Job Description

Office of Chief Trial Counsel

Annual Salary Range for Investigator I: $79,621 - $106,159

Annual Salary Range for Investigator II: $87,582 - $116,755

FLSA Non-Exempt / Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week. 

About the Office

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) is the enforcement arm of the attorney discipline system. OCTC handles intake, investigation, and prosecution in State Bar Court of allegations that attorneys have violated the State Bar Act or the Rules of Professional Conduct. The office also receives, reviews, and investigates complaints alleging unauthorized practice of law by non-attorneys. 

The Ideal Candidate

Do you have an interest in protecting the public from the improper or unethical actions of some attorneys? Do you have the experience, tact, and professional demeanor to investigate allegations of attorney misconduct or allegations of the unauthorized practice of law by non-attorneys? Can you be fair and impartial in your investigations?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, OCTC invites you to apply to become a member of our team as an Investigator. Investigators prepare investigation plans, interview witnesses, contact the attorney complained against, issue subpoenas and collect evidence, conduct fieldwork, testify in court, and interact with other agencies in furtherance of State Bar objectives. This hybrid role allows for up to four days of remote work per week. 

About this Recruitment

The Office of Chief Trial Counsel is seeking to fill at either the Investigator I or Investigator II level. After completion of the selection process, an offer will be extended to the selected candidate at the level that is commensurate with the candidate’s experience. 

Definition

Investigator I

Under general supervision, an Investigator I investigates and reviews public, court and other party complaints or reports. In addition, an Investigator I determines what evidence is needed to support the allegations, collects evidence, and interviews witnesses to determine the appropriate course of action. Investigator Is work with Investigator IIs, IIIs, and attorneys to determine the means and approach of the investigation.

Investigator II

Under general direction, an Investigator IIs investigates and reviews routine, complex, or unique public, court and other party complaints. Investigator IIs work in tandem with other investigators as well as attorneys who serve as their legal advisors during the investigative process. An Investigator II may mentor and train an Investigator I; and may work under the direction of an Investigator III.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Investigator I is the entry-level classification in the Investigator classification series. Incumbents work under more direct supervision and are typically assigned to less complex cases. An incumbent is paired with an Investigator II or III who serves as his or her mentor and provides direction, guidance, and training. Investigator Is report to a Supervising Attorney. 

Investigator II is an experienced, journey-level classification responsible for performing the full range of duties related to the investigation of complaints made against attorneys. Work is performed with considerable latitude and independent judgement.

The Investigator II classification is distinguished form the Investigator I classification by the incumbent's ability to independently investigate both routine and complex cases, and the capacity to serve as a mentor to Investigator Is. investigator II's typically report to a Supervising Attorney.

Examples of Essential Duties

Investigator I duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews complaints and makes determinations as to the appropriate courses of action under the guidance of an Investigator II, Investigator III, and/or Attorney.
• Prepares an investigative plan for each assigned case in conjunction with an attorney.
• Locates and interviews complaining witnesses, respondents, and other relevant parties, explaining the functions and limitations of the State Bar’s jurisdiction.
• Gathers and reviews evidence, orders court files, obtains insurance files, and issues subpoenas for bank and other business records.
• Reviews and analyzes evidence and assists in determining if there is evidence of violation of the State Bar Act and/or Rules of Professional Conduct or instance of unauthorized practice of law, and assists in making recommendations for further action.
• Drafts a report that discusses the evidence and determines which exhibits, list of witnesses, and documents to include.
• May appear as a witness in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings.
• Interacts and cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Uses spreadsheets to compile information and analyze data.
• May perform a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Investigator II duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews complaints and makes determinations as to the appropriate courses of action.
• Prepares an investigative plan for each assigned case in conjunction with an attorney.
• Locates and interviews complaining witnesses, respondents, and other relevant parties, explaining the functions and limitations of the State Bar’s jurisdiction.
• Gathers and reviews evidence, orders court files, obtains insurance files, and issues subpoenas for bank and other business records.
• Reviews and analyzes evidence for routine and complex cases, and determines if there is evidence of violation of the State Bar Act and/or Rules of Professional Conduct or instance of unauthorized practice of law, and makes recommendations for further action.
• Drafts a report that discusses the evidence and determines which exhibits, list of witnesses, and documents to include.
• Appears as a witness in administrative, civil, or criminal proceedings.
• Interacts and cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Uses spreadsheets to compile information and analyze data.
• Provides guidance to staff, and may mentor or train Investigator I's
• Participates in special projects or assignments, including providing training or making presentations.
• Performs a number of other similar or related duties which may not be specifically included within this position description, but which are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

Investigator I

• Techniques and methods of investigation.
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California (to be obtained within the introductory period).
• Concepts and methodology of witness interviewing and case management.
• Identification, preservation and presentation of evidence.
• Sources of information and methods used in locating persons.
• Problem identification, analysis, and evaluation.
• Modern office practices and procedures, including keyboarding and the use of standard computer software such as Microsoft Office and case management system applications.
• Effective writing and verbal presentation.
• The basic rules of vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Business math for completing non-technical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Investigator II

• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
• Advanced techniques and methods of investigation.
• rules of procedure in multiple areas of law, such as family, bankruptcy, personal injury, criminal, and administrative, as they pertain to the review and investigation of complaints within the jurisdiction of the State Bar.
• Basic principles of forensic accounting, including racing funds to and from different accounts.
• Advanced witness interviewing techniques.
• Identification, preservation and presentation of evidence.
• Sources of information and methods used in locating persons.
• Problem identification, analysis, and evaluation.
• Modern office practices and procedures, including keyboarding and the use of standard computer software such as Microsoft Office and case management system applications.
• Effective writing and verbal presentation.
• The basic rules of vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Business math for completing non-technical calculations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Ability to:

Investigator I

• Plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Work on different phases of multiple investigations at the same time.
• Effectively identify and obtain necessary information through interviews using tact and diplomacy, while remaining calm and impartial.
• Establish and maintain effective and productive work relationships.
• Demonstrate effective writing and verbal presentation skills.
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.
• Learn to organize and process large volumes of information, and review and analyze complex documents, including financial documents.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone and in writing.
• Maintain the confidentiality of State Bar cases, investigations, documents and, records.
• Deal effectively with persons of diverse behavior and temperament, to gain insight into their motivations and credibility. 
• Travel by air and automobile.

Investigator II

• Plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet deadlines.
• Work on different phases of multiple investigations at the same time.
• Effectively identify and obtain necessary information through interviews using tact and diplomacy, while remaining calm and impartial.
• Establish and maintain effective and productive work relationships.
• Demonstrate effective writing and verbal presentation skills.
• Obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.
• Organize, process, and draw conclusions from large volumes of information, and review and analyze complex documents, including financial documents.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in person, by telephone and in writing.
• Maintain the confidentiality of State Bar cases, investigations, documents and, records.
• Deal effectively with persons of diverse behavior and temperament, to gain insight into their motivations and credibility. 
• Travel by air and automobile.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Investigator I

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a field that develops the skills required for the functions and responsibilities of the position.

Investigator II

• Bachelor's degree in a field that develops skills related to investigation, or equivalent academic achievement.

Experience:

Investigator I

• Two (2) years’ experience in a position requiring writing, research, and analysis, preferably in an investigative environment.

Investigator II

• Four (4) years' experience in an investigative position.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements

• Must be bondable, have a valid California driver’s license, and have access to an automobile, as needed.
• Proof of automobile insurance coverage will be required at the time of employment.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California’s mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset 

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect. 

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