Judicial Staff Attorney I/II Criminal Division

Description

Applications must include an attached resume and a writing sample. Resumes are not acceptable in lieu of a completed application.

Work Environment

Excellent work-life balance: Hours predictably average 40 - 45 per week with flexible work arrangements, including telework available.

Benefits

State Bar Dues Reimbursed.

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

• Assists judges and commissioners by performing in-depth research and analysis of matters pending before the Court.
• Identifies, researches, summarizes, and analyzes legal issues and controlling facts raised in motions, petitions, and applications.
• Counsels judges on procedural and substantive issues.
• Drafts 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.
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a Law Degree and current active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
• For Level II: Two (2) years of full-time, paid work experience as an attorney.
• For Level III: 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.
• 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.
• Possession of valid Class “C” California Driver’s License may be required.

Additional Information

• 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.