Job Description
Merced Superior Court
Staff Attorney I
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Salary $86,278.40 – $104,852.80 Annually
Location CA, CA
Job Type Full Time
Job Number 23-24-8
Division Administration
Opening Date 11/01/2024
Closing Date Continuous
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; prepares orders and performs some clerical work.
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 level of the Staff Attorney series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research within guidance 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 judicial officers (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 judicial officer 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 judicial officers
6. Prepare pleadings, written legal reports, opinions, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings
7. Prepare a wide variety of documents, forms, memoranda, contracts, rules, and judicial decisions from rough drafts and dictation/transcription; compose documents with brief instruction and direction; review and correct documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformity with applicable laws, policies, and procedures
8. May serve as legal adviser to the court judicial officers, staff, or judicial committees on specific matters before the court
9. May assist with the drafting of legislative measures and other legal work required by the court
10. Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Duties:
None
WORK HOURS
Hours may vary per Court operational needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school
Experience:
Some legal experience is desirable
Active membership in the State Bar of California
Necessary Employment Standards
As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Principles of civil or 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.
Modern office equipment and programs including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
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.
Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check.
A valid class C California driver’s license may be required. The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
Physical Ability:
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 manipulations, 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 20 lbs.
Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level
Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 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 move to different locations such as, but not limited to: courtrooms, clerk’s office, various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court
Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement
Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying
Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone
Corrected hearing and vision to normal range
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
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.
Staff Attorney II
Salary $102,835.,20-$125,049.60 Annually
Location CA, CA
Job Type Full Time
Job Number 23-24-9
Division Administration
Opening Date 11/01/2024
Closing Date Continuous
DEFINITION:
Under general direction, this professional level position performs difficult and complex legal research activities on behalf of the court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the court.
EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:
The Court Staff Attorney II 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 II at any time, with or without advance notice or cause.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the journey level of the Attorney series. Incumbents may be assigned to support general research or specialties such as criminal or civil. This class is distinguished from the higher-level class of Attorney III in that the latter performs the more difficult and complex legal duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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 complex matters before the Court
2. Identify and analyze factual and legal issues relevant to the disposition of matters, research legal authorities
3. Brief judicial officers (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 judicial officer 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 judicial officers
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 difficult and complex 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. May conduct status review conferences in civil matters contingent upon qualifications
11. Attend training as offered and/or directed. Travel to off-site courts, as needed
12. Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Duties:
None
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Necessary Employment Standards
Knowledge of:
Application of knowledge and principles of civil or criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence
Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research and writing
Presentation of facts and law and argue clearly and logically on behalf of the court, both verbally and in writing
Application of knowledge and principles of statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California
Skill/Ability to:
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.
English Language Arts correct usage of vocabulary, spelling and punctuation, legible handwriting
Modern office equipment and programs including Microsoft Word and Outlook
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.
Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school
Experience:
Three (3) years of work experience as a practicing licensed attorney
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.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
Performance Aptitudes
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
Physical Ability:
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 manipulations, 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 20 lbs.
Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level
Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 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 move to different locations such as, but not limited to: courtrooms, clerks office, various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court
Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement
Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying
Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone
Corrected hearing and vision to normal range
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
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.
The Superior Court of California, Merced County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superior Court of California, Merced County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Staff Attorney III
Salary $145,620.80-$177,340.80 Annually
Location CA, CA
Job Type Full Time
Job Number 24-25-03
Division Administration
Opening Date 11/01/2024
Closing Date Continuous
DEFINITION:
Under general direction, this professional level position coordinates the work activities of the other staff attorneys and performs difficult and complex legal research activities on behalf of the court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the Court. The incumbent will conduct ex parte hearings and related matters, status review conferences, and serve, as directed, as a temporary judge.
EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:
The Court Staff Attorney III 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 III at any time, with or without advance notice or cause.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the advanced journey/lead worker level of the Attorney series. Incumbents may also serve as lead workers, assigning and coordinating the work of Attorney I and II. This class is distinguished from the lower-level Attorney classifications in that incumbents perform more complex legal research work, demanding a higher degree of resourcefulness and knowledge.
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.
Coordinates work activities of staff attorney I/II as directed, which may include training
Meets regularly with judges to obtain information regarding operational problems, developing practices and procedures that effectively serve the bench
Review and summarize evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions on complex matters before the Court
Identify and analyze factual and legal issues relevant to the disposition of matters. Research legal authorities
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
Respond to judges’ inquiries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and hearings. Attend and assist at trials and hearings, conduct reviews of documents at the request of judges
Prepare pleadings, written legal reports, opinions, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings
May serve as legal adviser to the court judicial officers, staff, or judicial committees on specific difficult and complex matters before the Court
May assist with the drafting of legislative measures and other legal work required by the Court
Confer with counsel and other parties, conduct informal hearings, and review case files, legal documents and exhibits
Conduct ex parte hearings; approve ex parte orders/applications
May conduct status review conferences in civil matters
Serve as the Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Representative by reviewing rules, policies, etc. and coordinating the implementation of the program and any changes
Serve, as needed, as a temporary judge, in compliance with the limits of California Rule of Court
Attend training as offered and/or directed; travel to off-site courts, as needed
Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines
Maintain professional appearance and demeanor
Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Duties:
None
WORK HOURS
Eight (8) hour workday with additional time per the Court’s needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school
Experience:
Five (5) years of work experience as a practicing licensed attorney
Criminal and/or civil experience
License, Certification and/or Special Requirement’s:
Active membership in the State Bar of California
A valid class C California driver’s license may be required. The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.
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
Work independently
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 Driver’s License and court acceptable driving record, if using a vehicle for court business.
Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS
Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.
Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.
Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
Physical Ability:
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 manipulations, 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 20 lbs.
Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level
Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 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 move to different locations such as, but not limited to: courtrooms, clerk’s office, various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court
Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement
Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying
Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone
Corrected hearing and vision to normal range
Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
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.
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