The Board of Bar Overseers was established by the Supreme Judicial Court in 1974 as an independent administrative body to investigate and evaluate complaints against lawyers. Although both the board is an official body subject to the supervision of the SJC, no public funds are spent to support it. The board's expenses come solely from the annual registration fees paid by lawyers.

The BBO consists of 12 volunteer members who are appointed by the court for four-year terms. Eight of the members are lawyers; the other four are public members. The activities of the board are governed by SJC Rule 4:01 and the Rules of the Board of Bar Overseers. The board acts as an administrative tribunal to consider disciplinary charges brought by Office of Bar Counsel. When a lawyer is found guilty of misconduct the board either imposes discipline or recommends to the SJC that more serious discipline be imposed.