Investigator

Washington State Bar Association.•Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Investigator with the Washington State Bar Association investigates allegations raised by grievances filed with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) focused upon potential ethical misconduct by legal professionals. At the direction of Disciplinary Counsel and the Investigative Manager, the Investigator formulates investigative plans and prepares investigative reports for use by ODC.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
3 years of experience investigating, practicing law, or engaging in similar work that involves interviewing and report writing.
Experience with the legal system and analyzing complex factual and legal issues.
Clear, professional written and oral communication to a variety of audiences.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders with responsiveness and clarity.
Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize time and work, manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Good judgment, decision making, and problem-solving skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in all work.
Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment and ethics.
Ability to foster teamwork and professionalism.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn and use new software and technology platforms
Demonstrates advanced interviewing skills, the ability to analyze complex information to identify patterns and leads to reach evidence‑based conclusions, and proficiency in preparing clear, well‑organized investigative reports.
Must be able to regularly work WSBA’s business hours 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 use standard computer and office equipment (e.g., copiers, scanners, printers, phones, fax, etc.).
Staff must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis, upon hire.
Must reside within the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law (or related discipline) degree.
Police, military or civilian investigation training.
Familiarity and experience with complex financial investigations and/or computer forensics.
Exposure to wide range of legal matters, such as family law, criminal law, and immigration law.
Skilled in using a wide range of internet resources and investigative tools to access publicly available records—including court, property, vehicle, and corporate information—and in collecting and reviewing electronic evidence.
Strong investigative planning abilities, including identifying investigative leads and organizing information to drive effective fact‑finding.
Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
Experience working in paperless work environment.

Responsibilities

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 the disciplinary counsel and others in a clear, concise, and factual manner.
Performs other duties as assigned, which may include assisting with hearing preparation (by, for example, serving hearing subpoenas to witnesses, interviewing witnesses, and helping to facilitate hearing attendance or use of remote technology), and/or testifying at hearing as requested.

Benefits

State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).
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/PSSL, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave).
Transportation incentives, based on primary work selection requirements.
Allowance to set up a home office, based on a primary remote work selection.
Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program.
The WSBA is a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
Eligible tuition assistance and continued training programs.
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).