Ethics Counsel
The State Bar of Wisconsin is looking for a knowledgeable and conscientious attorney to serve our members by providing sound ethical guidance on professional conduct issues. You will love being a statewide resource to other attorneys, doing thorough and detailed research on legal issues, making presentations on professional conduct, and staffing our Ethics Hotline. The respected team of two State Bar Ethics Counsel are Wisconsin's experts serving the legal community. This position is ideal for someone seeking a long-term career transition out of law practice.
Who We Are
The State Bar of Wisconsin is a professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for all attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 25,000 members, the State Bar exists to serve its members and the public by promoting the law and access to justice. We aid the courts in improving the administration of justice, provide continuing legal education and other services for our members, support the education of law students, and educate the public about the legal system. The State Bar of Wisconsin also provides public services – such as attorney referrals and public education – and supports programs that provide reduced-fee legal assistance for low-income state residents.
What You Will Love
- The people, the culture and a hybrid work environment! We care about our people, our work, and our members. We value work/life balance and offer excellent benefits and flexibility to support our employees and their lives outside of work. Once fully trained and proficient, this position has the option to work hybrid or remote with occasional travel around the state.
- Working with a mission-driven organization that acts with integrity, promotes justice, and addresses systemic racism and implicit bias in the legal system.
- Working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities. You'll enjoy providing confidential advice on high-stakes matters, legal research, doing presentations, writing articles, and being a subject matter expert on legal ethics in Wisconsin.
- Using your legal expertise to dig into interesting and challenging issues around professional conduct.
What You Will Do
- Provide confidential, timely, informative advice and research assistance on issues of professional conduct to members, to include staffing the Ethics Hotline, and monitoring and responding to e-mail and written inquires.
- Work together with Ethics Program Manager on program planning and development.
- Attend the Committee on Professional Ethics.
- Represent the State Bar and the Ethics Program at ABA meetings, local bar meetings, and other venues through presentations and general participation.
- Work closely with the Wisconsin Courts, the Office of Lawyer Regulation, and the Board of Bar Examiners to promote continuity and consistency of advice.
- Work with the Legal Education & Knowledge area of focus and others in developing and presenting ethics CLE programming.
- Provide new resources and enhance existing resources to assist members in complying with the Rules of Professional Conduct. In collaboration with senior ethics counsel and the Committee on Professional Ethics, draft ethics opinions for review and issuance by the Committee.
- Enhance State Bar Ethics programming through writing and researching current legal ethics topics.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Wisconsin as well as ABA ethics opinions to use as resources for providing guidance to attorneys.
- Understand and integrate cultural proficiency and responsiveness of the Ethics program through training and ongoing development on diversity, equity and inclusion so that there is understanding how your own identities and biases may influence ethics decisions and can adapt to how the member's social identities interact and influence their situation.
- Maintain active licensed attorney status in Wisconsin by meeting all mandatory continuing legal education requirements.
What We Are Looking For
- JD degree: admitted to practice law in Wisconsin or be eligible for admission
- A minimum of three (3) practice experience. Prefer experience in legal ethics and compliance.
- Knowledge of matters relating to legal ethics and professional responsibility law
- Strong legal research and writing capabilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities needed to address complex questions and issues
- Must have strong organizational skills and be extremely detail-oriented to track issues and follow-up.
- Culturally proficient and responsive. Experience and ongoing commitment to understand diversity, equity, inclusion and how social identities impact how we experience and perceive situations.
- Positive work ethic and attitude. Innovative and flexible with respect to changing work environments
- Ability to establish and maintain confidential relationships. Must have the ability to non-judgmentally work with others and speak and listen compassionately.
- Strong verbal, written communication and listening skills. Ability to write clear and informational content for the State Bar's member communications including blogs, magazine, and website.
- Engaging and impactful presentation/public speaking skills; participate in the organization's programming, annual educational conferences and other events as requested.
- Ability to travel statewide (20%)
- Team player and independent self-starter. Cooperative approach to working with colleagues, stakeholders, and partnering organizations.
Compensation and Benefits
The State Bar of Wisconsin offers competitive compensation with annual merit increases and excellent benefits including:
- 3 weeks of paid vacation per year
- 2 weeks of paid sick time per year
- Excellent and low-cost health and dental insurance
- Fully paid life and long-term disability insurance
- 10 paid holidays plus 2 personal days
- Volunteer time off
- Hybrid work schedules and flexibility
- 8% 401(k) contribution!!
- The State Bar is also a “qualified employer" for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
How To Apply
To apply, visit
www.wisbar.org/careers to upload your resume and cover letter,
including salary expectations. This position will be posted until it is filled but priority will be given to applicants who submit early, so don't wait. Apply today!
The State Bar of Wisconsin is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks to create a supportive, welcoming environment for all. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds,
because it's the right thing to do and it makes us stronger.
Candidates who share these values and reflect the rich diversity of our community are
encouraged to apply.
