Research Attorney I - Worcester Probate & Family Court

Position Summary

Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda, decisions, and orders for assigned judge(s), and consults with judge(s) on legal issues. May oversee and train law clerks and judicial interns.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Researches and analyzes case law, statutes, rules, regulations, and other relevant law.
• Drafts decisions and research memoranda.
• Performs legal research for judges regarding issues that arise during trials and other court proceedings.
• Affords judges, fellow research attorneys, and law clerks with proofreading, editing, and legal interpretation of documents.
• Advises judges on legal issues.
• Oversees the work of and trains law clerks and judicial interns.
• Assists in preparing materials for committees, meetings, and judicial conferences.

Job Competencies

• Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
• Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.
• Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development.
• Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.
• Applied Knowledge: Proficiency in legal research, preparing legal memoranda, decisions, and other documents.
• Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within assigned matters.
• Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements

• Law Degree from an accredited college or university
• One (1) year of related work experience
• Admission to and good standing with Massachusetts Bar

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software
• Legal research services and databases
• Case law, statutory law, rules, and regulations
• Law and procedure applicable to assigned Court Department
• Legal terminology

Skills

• Organization and time management
• Attention to detail
• Proofreading
• Critical thinking
• Research Analysis
• Legal Writing

Ability To

• Establish effective working relationships with others
• Prepare clear and accurate work product
• Edit the work product of other employees
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions
• Perform legal research and analysis
• Analyze problems and develop feasible solutions

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not require supervision of others.

Working Conditions

Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments.

Physical Demands

This position requires sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.