Staff Attorney I
Merced Superior Court
Merced, CA
Full-time
Legal
Posted on June 19, 2019
DEFINITION:
Under general direction, this professional level position performs legal research activities on behalf of the court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the court. Will conduct ex parte hearings and related matters; conduct status review conferences.
EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:
The Court Staff Attorney I classification is established as an at-will position and, as such, the incumbent serves at the direction of the Court Executive Officer. The Court Executive Officer has the right to terminate the employment of any incumbent in the position of Court Staff Attorney I at any time, with or without advance notice or cause.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the entry worker level of the Staff Attorney series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research within guidance and supervision from more experienced staff. This class differs from Staff Attorney II in that Staff Attorney II is the fully experienced, journey level with incumbents expected to perform the more complex legal work and special projects with minimal guidance and supervision. Staff Attorney I incumbents will be expected to increasingly perform more complex work with less guidance. In addition, Staff Attorney incumbents will develop special expertise in specific areas of the law.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
1. Review and summarize evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions on matters before the court
2. Identify and analyze factual and legal issues relevant to the disposition of matters. Research legal authorities
3. Brief judges (verbally and/or in writing) on research and analysis pertaining to matters before the court, identify and discuss unresolved issues necessary for the disposition of matters, and formulate dispositions
4. Respond to judges inquiries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and hearings
5. Attend and assist at trials and hearings, conduct reviews of documents at the request of judges
6. Prepare pleadings, written legal reports, opinions, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings
7. May serve as legal adviser to the court judicial officers, staff, or judicial committees on specific matters before the court
8. May assist with the drafting of legislative measures and other legal work required by the court
9. Confer with counsel and other parties, conduct informal hearings, and review case files, legal documents and exhibits
10. Conduct ex parte hearings; approve ex parte orders/applications
11. Conduct status review conferences in civil matters
12. Respond to Citizen complaint
.
13. Serve as Courts Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Representative by reviewing rules, policies, etc. and coordinating the implementation of the program and any changes
14. Attend training as offered and/or directed. Travel to off-site courts, as needed
15. Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines
16. Must, at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior with co-workers, and management
17. Follow Court Rules and Regulations, Safety Procedures and Court Code of Ethics
18. Maintain professional appearance and demeanor
19. Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Duties:
None
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Necessary Employment Standards
As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Principles of civil and criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence
Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research and writing
Principles of statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California
English Language Arts: correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Present facts and law and argue clearly and logically on behalf of the court, both verbally and in writing
Independently work
Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or Court regulations.
Effective communication skills - verbal and written - in person, over the telephone and in writing with public, attorneys, co-workers, supervisors, managers, commissioners and judges.
Excellent organizational skills.
Computer proficiency.
Uphold judicial ethics.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, supervisors, judges, commissioners, independent contractors and other management. Work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds.
Valid California Drivers License and court acceptable driving record, if vehicle used for court business.
Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school
Experience:
Some legal experience is desirable
License, Certification and/or Special Requirements:
Active membership in the State Bar of California
A valid class C California drivers license may be required. The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.