Investigative Counsel

Closing Date: 17th October, 2025

Description:

Agency Profile
The Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC), like similar agencies in each of the fifty states and the District of Columbia, works to protect the integrity of the judicial process, safeguard judicial independence, and promote public confidence in the courts by investigating and resolving ethics complaints against state-level judges. The Commission also investigates allegations of judicial disability.

The CJC is a small, constitutionally-created, independent agency in the judicial branch of state government. The Commission consists of eleven members and eleven alternate members. (There are three membership categories: three judges, two lawyers and six citizen members). The CJC is supported by a staff of nine. The work is highly confidential. (For more information about the Commission see www.cjc.state.wa.us.)

The Commission values equity and inclusion and encourages all qualified applicants to apply. We are seeking an individual with high standards of personal and professional integrity to join our small staff as Investigative Counsel.

Duties:
Some of What You Will Do

• Performs high volume tasks pursuant to Article IV, Section 31 of the Washington Constitution, RCW 2.64 and 42.52, and the Commission on Judicial Conduct Rules of Procedure;
• Guard the confidentiality of Commission records and proceedings;
• Works independently under the general supervision of the Commission on Judicial Conduct. Reports to the Executive Director of the Commission. Reports results of judicial conduct investigations directly to the Commission. Coordinates work, receives direction from, and reports progress to Senior Investigative Counsel and Executive Director.
• Receives and screens all complaints submitted to the agency. Determines whether the Commission has jurisdiction over the person against whom the allegations are made and determines whether the facts alleged, if true, would constitute misconduct or incapacity. Refers complainants to other agencies and resources when appropriate;
• Conducts preliminary investigations, which includes a prompt, discreet preliminary evaluation of the complaint to determine whether grounds exist to believe the allegation(s) of the complaint and whether those allegations would constitute a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct if true;
• Conducts full investigations, which may include interviewing witnesses and obtaining and examining evidence to determine whether there is evidence to substantiate the allegation(s) against a respondent;
• Performs legal research as needed on underlying substantive law; researches and incorporates judicial ethics law;
• Prepares written reports and makes oral presentations to the Commission at regular meetings recommending how to proceed at different phases of disciplinary proceedings. Prepares draft Statements of Allegations setting forth the nature of the complaint against a respondent, and when authorized by the Commission, serves a respondent with the Statement of Allegations;
• Recommends further action as appropriate after commencement of initial proceedings;
• Assembles documentary evidence, declarations, sworn statements and affidavits of witnesses for consideration by the Commission;
• Engages in negotiations with a respondent after commencement of initial proceedings to determine whether the action may be resolved through an agreed disposition pursuant to Rule 23 of the CJCRP. Drafts proposed stipulations and agreements for the Commission's consideration;
• Assists in preparing a Statement of Charges and other documents supporting the Statement of Charges;
• Assists disciplinary counsel as necessary through the fact-finding process;
• Assists other investigators through training or instruction;
• Acts as a resource, responding to questions from staff, Commission members and judicial officers regarding the Commission's procedures and its precedents;
• Keeps current in developments in the field of judicial ethics law;
• Occasional overnight travel and day trips are required.
• Participates in judicial and public information programs involving the role, procedures and other aspects of the function of the Commission;
• Maintains confidentiality of all investigative case materials;
• Interact effectively with coworkers and commission members at all levels of experience with the court system. Other duties as required.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:

• Active member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. Disclose to Commission any current or past confidential actions by the Bar Association for hiring evaluation purposes.

Knowledge of:
Washington State judicial system, particularly trial court procedures, the Code of Judicial Conduct, Article IV, Section 31 of State Constitution, appropriate statutes, Supreme Court Rules and Commission Rules, concepts of due process, organization of state government, business English and professional writing.

Ability to:

• Maintain effective public relations; maintain confidentiality; use professional judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions; work independently; investigate fairly, discreetly and effectively; make independent recommendations with justification to Commission; prepare correspondence and reports independently; assist members of the public, fellow employees and other professionals;
• Excellent online research skills. Must be able to quickly learn how to access online court records.

Desired Qualifications:
At least five years' litigation experience.

Supplemental Information:
How to Apply:
Email:
recruit.investigator@cjc.state.wa.us

Mail:
Commission on Judicial Conduct
Attn: Tanya Calahan
PO Box 1817
Email is the preferred method of communication and application submission.

Please note that only those candidates with the most relevant qualifications can be interviewed.

Starting salary depends on qualifications. The Commission encourages a work-life balance so a flexible or hybrid schedule is an option after training is completed. However, the successful candidate would be expected to work a minimum of two days in the office per week, thereafter.

The final candidate for the Investigative Counsel position must consent to a full background check, including criminal history and must sign a confidentiality agreement. As a condition of employment, the person hired for the position must provide proof of identity and employment eligibility before beginning work.

Benefits:
The successful candidate will receive a generous employment benefits package. This competitive benefits package offered by the State of Washington includes but is not limited to paid sick leave, paid vacation leave, paid time off for all state and most federal holidays, medical insurance, life insurance, and a stable retirement plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Commission on Judicial Conduct is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age (40+), disability (actual or perceived), honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Persons with a disability requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may call (360) 753-4585, or email recruit.investigator@cjc.state.wa.us. TTY users can call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service or 1-800-833-6384.

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