Ethics Counsel - Utah State Bar

Utah State Bar Ethics Counsel Job Posting

The Utah State Bar is seeking an Ethics Counsel to manage the Bar’s Ethics Hotline. The Bar’s Ethics Counsel serves in the Office of General Counsel and 1) provides informal ethics advice to licensed Utah lawyers and Licensed Paralegal Practitioners (LPPs), 2) staffs the Utah State Bar’s Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee (EAOC), and 3) serves as a staff liaison to the Supreme Court’s Rules of Professional Conduct Committee. The Ethics Counsel also provides regular education and guidance on ethical issues affecting Utah lawyers and LPPs. Excellent public speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential to this job.

The Utah State Bar is a not-for-profit organization that regulates the lawyers in the state of Utah and provides programming and events to assist lawyers in building their practices. The Bar serves the public by offering programs and services to ensure individuals have access to lawyers and the legal system. The Bar also organizes and promotes law-related events and news in the state. The Bar is a PSLF-qualified entity.

 General Description of Duties

1.     Provide ethical guidance to Utah licensed lawyers and LPPs who submit ethics questions to the Bar’s Ethics Hotline.

2.     Work with General Counsel to staff the Bar’s Rules of Professional Conduct Committee.

3.     Staff the Utah State Bar’s Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee.

4.     Provide guidance on relevant and timely issues, business practices, technology, succession planning, and other practice requirements that implicate the Rules of Professional Conduct.

5.     Create and present ethics CLEs.

6.     Draft occasional Bar Journal articles and blog posts on relevant ethics topics.

7.     Remain up to date on all relevant issues that affect the practice of law, including regulatory reform efforts, the Rules of Professional Conduct, applicable legislative updates, and technological advancements. Issue relevant updates and guidance to Bar members on a regular basis.

8.     Collaborate with Communications Director on how to advertise information about Bar ethics services for lawyers.

Minimum Requirements

·       Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school and attorney licensure. 

·       Excellent public speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.

·       Knowledge of the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers and LPPs.

·       Knowledge of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct.

·       Familiarity with the Ethics Advisory Opinion Committee procedures and opinions.

·       Ability to travel for related conferences and CLEs.

·       Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and to interact with a broad cross section of individuals.

Salary Range begins at $80,000 and can go higher depending on skills and experience. Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vacation, sick leave and a 401(k). Some remote and flexible work arrangements are available.

The Utah State Bar is an equal employment opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Christy Abad at christy.abad@utahbar.org. This position will remain open until filled.