Assistant Bar Counsel for Office of Bar Counsel
About The Position
The Office of Bar Counsel in Massachusetts (OBC) 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 an experienced attorney to join us in our mission to protect the public and promote professionalism. The Assistant Bar Counsel investigates and prosecutes allegations of professional misconduct before hearing committees, the Board of Bar Overseers (BBO), and the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). This role also renders ethical advice to lawyers and provides outreach to educate the bar on ethics.
Requirements
- Admitted to practice and in good standing in Massachusetts.
- Minimum five years legal practice, including trial and appellate experience.
- Knowledge of or experience in several areas of legal practice such as real estate, corporate law, immigration law, personal injury, criminal practice, domestic relations, probate law, bankruptcy, and civil litigation.
- Demonstrated litigation, oral advocacy, and legal writing skills.
- Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage and develop staff.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of bar discipline and rules of professional conduct preferred.
Responsibilities
- Investigates allegations of misconduct by attorneys through witness interviews, subpoenas, and collection of other relevant information.
- Analyzes whether facts as determined through investigation involve violations of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct meriting discipline.
- Synthesizes facts, rules and caselaw in charging memoranda and petitions for discipline for approval by Bar Counsel and reviewing member of BBO.
- Negotiates and prepares stipulations concerning facts, rule violations and sanctions for resolution of charges without hearing; prepares affidavits of resignation, admonitions, and diversion agreements.
- In preparing matters for hearing, participates in discovery, attends pre-hearing conferences, submits and responds to pre-hearing motions, prepares witnesses and assembles documentary evidence.
- Conducts full evidentiary hearings before hearing committees.
- Post-hearing prepares proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and supporting legal memoranda for post-hearing submission to hearing committees.
- Writes appellate briefs and presents oral arguments in appeals of hearing committee reports to BBO and appeals of board decisions to SJC.
- Renders informal ethical opinions to members of the Massachusetts Bar by telephone for several hours each month.
- Represents Bar Counsel in attorney reinstatement proceedings.
- Makes presentations at bar association and affinity group meetings, continuing legal education seminars and other events concerning professional responsibilities of attorneys.
- Participates in various office initiatives on ad hoc basis, including writing articles on ethical issues, developing office policies, organizing research materials, and presenting internal training.
- Participates in hiring of staff and oversees the work of investigator(s) and secretary(ies) assigned to assist with their casework.
- Performs additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Salary and benefits are negotiated and set-forth in the collective bargaining agreement.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
