The Office of Bar Counsel in Massachusetts investigates and prosecutes ethical misconduct by Massachusetts attorneys, educates attorneys on the Rules of Professional Conduct, and strives to better the profession.  The OBC is seeking a full-time Investigator to join us in our mission to protect the public and promote professionalism. Applications are due by no later than April 7, 2026.

General Summary

The Investigator, whose duties are like a paralegal, participates in the investigation, prosecution, and resolution of complaints of ethical misconduct against attorneys through accurate and timely research, document review, witness interviews, and litigation support working with OBC attorneys (Assistant Bar Counsel). Disciplinary matters are prosecuted before the Board of Bar Overseers and the Supreme Judicial Court. 

Essential Job Functions

• Review and evaluate complaints alleging attorney misconduct. 

• Interpret and apply the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct

• Organize and analyze documentary evidence.  

• Prepare memoranda assessing evidence and identifying additional investigatory steps.

• Conduct interviews of complainants and other potential witnesses.  

• Draft subpoenas and various pleadings.  

• Obtain documents from courts and other agencies.  

• Draft correspondence and record requests. 

• Prepare exhibits and analyses for disciplinary hearings and meetings.  

• Review and prepare spreadsheets concerning bank and other financial records.  

• Conduct legal research.  

• Assist OBC attorneys at hearings and meetings.  

• Proof and fact check documents prepared by Assistant Bar Counsel.  

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Performs additional duties as assigned.  

Preparation, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years of experience in a legal setting are preferred. 

• Experience with Westlaw or LexisNexis preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Adobe and Excel preferred.

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No supervisory responsibility. 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• The Office of Bar Counsel currently operates in a hybrid work environment.
• ​​Normal office working conditions including frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer monitor use. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.

​​​​​​​The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. 

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis. 

Compensation and Benefits

The investigators are members of the OPEIU, Local 6, AFL-CIO collective bargaining unit, and the salary and benefits are negotiated and set forth in the collective bargaining agreement.  The starting salary range for the investigator position is $70,054 to $86,879, based on experience. As a unionized workplace, the BBO respects the rights of its employees under the existing collective bargaining agreement and applicable labor law.

Applications and Inquiries

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume by April 7, 2026.

At the BBO, we embrace diversity, and we are seeking to nurture our DEI efforts, to the benefit of our organization, the bar, and the public we serve. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain exceptional people and to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, or characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, the BBO complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. The BBO actively encourages applications from candidates, including those from marginalized communities, who would both contribute to and learn from working in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.