First Assistant Bar Counsel

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 attorney with significant experience in bar discipline to join its management team as a First Assistant Bar Counsel.   

GENERAL SUMMARY 

Supports the Bar Counsel (BC) and the Office of the Bar Counsel’s (OBC) mission by providing leadership in the development of strategic initiatives, performance metrics, policies and procedures, staffing and training, and the efficient use of resources.  Provides direct supervision to Assistant Bar Counsel (ABC) in the investigation and prosecution of bar discipline matters, including editing of documents to be submitted to the Board and SJC.  Develops broad based knowledge of Rules of Professional Conduct, SJC Rule 4:01, the Rules of Board of Bar Overseers and disciplinary caselaw.  Understands the importance of consistency in charging rule violations and recommending sanctions, and strives to achieve consistency and fairness in all decisions.  Participates in outreach to the bar and the public.   

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS* 

• Evaluates complaints of alleged misconduct and assigns cases to assistant bar counsel.
• Supervises ABCs’ investigation of alleged misconduct and prosecution of bar discipline matters.
• Reviews recommendations for dismissal, private discipline, and formal discipline with ABC and BC.
• Edits petitions for discipline, charging memorandum, proposed findings and briefs. 
• Reviews strategy, rule interpretation and disciplinary sanctions with BC and ABC.
• Consults with and advises BC on prosecutorial and office policy matters, as well as possible organizational changes.  
• Performs quarterly case reviews with ABCs and staff. 
• Formulates and analyzes division statistics as requested by BC. 
• Participates in the recruitment and assignment of OBC staff.   
• Supervises, manages and evaluates performance, training and development of staff.
• Participates in outreach activities; makes presentations to outside organizations and writes articles related to bar discipline and rules interpretation for publication. 
• Manages own limited caseload of attorneys convicted of crimes or reciprocal disciplinary matters.  
• Commits to and works towards implementing the Board of Bar Overseer’s diversity policy.  

• Performs additional duties as assigned. 

• Possesses a J.D. and is admitted to practice law and in good standing in Massachusetts.
• Minimum ten years’ legal practice experience, including substantial experience in bar disciplinae as well as civil and/or criminal litigation experience. 
• Extensive knowledge of bar disciplinary practice and the rules of professional conduct. 
• Prior experience managing attorneys and support staff preferred. 
• Proven oral advocacy and legal writing skills. 
• Collaborative working skills.   

• Manages a team of lawyers.                                                                                              

• The Office of Bar Counsel currently operates in a hybrid work environment.
• Normal office working conditions including frequent sitting, standing, walking, and computer use.  
• The outside practice of law is prohibited. 

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 starting salary range for the First Assistant Bar Counsel role is $138,500 to $175,199 based on experience.  The Office of Bar Counsel offers a competitive benefits package.

APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES

At the BBO, we embrace diversity, and we are seeking to nurture our DEI efforts so diversity will thrive because it benefits 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. We invite you to include in your application materials an expression of your commitment to DEI and how you will contribute to the BBO’s ongoing efforts.