Trust Accounts Investigator at the Office of 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 a professional with bookkeeping and accounting expertise to conduct financial analysis and review of attorney bank accounts and records. 

GENERAL SUMMARY 

Massachusetts lawyers who accept client funds are required to hold those funds in dedicated trust accounts (aka IOLTA accounts) and keep detailed and contemporaneous records.  The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, through the Office of Bar Counsel, investigates instances of dishonored checks issued by attorneys from these trust accounts, as well as other financial matters related to the handling of client funds by attorneys.  The Trust Accounts Investigator position involves (i) applying bookkeeping and accounting principles to the review of lawyers’ accounts and records and (ii) assessing whether the accounts and records comply with the applicable ethical rules set forth in Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.15.  Some examples of matters investigated include alleged trust account record keeping violations, misuse of client funds, and related ethical rule violations arising from the receipt of dishonored check notices from banks, notices of stale IOLTA accounts, or via other complaints.  The successful candidate will be asked to provide thorough, accurate, and timely financial research, and data analysis as needed by the Assistant Bar Counsel assigned to the matter. The trust accounts investigator will report to the Chief Investigator on administrative matters such as training, coverage assignments, and time off. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS* 

• Reviews, analyzes, and reconciles bank records. 

• Prepares and provides analysis of spreadsheets of attorney bank accounts. 

• Prepares written reports based on analysis of records. 

• Maintains financial records obtained from attorneys, banks, or other sources. 

• Recommends to Assistant Bar Counsel the need for additional investigation or file disposition. 

• Assists Assistant Bar Counsel at meetings with attorneys and at disciplinary hearings. 

• Prepares subpoenas seeking financial records.  

• Prepares exhibits for meetings and hearings in financial cases. 

• Drafts correspondence to attorneys containing assessments of records provided and/or requests for further records.  

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Performs additional duties as assigned. 

PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

• Bachelor’s degree. 

• Minimum two years of experience with accounting or bookkeeping or the equivalent preferred.  CFE certification is also desirable. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet software, accounting software applications, online search applications, and ability to learn new software programs.  

• Demonstrable skills in problem identification, analysis, and evaluation. 

• Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences both internally and externally to the Office of Bar Counsel.   

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport within the office and with the people and communities served, particularly underrepresented populations. 

• Attention to detail. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

• 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 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 
 
Trust Accounts 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 Trust Accounts Investigator role is $71,652.00 – $88,860.00 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

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.