Assistant Chief Disciplinary Counsel

Seeking a qualified individual to assist the Chief Disciplinary Counsel in the investigation and pursuit, where appropriate, of complaints against attorneys and allegations of unauthorized practice of law. The successful candidate will assist in the review of records of complaints from grievance panels in matters where probable cause has been found, pursue matters at contested hearings before the statewide grievance committee or a reviewing committee, and make appropriate recommendations concerning dispositions to the statewide grievance committee or a reviewing committee. The successful candidate will also handle other attorney disciplinary matters before the Superior Court that may include but are not limited to appointment to act as Trustee to inventory the files and take other appropriate action to protect the interests of the clients of deactivated attorneys and, in certain cases, deceased attorneys and any appeals from those decisions. Per Connecticut Practice Book Section 2-34A (a), the selected candidate may not engage in the private practice of law.

DIVISION

Office of the Chief Court Administrator

CLASS DEFINITION

This class is accountable for assisting the Chief Disciplinary Counsel in the investigation and pursuit, where appropriate, of complaints against attorneys and allegations of unauthorized practice of law.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, First Assistant Chief Disciplinary Counsel or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists in the review of records of complaints from grievance panels in matters where probable cause has been found and makes appropriate recommendations concerning dispositions to the statewide grievance committee or a reviewing committee after a hearing on a complaint is concluded; pursues complaints before the statewide grievance committee where probable cause has been found; pursues complaints before a grievance panel on the issue of probable cause where requested to do so by the panel; may file written complaints alleging attorney misconduct; defends appeals by attorneys from decisions of the statewide grievance committee or a reviewing committee imposing a reprimand or other sanction; drafts, files, and litigates presentments of attorneys to the Superior Court and appeals from same; drafts, files, and litigates applications for the interim suspension, reciprocal discipline, discipline following criminal convictions, and the placement on inactive status of attorneys; assists Judges of the Superior Court as necessary in matters involving alleged misconduct in cases before the court; may represent the statewide grievance committee in the Superior Court in resignation hearings and hearings conducted on applications for inactive status brought by attorneys; may represent the grievance committee in lawsuits filed against it and appeals therefrom; may negotiate dispositions of complaints with respondents and their attorneys, subject to approval of the statewide grievance committee, reviewing committee, or the court; performs necessary legal research; investigates and prosecutes complaints involving unauthorized practice of law; may conduct special assignments as directed; acts for the Chief Disciplinary Counsel during absences; performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of law and legal process, legal principles and practice and the Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys; knowledge of litigation and the appellate process; knowledge of and ability to apply relevant State and Federal laws; knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; computer skills; considerable ability to analyze legal problems, present statements of fact, law, and argument.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

General Experience:

Membership in the Connecticut Bar and seven (7) years of experience in the practice of law. Some private practice experience is preferred.

Note:

Litigation experience is required. Both trial and appellate court litigation experience is preferred, but administrative experience is acceptable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Incumbents may be required to travel in the course of their daily work.