Job Description

Position Summary 

As an Assistant Bar Counsel in the Attorney and Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) you will have the unique opportunity to handle a diverse and varied caseload that will involve the  

initial intake and evaluation of complaints of professional misconduct and the determination of whether complaints allege a violation of the rules of professional conduct warranting referral for formal OBC investigation or, alternatively, informal resolution. An integral member of the Bar Counsel’s team, you will work in a collaborative environment supported by your fellow Assistant Bar Counsel, investigators, administrative assistants and other support staff, and an OBC community dedicated to protecting the public from attorney misconduct, preserving and enhancing the integrity of the Bar, and maintaining the high ethical standards for practicing law in the Commonwealth. 

The essential responsibilities of an Assistant Bar Counsel in the Attorney and Consumer Assistance Program include: 

• Evaluates grievances concerning professional misconduct by attorneys to determine whether the complaint alleges a violation of the rules of professional conduct warranting further investigation. 

• Communicates with clients, attorneys, third parties and other witnesses, and collects and reviews relevant documentation and other information. 

• Informally resolves complaints involving minor violations or practice management issues and refers to Bar Counsel for formal investigation those grievances involving substantiated allegations of potentially serious misconduct. 

• Creates contemporaneous electronic records summarizing content of conversations and written materials. 

• Prepares memoranda for reviewing Board member supporting determination that a matter should not be further investigated. 

• Renders informal ethical opinions to members of the Massachusetts bar. 

• Presents at continuing legal education seminars, law schools, bar associations, community groups, and other events concerning professional responsibilities of attorneys. 

• Participates in various office initiatives on an ad hoc basis, including writing articles on ethical issues, developing office policies, organizing research materials and presenting internal trainings. 

• Works with other staff members to carry out the functions of the Office of Bar Counsel. 

Requirements 

All candidates will possess a Juris Doctorate; be admitted to practice and be in good standing in the Commonwealth; and will have a minimum of five years’ experience, more strongly preferred, in multiple areas of legal practice such as real estate, immigration law, personal injury, criminal practice, domestic relations, probate law and civil litigation.  Knowledge of bar discipline and rules of professional conduct preferred. 

In addition to demonstrated competency in oral advocacy and legal writing, the successful candidate will have proven interpersonal skills, including the ability to actively listen, manage conflict, and problem solve; have the ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment; and have the ability to communicate persuasively to diverse audiences both internally and externally to OBC. 

Salary and Benefits  

Assistant Bar Counsel, Attorney and Consumer Assistance Program are members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 6, AFL-CIO collective bargaining unit. Salary and benefits are the subject of the collectively bargained agreement between The Board of Bar Overseers of the Supreme Judicial Court (Employer) and Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 6, AFL-CIO (Union), July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027. The salary range for new hires is $109,274 to $135,518.00, with new employees typically beginning at or near the minimum step, but no more than Step 5 of our salary grade.  Once hired employees proceed through a series of annual increases that reach the maximum salary of $168,925 for this position.   

Applications and Inquiries  

The BBO provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the BBO complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. As a unionized workplace, the BBO respects the rights of its employees under the existing collective bargaining agreement between the BBO and the union that represents them, OPEIU Local 6, AFL-CIO, and applicable labor law. 

People from all backgrounds, including those from marginalized communities, are valued in every aspect of our work. Diverse candidates, including veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Confidential applications to include a letter of interest and a resume may be submitted in confidence. 

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