Judicial Staff Attorney I/II

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, assists the Superior Court Judges by researching legal issues before the Court; prepares written summaries of findings for the judge; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Judicial Staff Attorney classification assists judges and commissioners by performing in-depth research and analysis of matters pending before the Court. The Judicial Staff Attorney identifies, researches, summarizes, and analyzes legal issues and controlling facts raised in motions, petitions, and applications; summarizes the background of a case including its procedural history; conducts independent legal research as needed to clarify issues, resolve conflicting legal authorities, and reach sound decisions. The Judicial Staff Attorney must be able to draft comprehensive legal memoranda that detail relevant facts and legal issues, the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ arguments, and make a sound recommendation to the judge. 

Incumbents of this classification must be able to review legal documents and case files (both electronic and paper) carefully and accurately; draft concise, well-organized analyses and tentative decisions; possess and be able to apply a thorough knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of the legal profession; and work well under pressure.

 

Judicial Staff Attorney I is the entry level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Incumbents perform a limited scope of professional legal work with direct supervision and guidance, and as experience is gained, incumbents are given a broader scope of assignments with greater responsibility and less supervision.

Judicial Staff Attorney II is the experienced, journey level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Judicial Staff Attorney II is distinguished from Judicial Staff Attorney I in that incumbents in the former class perform a wide scope of the more complex professional legal work with greater responsibility and minimal supervision.

Judicial Staff Attorney, Senior is the expert, lead level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Judicial Staff Attorney, Senior is distinguished from Judicial Staff Attorney II in that incumbents in the former class perform a wide scope of the most complex professional legal work with greater independence and broad discretion. Incumbents may be responsible for assisting in the mentoring and development of lower level Judicial Staff Attorneys. The Judicial Staff Attorney, Senior may have autonomous responsibility for a specialty area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS – TYPICAL TASKS: 

Essential functions are the fundamental job duties regularly performed by an incumbent in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

 

All duties are performed in accordance with federal and California law, Rules of Court, and established local rules and procedures.

 

Typical Tasks: 

 

• Review, research, summarize, and analyze moving, opposing, and reply papers, as well as all supporting documents submitted by counsel relating to matters on the Law and Motion calendars; and prepare detailed memoranda and proposed rulings; review, research, and analyze petitions for writs of habeas corpus; and  prepare proposed orders;
• Perform in-depth study of legal issues by researching, reviewing, condensing, and analyzing case and statutory law;
• Research and analyze all cases, statutes, and secondary materials cited by the parties and all other relevant materials necessary to reach decisions on pending matters;
• Prepare comprehensive and concise written memoranda including analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for decisions; 
• Prepare orders and tentative rulings; attend law and motion hearings when requested by the Court or as time permits to hear oral argument on issues researched; respond to judges' inquiries on procedural and substantive issues;
• Conduct additional research upon request;
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance;
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

For all levels:    Possession of a Law Degree and current active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.                                                                                          

 

Level II:             Two (2) years of full-time, paid work experience as an attorney.                                                                                                     

 

Senior:          Five (5) years of full time, paid experience as an attorney including three (3) years'  experience equivalent to that gained as a research attorney in a California Court.                                           

 

OR     Any combination of relevant experience which would demonstrate that the individual possesses the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities listed above, as determined by the Court Executive Officer.

 

Other:              Possession of valid Class “C” California Driver’s License may be required.

EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility:

Knowledge of:  

• Principles and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California including civil and criminal law;
• Court procedures and rules of evidence;
• Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California;
• Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research and writing;
• Rules of Court, laws, codes, and statutes applicable to the Court; legal terms, court forms and documents;
• Legal research programs, including, but not limited to, Lexis Nexis and WestLaw.

Skill and Ability to:

• Identify and analyze legal issues;
• Identify and apply relevant law to specific sets of facts; present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Set priorities, schedule and appropriately monitor a large volume of work;
• Prepare clear and concise documents using word processing software within strict time deadlines;
• Review, analyze, and maintain a working knowledge of current changes in the law;
• Review, evaluate, and analyze briefs, petitions, motions and other pertinent documents in matters pending before the court;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with judges, court administrators, staff, and employees; and
• Effectively handle increased workload with limited notice.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  The incumbent will primarily work in a climate-controlled office setting under artificial lighting. Incumbent may also be required to travel and occasionally may be exposed to a variety of altering weather conditions (extreme cold or hot weather).

Physical Demands:

• Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, computer monitor, and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time;
• Fine finger manipulation, dexterity, and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper;
• Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching;
• Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. such as files, stacks of paper, and other materials;
• Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level;
• Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push, and pull objects;
• Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch;
• Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement;
• Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone;
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS:  Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying.  Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting.  False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated, if necessary, should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.

Request for Reasonable Accommodations:   The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).  Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department at (559) 457-2050 or via email at hr@fresno.courts.ca.gov.  Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments may also contact Human Resources for this position through the use of the California Relay Service by dialing 711. 

All application materials must be received in NeoGov to be considered for review. Incomplete application packets will not be   accepted. A resume is required but will not be considered in lieu of a completed application.

Salary : $77,958 - $130,437