Job Description
Job Description
GENERAL SUMMARY
Massachusetts lawyers are required to hold and safeguard client funds in dedicated trust accounts (aka IOLTA accounts) and to keep detailed accounting records for those accounts, as set forth in Massachusetts Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15. The Office of Bar Counsel at the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers is responsible for investigating allegations of a lawyer’s failure to comply with Rule 1.15, and does so primarily through the investigation of instances of dishonored checks that occur on lawyers’ IOLTA’s accounts. Lack of compliance may result in Bar Counsel bringing disciplinary proceedings against a lawyer for Rule 1.15 violations. The investigator’s primary role is to process dishonored check cases by applying bookkeeping and accounting principles to the review of lawyers’ accounts and records, auditing the accounts, and assessing whether the records comply with Rule 1.15. The Rule and related record keeping materials can be found at our website, www.massbbo.org
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS*
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Reviews, analyzes, and reconciles attorneys’ trust account records.
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Reviews and analyzes bank records.
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Prepares and provides analysis of spreadsheets of attorney bank accounts.
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Prepares written reports based on analysis of records.
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Maintains financial records obtained from attorneys, banks, or other sources.
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Recommends to Assistant Bar Counsel the need for additional investigation or file disposition.
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Assists Assistant Bar Counsel at meetings with attorneys and at disciplinary hearings.
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Prepares subpoenas seeking financial records.
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Prepares exhibits for meetings and disciplinary hearings.
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Drafts correspondence to attorneys providing assessment of submitted records and/or requesting further records.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Performs additional duties as assigned.
PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
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Bachelor’s degree and legal experience preferred.
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Minimum two years of experience with accounting or bookkeeping or the equivalent preferred. CFE certification is also desirable.
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Demonstrated knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet software, accounting software applications, online search applications, and ability to learn new software programs.
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Demonstrable skills in problem identification, analysis, and evaluation.
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Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences both internally and externally.
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Demonstrated ability to build rapport within the office and with the people and communities served, particularly underrepresented populations.
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Attention to detail.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
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No supervisory responsibility.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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The Office of Bar Counsel currently operates in a hybrid work environment.
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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 $72,368.00 – $89,748.00 based on experience.
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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