Staff Investigator

Title: Staff Investigator

Department: Unlicensed Practice of Law

Reports to: UPL Counsel/Director

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Classification: Full-Time / Exempt

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The Unlicensed Practice of Law (UPL) Department exists to address the investigation and prosecution of unlicensed practice of law in Georgia.

DUTIES

➢ Conduct fair and impartial investigations regarding the unlicensed practice of law in a timely manner as set by UPL Counsel.

➢Conduct telephonic and in-person interviews of complainants, subjects, and witnesses.

➢Utilize various research tools and methods during the investigative process.

➢Screen telephone calls regarding potential UPL activity.

➢Make appropriate recommendations to complainants.

➢Coordinate investigations and share information with other regulatory and law enforcement agencies.

➢Meet with criminal prosecutors regarding prosecutions; testify as a witness in some of those proceedings.

➢Refer matters to other agencies as appropriate.

➢Make recommendations to UPL Counsel and UPL committees as to the disposition of each case.

➢Send notice letters and literature to subjects.

➢Prepare substantive investigative reports for use by UPL Counsel and UPL committees.

➢Conduct preliminary investigations to determine whether a violation of the UPL statutes has occurred.

➢Prepare and send pertinent correspondence to appropriate parties.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Education, Training and Experience

➢College degree required

➢Investigative experience strongly preferred

➢Legal experience strongly preferred

➢Must come to possess a thorough knowledge of all applicable statutes, rules and regulations pertaining to the unlicensed practice of law in Georgia.

Tools, Equipment

➢Computer literacy required.

➢Must communicate well by e-mail and be able to conduct investigative activity via the Internet.

➢Job requires travel; must have driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Essential Functions of the Job

➢Must be a self-starter who can handle conducting any number of UPL investigations from start to finish.

➢Must be able to triage investigations so as to identify urgent matters and give them priority. Must be skilled at eliciting information from subjects, complainants, and witnesses.

➢Must be able to draft witness affidavits that are detailed, truthful and, when applicable, set out facts sufficient to prove each element of each criminal offense.

➢Must be able to effectively deal with difficult people.

➢Must use discretion and tact when called for by the circumstances of the case.

➢Must be able to meaningfully interact with the other members of the UPL Department.

➢Must be able to coordinate one’s investigative efforts with individuals and officials from other law enforcement and regulatory entities.

➢Must be prepared to professionally and effectively testify as a witness in superior court.

➢Must be able to produce a thorough investigative report regarding each case.

➢Employee is subject to in-person and remote supervision and is expected to perform their job in a State Bar office unless managing or supporting a meeting or event that takes place away from a State Bar office or telecommuting in compliance with State Bar policy.

Required Skills

➢Must be reliable and capable of thinking and working independently.

➢Must have particularly good written and verbal communication skills.

➢Must be available to provide timely and personal attention to the public, State Bar members, volunteers, and staff.

How to Apply:

• Send an email with your resume and cover letter attached to HR@gabar.org

• Please type “UPL Investigator” as the subject line of the email

• Please make sure the cover letter explains your interest in the position, summary of your work experience, and includes at least three references and your contact information.

• Deadline for applications: Until position is filled

About the State Bar of Georgia: The State Bar of Georgia, with offices in Atlanta, Savannah, and Tifton, was established in 1964 by the Supreme Court of Georgia as the successor to the voluntary Georgia Bar Association, founded in 1884. All lawyers licensed to practice in Georgia belong to the State Bar. Its more than 52,000 members work together to strengthen the constitutional promise of justice for all, promote principles of duty and public service among Georgia’s lawyers and administer a strict code of legal ethics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person