
  • Interest in and knowledge of the evolving practice of law.
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check.

This position includes state benefits and a starting salary range of $95,000 - $110,000. This position is required to work in the Richmond office and is eligible to telework one day per week after six months. Send cover letter, resume, and a writing sample (i.e., article, brief, or pleading) to: [email protected] This position is open until filled. EOE