Investigator in Seattle, Washington at Washington State Bar Association.

Investigator
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) – Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)

Salary Range: $70,936 to $70,936 + Washington State Employee Benefits
FLSA - Full-time, Non-Exempt

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

Performs and plans investigations as assigned by Investigative Manager and/or Disciplinary Counsel:

• Performs detailed investigations to determine if legal professionals have engaged in ethical misconduct. Investigations cover all areas of the law which can involve schemes of a complex nature such as theft of client funds/financial exploitation, and/or conflicts of interest. Cases may also involve criminal activity and/or be highly sensitive because of politically charged issues, attracting media attention.
• Conducts interviews, researches and obtains public records, reviews and analyzes records, prepares timelines, tables and visual graphics to organize case information, conducts surveillance or other activities to locate persons, and travels in connection with these activities. Demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness in collecting and assembling data and facts.
• Frequently consults and collaborates with disciplinary counsel, Investigative Manager and team members regarding investigation progress and future investigative steps, contributing proactively to help achieve departmental goals. Evaluates evidence gathered to arrive at sound conclusions
• Obtains files and other evidence; drafts investigative requests and subpoenas; reviews and analyzes bank records, court records, and other documents; maintains evidence chain of custody logs where necessary.
• In consultation with Investigative Manager and disciplinary counsel, addresses roadblocks to the timely and orderly review and investigation of grievances, including contacting individuals who are not responding to inquiries or requests from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and/or who are engaging in disruptive communications with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
• Drafts clear, complete and well-organized reports, declarations and other documents. Orally presents information to disciplinary counsel and others in a clear, concise, and factual manner.

Assists in hearing preparation:

• Assists in hearing preparation by contacting/interviewing witnesses and keeping witnesses apprised on hearing status.
• Testifies at hearings as requested.
• Serves subpoenas and coordinates witnesses’ attendance at hearings.

Other Duties as Assigned:

• A minimum of 3 years investigating, practicing law, or engaging in similar work that involves interviewing, documenting information, and report writing.
• Familiarity with the legal system and analyzing complex factual and legal issues.
• Investigation experience, including interviewing, report writing, familiarity with the legal system and legal matters.
• Experience with a wide range of internet sites and other investigative tools for accessing publicly available information such as court, property, vehicle and corporate records, records assisting in the location of witnesses, etc.

• Experience with and knowledge of complex financial investigations and/or computer forensics.
• Exposure or experience with a wide range of legal matters, such as family law, criminal law, and immigration law.

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• A commitment to strengthening the WSBA by helping it reach mission-driven outcomes for the public and its members.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and make decisions in managing own caseload.
• Extensive knowledge of investigations, including the effective use of investigative tools.
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; ability to deal with difficult people and situations.
• Good judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Analytical skills and the ability to understand complex legal issues.
• Strong interviewing and report writing skills.
• Excellent time-management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to coordinate and track many projects at once.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy, and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the WSBA, Members, and the public at large.
• Ability to travel, potentially to remote areas of the state, as engagement activities require.
• Proven Proficiency in Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Adobe, PowerPoint, etc.) and Office 365 within the Windows environment, with a strong technical aptitude to quickly learn others, including WSBA’s existing systems, (i.e., Worldox, Litify/Docrio, etc.).
• Ability to operate vehicle, computer and equipment, smart phone (text, voice mail), recording equipment, etc.
• Adept in retrieving information promptly and accurately from membership and discipline databases, court record databases, from the internet, and from electronic legal research platforms (e.g., Lexis/Nexis).

This position, while primarily remote, must be flexible to work in office and travel within WA state as deemed necessary, or as required. This position primarily performs work during normal business hours. In general, however, WSBA Staff must have the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends involving overnight travel (if travel within WA is necessary which is limited for this position). This position may also have the option to work in-office. For remote work, must have an adequate home/work environment and internet access, for performing work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature.

Employment with the Washington State Bar Association mandates that WSBA Staff must reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status.

The essential functions of the job that must be performed, with or without a reasonable accommodation: This position must be able to regularly work five days per week in an office type environment (remote or in office), possess the ability to primarily sit/stand and use a computer, and lift/push/pull items weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to operate a computer keyboard, and other standard office equipment (e.g., printer/scanner/fax/telephone). This position must be able to read, write, and speak with others in English.

• State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical benefits (including Rx) through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost.
• 100% paid premiums for employee Dental and Vision
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans
• Generous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave)
• Transportation incentives, *based on primary work selection requirements
• Allowance to set up a home office, *based on a Remote work selection
• Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program
• You will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish WSBA’s Mission
• A company culture that truly focuses on a quality Work and Life Balance for its Staff through our 4 Pillars: 1) Excellence (Mission-driven results), 2) Unity (Team-driven results), 3) Integrity (Value-driven results), and 4 JOY! (People-driven culture).

For consideration and to apply: interested candidates are required to apply online and submit the following required materials: online application, and both a comprehensive professional cover letter and resume. Applications submitted without a cover letter will be considered incomplete.

WSBA Staff must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis, upon hire. This position is not eligible for Sponsorship.

WSBA administers pre-employment background screening upon a contingent verbal offer, and prior to hire.

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) 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.

The statements contained in this job announcement are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Grid