Analyst - MCLE (Legal)

MCLE ANALYST

Regulatory Services Department

Salary: $50,720 + WA State Employee Benefits

FLSA: Non-Exempt; Full-time

*Immediate Opening with Remote - Hybrid - In Office work options available*  

The WSBA's mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar; ensure the integrity of the legal profession; and dedicated to champion justice. 

About the Washington State Bar Association

The Washington State Bar Association operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court and exercises a governmental function authorized by the Washington Supreme Court to license and regulate the state’s nearly 40,000 legal professionals, including lawyers, limited practice officers, and limited license legal technicians. The WSBA both regulates legal professionals under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. The WSBA administers the bar admission process, including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions; administers the lawyer discipline system. and provides continuing legal education for legal professionals, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.

Purpose:

A key factor in maintaining competence to practice law is continuing legal education (CLE). Legal professionals licensed by the WSBA must meet minimum continuing legal education requirements and that education must meet standards adopted by the Washington Supreme Court. To ensure quality continuing legal education and to monitor member compliance, the MCLE (Mandatory Continuing Legal Education) 

About the position:

An MCLE Analyst reviews and analyzes CLE accreditation applications; makes timely and accurate accreditation decisions based on in-depth knowledge of Washington State Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rule (APR) 11, precedential policy considerations, and an understanding of wide array of legal subject matter; determines and monitors member compliance with the minimum education requirements; and respectfully responds to all MCLE related inquires, including department procedures, MCLE fee structures and accounting policies, accreditation and compliance decisions, as well as regulatory requirements.

Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Processes and analyzes CLE applications to correctly determine accreditation and compliance with APR 11; and, based on that determination, appropriately approves or denies the application for MCLE credit;
• Resolves MCLE inquiries in a professional manner, including questions/concerns regarding CLE applications, accreditations, attendance reporting, and MCLE fees;
• Timely and accurately enters data into the MCLE system; Maintains MCLE files, reports, and statistics in an organized and efficient manner.
• Processes and analyzes MCLE Certification forms and related documents, including Comity Certificates, in order to correctly determine compliance with APR 11.
• Contacts members who are close to compliance or suspension to advise or assist with MCLE compliance, and offers the MCLE petition of undue hardship when appropriate. 
• Audits and occasionally attends CLE programs to ensure quality of educational materials and accuracy of accreditation. Conducts periodic accredited sponsor audits to ensure compliance with APR 11. 
• Responds to inquiries from licensed legal professionals and CLE sponsors regarding all MCLE matters in a clear, timely, and professional manner, including accurately conveying what is needed for MCLE compliance.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills:

An MCLE Analyst at the WSBA must possess the following:

• Strong analytical skills and great judgment; be proficiently detail oriented; ability to ethically maintain a high level of confidential information, records, and data;
• Able to make quick and appropriate decisions regarding unfamiliar situations and do efficient research when necessary;
• Able to correctly interpret and apply all compliance rules and regulations governing assigned tasks;
• Microsoft Word and Excel - Intermediate level of skill; strong computer literacy and also be able to quickly learn and use new software;
• Ability to use a computer for long periods of time, use the telephone frequently, use various other office machines in locations outside of the desk area, and interact with other staff.
• Excellent time management skills, including able to efficiently and effectively handle and process high volumes of phone calls, e-mail, and incoming work to process;
• Excellent customer service skills – empathetic, helpful, and efficient in meeting with exam takers, volunteers, and visitors to answer questions; Strong written and verbal communication skills necessary for multiple forms of communication types.
• Works well both independently with minimal supervision, and as a positive member of a team 

This position may work remotely, primarily. However, there may also be the need to work in our Seattle offices as necessary. Occasional travel around the State and locally to support the Bar Exams (up to two times a year). This position may also work hybrid or primarily in office.

Education Required:

An Associate Degree or equivalent experience

Education Preferred:

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience or education in the legal field

Experience Required:

Experience in a position requiring analysis or application of logic; Experience in a position requiring accurate analysis and appropriate decisions even in unfamiliar situations; Experience in a position requiring professional customer or client service; Experience in the interpretation and application of compliance rules and regulations that govern assigned tasks

Experience Preferred:

An MCLE Analyst at the WSBA will be most successful if they have experience in the legal field, and within a regulatory environment.

WSBA Benefits Include:

• Flexible work location with the ability to work remotely (employees must reside in WA state);
• State of Washington Retirement system (PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan through DRS;
• Medical benefits through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium costs;
• 100% coverage for employee Dental and Vision Coverage;
• Long-Term Disability Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off Benefits
• Transportation benefit through the ORCA Passport system, based on work selection option
• Allowance to set up a home office based on a Remote work selection option
• Free Employee Assistance Program 
• You will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish our WSBA Mission. 

For immediate consideration, candidates must apply online and submit the following required materials: online application, and comprehensive cover letter, and resume. Preferred Application Deadline 08/05/2022. 

WSBA employees must have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of November 1, 2021. All new employees are required to present proof of vaccination status on their first day of employment, unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption, and an approved accommodation by Human Resources. 

The WSBA is committed to fostering a diverse and equitable work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.