Volunteer Hearing Officer: Public Member

Interested in public service, fairness, and accountability? The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers (BBO) is seeking members of the public to serve as volunteer Hearing Officers.

The BBO helps protect the public and promote confidence in the legal profession through Massachusetts’ attorney discipline system. When disciplinary cases proceed to a hearing, volunteer Hearing Officers hear evidence, consider the facts, and help make findings and recommendations.

Hearing committees include both attorneys and members of the public. You do not need to be a lawyer or have a legal background to serve. Public members bring an important perspective to the process and participate fully alongside attorney members.

We are looking for thoughtful, fair-minded people from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, communities, and life experiences. We particularly encourage people who may not have previously considered serving in a role connected to the legal system.

Why Volunteer?

Serving as a Hearing Officer is an opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful contribution to public service in Massachusetts
• Support fairness and accountability in the legal profession
• Bring a community perspective to an important public process
• Learn more about the attorney discipline system
• Work alongside others committed to thoughtful and impartial decision-making

Who Should Apply?

We welcome interest from people with different professional, educational, cultural, and community experiences. No legal experience is required for public members.

If you are curious, thoughtful, able to consider different perspectives, and interested in contributing to a fair and effective public process, we encourage you to apply.