Investigator

WSBA Sections Policy Work Group; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State retirement plan

Medical benefits

Dental and Vision coverage

Paid time off

Remote/hybrid option

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Washington State Bar Association seeks an Investigator for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Seattle. Hybrid work within Washington state supports investigators handling ethical misconduct inquiries and preparing reports for legal proceedings.

Responsibilities include planning investigations, interviewing witnesses, reviewing records, drafting reports, and coordinating with disciplinary counsel. A bachelor's degree and 3 years of investigative or legal experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience investigating and reporting in a legal or disciplinary setting is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to handle sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Performs and plans investigations as assigned by Investigative Manager and/or Disciplinary Counsel.
• Conducts detailed investigations into ethical misconduct by legal professionals and prepares investigative reports.
• Conducts interviews, researches public records, reviews records, and prepares timelines and analyses.
• Drafts investigative requests, subpoenas, and reports; presents information clearly to counsel.
• Collaborates with disciplinary counsel, Investigative Manager and team to achieve goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including hearing preparation and testimony.

Skills

Interviewing

Evidence analysis

Public records research

Report writing

Investigation planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Criminal justice or related field (preferred)

Job description

Investigator

Washington State Bar Association. Seattle, Washington, United States

About this position

Investigator Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) – Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)

Salary Range: $72,000 to $72,000 + Washington State Employee Benefits and Retirement Plans
FLSA: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Work Location: Hybrid within Washington State

The WSBA's mission is to serve the public and the members of the Bar, to ensure the integrity of the legal profession, and to champion justice.

Purpose and Position Summary:

The Investigator with the Washington State Bar Association, investigates allegations raised by grievances filed with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) focused upon potential ethical misconduct by legal professionals. At the direction of Disciplinary Counsel and the Investigative Manager, formulates investigative plans and prepare investigative reports for use by ODC.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Performs and plans investigations as assigned by Investigative Manager and/or Disciplinary Counsel:

• Performs detailed investigations to determine if legal professionals have engaged in ethical misconduct. Investigations cover all areas of the law which can involve schemes of a complex nature such as theft of client funds/financial exploitation, and/or conflicts of interest. Cases may also involve criminal activity and/or be highly sensitive because of politically charged issues, attracting media attention.
• Conducts interviews, researches and obtains public records, reviews and analyzes records, prepares timelines, tables and visual graphics to organize case information, conducts surveillance or other activities to locate persons, and travels in connection with these activities. Demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness in collecting and assembling data and facts.
• Frequently consults and collaborates with disciplinary counsel, Investigative Manager and team members regarding investigation progress and future investigative steps, contributing proactively to help achieve departmental goals. Evaluates evidence gathered to arrive at sound conclusions.
• Obtains files and other evidence; drafts investigative requests and subpoenas; reviews and analyzes bank records, court records, and other documents; maintains evidence chain of custody logs where necessary.
• In consultation with Investigative Manager and disciplinary counsel, addresses roadblocks to the timely and orderly review and investigation of grievances, including contacting individuals who are not responding to inquiries or requests from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and/or who are engaging in disruptive communications with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
• Drafts clear, complete and well-organized reports, declarations and other documents. Orally presents information to the disciplinary counsel and others in a clear, concise, and factual manner.

Other duties and projects as assigned:

• Performs other duties as assigned, which may include assisting with hearing preparation (by, for example, serving hearing subpoenas to witnesses, interviewing witnesses, and helping to facilitate hearing attendance or use of remote technology), and/or testifying at hearing as requested.

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Education Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, law (or related discipline) degree.
• Police, military or civilian investigation training.

Experience Required:

• 3 years of experience investigating, practicing law, or engaging in similar work that involves interviewing and report writing.
• Experience with the legal system and analyzing complex factual and legal issues.

Experience Preferred:

• Familiarity and experience with complex financial investigations and/or computer forensics.
• Exposure to wide range of legal matters, such as family law, criminal law, and immigration law.
• Clear, professional written and oral communication to a variety of audiences.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to interact with a variety of stakeholders with responsiveness and clarity.
• Organizational skills with the ability to prioritize time and work, manage multiple tasks with competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Good judgment, decision making, and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in all work.Ability to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment and ethics.
• Ability to foster teamwork and professionalism.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and the ability to learn and use new software and technology platforms
• Demonstrates advanced interviewing skills, the ability to analyze complex information to identify patterns and leads to reach evidence-based conclusions, and proficiency in preparing clear, well‑organized investigative reports.
• Skilled in using a wide range of internet resources and investigative tools to access publicly available records—including court, property, vehicle, and corporate information—and in collecting and reviewing electronic evidence.
• Strong investigative planning abilities, including identifying investigative leads and organizing information to drive effective fact‑finding.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Experience working in paperless work environment.

Working Conditions:

This is a Hybrid - Commutable position and job duties may be performed in person or remotely. All WSBA staff must be flexible to work in office or travel within WA state as deemed necessary, or as required.

The WSBA headquarters are the primary location while working for the WSBA regardless of where staff mayresidewithin Washington. WSBA does not offer fully remote positions and reserves the right to require employees to work in-person and on-site at the WSBA headquarters or at any worksite necessary to fulfill job duties. For remote work (if applicable), staff must have an adequate work environment and internet access for performing work of a sensitive and confidential nature. Staff are required to use a personal smart mobile device for multifactor authentication via a WSBA authorized App.

Employmentwith the Washington State Bar Association mandates that WSBA Staff mustresidewithin the State of Washington at the time of hire, and during active employment status.

The essential functions of the job that must be performed, with or without a reasonable accommodation: This position must be able to regularly workWSBA's business hours in an office type environment (remote or in office), possess the ability to primarily sit/stand and use a computer, and lift/push/pull items weighing up to 25 pounds. Must be able to use standard computer and office equipment (e.g., copiers, scanners, printers, phones, fax, etc.).

WSBA Benefits Include:

• State of Washington Retirement system (DRS/PERS), including an optional Deferred Compensation Plan (DRS/DCP).
• Medical benefits (including Rx) through the WA Healthcare Authority, with WSBA paying a majority of the premium cost.
• 100% paid premiums for employee Dental and Vision.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plans.
• Generous Paid Time Off Benefits (sick/PSSL, vacation, holiday, float, emergency leave).
• Transportation incentives, *based on primary work selection requirements.
• Allowance to set up a home office, *based on a primary remote work selection.
• Free Employee Assistance Program, and National Employee Discount Program.
• The WSBA is a Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Eligible tuition assistance and continued training programs.
• You will be working with a team of supportive, collaborative, creative, and dedicated colleagues driven to accomplish WSBA's Mission.
• A company culture that truly focuses on a quality work and life balance for its staff through our 4 Pillars: 1) Excellence (Mission-driven results), 2) Unity (Team-driven results), 3) Integrity (Value-driven results), and 4) Joy (People-driven culture).

WSBA Staff must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis, upon hire. This position is not eligible for Sponsorship.

WSBA administers pre-employment background screening upon a contingent verbal offer, and prior to hire.

The WSBA is subject to Washington State Court Rules General Rule (GR) 12.4, which specifies the Bar’s responsibility and process to provide public access to Bar records.

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) operates under the delegated authority of the Washington Supreme Court and exercises a governmental function authorized by the Washington Supreme Court to license and regulate the state’s nearly 40,000 legal professionals, including lawyers, limited practice officers, and limited license legal technicians. The WSBA both regulates legal professionals under the authority of the Court and serves its members as a professional association — all without public funding. The WSBA administers the bar admission process , including the bar exam; provides record-keeping and licensing functions ; administers the lawyer discipline system . and provides continuing legal education for legal professionals, in addition to numerous other educational and member-service activities.

The WSBA is committed to fostering a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The statements contained in this job announcement are not necessarily all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) Compensation Philosophy and Compensation Grid