Disciplinary Counsel (Attorney 2)
New Jersey CourtsDescription
If another position becomes available within five months of this recruitment’s closing date, the applicant pool from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.
When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in lives of the public we serve. We work hard every day to build the public’s trust and confidence in our court system, which includes issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization and recovery court. Whether it be in a courtroom, an administrative office, a courthouse training room, an IT office or in the field, our Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day. We honor the dignity and individualism of each member of our organization while fostering professionalism and continuous improvement in our work.
SALARY: The salary range for this position is $96,767.80 to $140,941.95 for Schedule A, and $96,767.80 to $133,894.86 for Schedule B. For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater. Judiciary employees hired prior to June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals, and Judiciary employees hired on or after June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule B.
The Judiciary offers a strong opportunity for growth.
The Office of Professional and Governmental Services is seeking a highly motivated attorney to serve as Disciplinary Counsel for the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct (ACJC). This is a challenging opportunity for an experienced attorney seeking a career in a fast-paced environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for drafting and filing formal complaints against respondent judges and preparing matters for presentation at formal hearings before the ACJC. Additional responsibilities will include preparing and providing briefs for review by the New Jersey Supreme Court in conjunction with the issuance of an Order to Show Cause and conducting oral argument before the Supreme Court. The successful candidate will also conduct legal research and prepare legal memoranda, evaluate factual issues and evidentiary proofs, and assign work to investigative staff in conjunction with the preparation of cases for presentation to the ACJC.
A writing sample will be requested from candidates selected for interview.REMOTE WORK: The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings. To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access.
Example of Duties
Maintain a detailed understanding of the processes governing the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct (ACJC) (per New Jersey Court Rule 2:15), as well as those New Jersey court rules applicable to judicial discipline.
Maintain a detailed understanding of the provisions of the New Jersey Code of Judicial Conduct and any developing trends in judicial disciplinary case law.
Draft, file, and serve all formal complaints in collaboration with investigative staff and in conformity with Rule 2:15 of the New Jersey Court Rules and the New Jersey Code of Judicial Conduct.
Prosecute disciplinary matters before the ACJC efficiently and expeditiously.
Manage discovery obligations and evidentiary processes in accordance with Rule 2:15 of the New Jersey Court Rules.
Prepare cases for ACJC hearings, including factual evaluation, witness preparation, coordination with opposing counsel of factual stipulations to be filed with the ACJC, and continued dialogue with opposing counsel as to anticipated witnesses, and the narrowing of the factual and legal issues to be addressed at a hearing.
Prepare all documentation to be filed with the ACJC in matters involving Disciplines by Consent, consistent with Rule 2:15 of the New Jersey Court Rules.
Prepare post-hearing briefs and recommendations for discipline to the ACJC.
Prepare legal memoranda and conduct oral argument on behalf of the ACJC in public disciplinary matters pending before the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Assign tasks to investigative staff in respect of case preparation and work collaboratively with investigative staff on public disciplinary matters.
Assist the Executive Director and investigative staff in planning and revising investigations, as needed.
Maintain public disciplinary files in conformity with Judiciary policies and office procedure.
Facilitate the orderly and efficient processing of ethics grievances, as needed, to include communicating with grievants, as warranted.
Respond appropriately to inquiries from Judiciary personnel and other state agencies on matters of judicial discipline.
Assist in the preparation and dissemination of ethics reports, as needed.
Maintain and facilitate professional relationships with members of the Association of Judicial Disciplinary Counsel (AJDC) to include researching and responding to inquiries from other jurisdictions concerning matters of judicial discipline about which New Jersey has information and/or experience and seeking similar assistance from those same colleagues, as appropriate.
Present on matters of judicial discipline at the annual AJDC conference.
Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position. Statewide travel may be required.
Qualifications
Graduation from an American Bar Association-approved law school and three years of experience as an Attorney-at-Law performing legal research and analyzing and evaluating legal documents, rules, regulations, and/or legislation.
Substitution: One year of experience as a Judicial Law Clerk may be substituted for one year of the required experience.License: Attorney-at-Law with a plenary license in the State of New Jersey and having Supreme Court Good Standing Status of Active.
Supplemental Information
- Driver's License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations.
Special Note: Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information.
Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.
HOW TO APPLY:
The NJ Judiciary requires all applicants to complete the application process fully and as instructed. All applicants must complete the work experience and education sections and attach any required documents. Applications must describe all relevant work experience in detail, beginning with your current or most recent job, including military service (indicate rank), internships and job-related volunteer work, if applicable. Use a separate section to describe each position. Applicants who indicate "see resume" or enter their initials to acknowledge that they have skipped the Work History and Education sections will not be considered, unless they do not possess any education history or work experience. Only applicants that follow the application instructions and submit completed applications will be considered.
The New Jersey Judiciary consists of: the Supreme Court, the Superior Court including the Appellate Division and the Trial Court of the 15 vicinages in New Jersey, the Tax Court and the Municipal Court System. The Administrative Office of the Courts provides technical assistance, operational support, training, research and development, budget and personnel coordination, and development and operation of information systems for the Courts of New Jersey.The Judiciary of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer Committed to Ensuring an Open Door to Justice
NeoGov applicant support at 1-877-204-4442 (toll free call)
Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time (MT)