Chief Disciplinary Counsel

This position is EXEMPT from the State of Delaware Merit System.

Recruitment #092624-j65727-20100

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Summary Statement

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) is the Arm of the Delaware Supreme Court responsible for regulating the conduct of lawyers who practice law in Delaware. The ODC is charged with evaluating, investigating, and, if warranted, prosecuting lawyer misconduct. The Chief Disciplinary Counsel occupies a professional and confidential position subject to assignment by the Chief Justice and the Justices of the Delaware Supreme Court.

Preferred Qualification

Applicants who do not possess the preferred qualification will still be eligible to compete for this position if job requirements are met.

  1. Experience practicing before the Delaware Supreme Court.  
  2. Prior experience supervising attorneys and staff.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed.

  • Screening and evaluating all information relating to conduct by a lawyer and/or the practice of law in the State of Delaware coming to the attention of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel from the Judiciary, members of the public, members of the Bar admitted to practice law in Delaware, other jurisdictions, and other sources.
  • Investigating, when necessary or appropriate, all information which might be grounds for disciplinary or other action regarding the practice of law in the State of Delaware coming to the attention of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel from the Judiciary, members of the public, members of the Bar admitted to practice law in Delaware, other jurisdictions, and other sources. 
  • Making such recommendations to the Court, the Board on Professional Responsibility, the Unauthorized Practice of Law Subcommittee of the Board on Professional Responsibility, the Preliminary Review Committee, the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, and any other related agency as to disciplinary or other action regarding the practice of law in the State of Delaware. 
  • Prosecuting cases for disciplinary or other action before the Court, the Board on Professional Responsibility, and the Unauthorized Practice of Law Subcommittee of the Board on Professional Responsibility and negotiating the sensible but fair resolution of cases short of full prosecution, when appropriate.
  • Supervising and assigning work to non-legal staff as necessary or appropriate for the operation of the office. 
  • Promptly notifying the complainant and the respondent of the disposition of each matter.
  • Maintaining permanent records of discipline, disability, and unauthorized practice matters and compiling statistics to aid in the administration of the system.
  • Providing guidance and education regarding the Delaware Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct through Continuing Legal Education programs and less formal communications.
  • Undertaking any other tasks or investigations required pursuant to directions from the Court, or as necessary or appropriate to the purposes of the regulation of the practice of law in the State of Delaware.


Job Requirements

Applicants must have education, training, and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Graduation from an ABA accredited law school. 
  2. Minimum of 10 years’ experience as an attorney, preferably in litigation, including participation in hearings, preparation of matters for trials and appellate proceedings.  
  3. Must be a member in good standing of the Delaware Bar.  
  4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  5. Ability to navigate complicated and emotionally charged situations while remaining composed and even-tempered.

Conditions of Hire

  • A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.

Benefits

  • Full time employees are eligible for FREE parking!!!
  • To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Selection Process

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. 


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.
Contact us via conventional means. For further assistance, you may contact us by phone at (302) 739-5458, or e-mail at jobs@delaware.gov.