The State Bar of Arizona is seeking a highly organized and self-motivated professional to administer all aspects of the Client Protection Fund (CPF) claims process. CPF’s goal is to promote public confidence in the legal system and preserve the integrity of the legal profession by reimbursing clients who experience losses caused by lawyer dishonesty. This role is ideal for someone with strong writing and legal analytical skills who can independently review, investigate, and evaluate claims, prepare case summaries, and provide recommendations to the Board of Trustees. In addition, you will serve as a key resource for claimants, maintain confidential records, coordinate board meetings, and collaborate with accounting and legal stakeholders to support claim resolution and payment.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree or ABA-approved paralegal training and at least three years of legal paraprofessional or program administration experience, preferably in a legal environment. Success in this role requires excellent communication skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to build professional relationships with members of the public, attorneys, trustees, and court-related stakeholders. If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a meaningful public service role, we encourage you to apply.

About Us

The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar regulates approximately 19,000 active attorneys in Arizona and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. The Bar and its members are committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.

Benefits of working at the State Bar of Arizona include:

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee only)
• $900 HSA funding provided by employer for individuals ($2,000 for families) 
• Generous paid vacation and sick time
• 10 paid holidays per year + 2 additional floating holidays
• 8 hours of paid volunteer hours per year
• Paid parental leave up to 8 weeks
• 401(k) with employer match
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) 
• Quarterly wellness reimbursement for gym membership
• A community of friendly and collaborative co-workers

If you are ready for a challenging and rewarding legal career that makes a significant impact on the Arizona legal profession while protecting the public, we want you on our team! To hear more about the mission of the SBA, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTd_T8s6BNw.

Job Summary

Under limited supervision, responsible for the administration of the Client Protection Fund. Directs all phases of the claims process, and prepares comprehensive claim summaries. Provides recommendations to the Board of Trustees on all eligible claims. Provides complex administrative and research support to the Board of Trustees. Prepares and distributes the Board’s meeting agendas and materials. Coordinates with Accounting and the Board of Trustees to facilitate claim payment. Prepares documents such as forms, memoranda, and correspondence for mailing and/or other distribution. Sole responsibility for department files management, mail distribution, and phone work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews, researches, investigates, and analyzes claim applications to gather information and determine compliance with the Fund’s Declaration of Trust. Prepares administrative denial letters on non-qualifying claims. 
• Types and prepares general and complex correspondence, memos, charts, tables, reports, etc. Proofreads copy for spelling, grammar, and layout making appropriate changes. Responsible for accuracy and clarity of final copy. Updates and maintains files.
• Responds to phone calls, emails and/or correspondence in response to requests for claim information.
• Prepares a comprehensive summary of all qualifying claims using the Declaration of Trust Rules and makes recommendations for claim adjudication to the Board of Trustees. Coordinates with Accounting and the Board of Trustees to facilitate claim payment for approved claims. Prepares Board of Trustees denial letter for denied claims. 
• Creates and maintains docket of all pending claims and related files.
• Works in collaboration with accounting to prepare the Fund’s annual report.
• Coordinates and staffs Board of Trustees’ meetings, preparing agendas, and taking minutes.
• Reports, summarizes, and tracks information and statistical data for General Counsel, Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, and Arizona Supreme Court, as requested.
• Maintains all record of the fund including bank statements, minutes, agendas, trust revisions, statistics, and all other claim and non-claim related files.
• Networks with other Client Protection Fund Administrators or similar positions in other legal firms/associations to keep abreast of trends and new procedures.
• Review policies and procedures of the Fund and recommends changes; keeping current.
• Attends national, state, and local conferences as directed by Board of Trustees and prepares summary reports of these meetings and presents to the Board of Trustees, supervisors and co-workers.
• Prepares paperwork for trustee reimbursement.
• Provide backup support for the Conservatorship and Fee Arbitration programs as needed.
• Performs all other related duties, as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree or American Bar Association (ABA) formal paralegal training required plus three (3) or more years paraprofessional legal experience with emphasis on large document cases or as a program administrator, preferably in a legal environment. 

Skills and Abilities

• Performs all duties in compliance with internal procedures and external regulations. Is responsible for bringing compliance issues to the attention of management.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Strong public speaking ability in small to large-size groups.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations in a professional and friendly manner. Must have excellent customer-service skills.
• Strong analytical ability is required in order to gather and summarize data for reports.
• Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle the confidentiality of highly sensitive information within the confidential setting of the Special Services programs. Position requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy. 
• Strong attention to detail and well organized.
• Must be team oriented but able to work independently on occasion.
• Strong ability to prioritize and to be proactive on matters of significance to the State Bar of Arizona is essential.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to balance team and individual responsibilities and contributes to building a positive team environment. At times, this may include volunteers.

Model the behaviors expected of all SBA employees by:

• Cultivating a positive work environment.
• Prioritizing and setting manageable goals.
• Being efficient with time at work.
• Communicating effectively with management, staff, members, clients, visitors, and the public.
• Being flexible and taking criticism constructively.
• Maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Computer Skills

Microsoft Windows environment with Office Suite to include formatting and production of documents. Familiarity with office management systems and automation required. Case management software proficiency preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Required: Must have and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile.

Other

Regular attendance is required. At times, individual must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with ability to handle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.