Investigator I

Job Description

Office of Public Trust Liaison

2025 Annual Salary Range: $81,251 - $108,812

FLSA Non-Exempt / Union Represented

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

About the Office

The Office of the Public Trust Liaison helps educate members of the public about how the State Bar can help them within the areas of our public protection mission.

With an initial focus on attorney discipline and admissions issues, the Public Trust Liaison receives inquiries,responds to questions and concerns brought by members of the public that remain unresolved through other channels, and investigates to ensure proper procedures are followed. The Public Trust Liaison focuses on being proactive, independent, impartial, and confidential.

About this Position

Discover a unique opportunity at the State Bar of California that combines the roles of an Investigator and a Public Trust Representative. If you have a passion for upholding the integrity of the legal profession and ensuring public trust in the legal system, this dual-role position is tailor-made for you.

As an Investigator, you'll contribute to the Attorney-Client Bridge Program, a complaint diversion initiative. From conducting interviews to contacting attorneys regarding allegations raised by their clients, your work will play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. Specifically, you will focus on strengthening relationships between attorneys and their clients, fostering resolutions in challenging situations involving communication issues and the return of client files.

Simultaneously, as a member of the Office of Public Trust Liaison, you'll respond to inquiries about State Bar programs, guide members of the public to appropriate resources, and address questions related to the discipline or admissions systems. Your dedication to exceptional customer service and a nuanced understanding of legal processes will be crucial in this role.

Enjoy the benefits of an alternative work schedule, telecommuting options, and a collaborative environment where you'll work with a dedicated team. Join us in fulfilling our mission to protect the public, the courts, and the legal profession. Apply now for this unique dual-role opportunity and contribute to conducting fair, impartial, and thorough investigations.

Definition

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.

Distinguishing Characteristic

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.

Examples of Essential Duties

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.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• 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.

Ability to:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

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

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

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

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

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.

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• The State Bar of California

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