Staff Attorney

Definition/Description

This is the advanced journey level position of the Attorney series. This class is distinguished from the lower level Research Attorney class in that it performs more complex legal research work demanding a higher degree of resourcefulness. In addition, positions in this class are not necessarily dedicated to legal research and require a broader knowledge of various areas of the Court, and may be assigned supervisory responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities

• Researches legal questions and prepares memoranda, documents, and summaries of alternatives for the judge's consideration;
• Analyzes briefs, petitions, motions, and other pertinent documents filed on a particular case in order to determine factual accuracy, completeness, and complexity of issues raised;
• Prepares written statement of facts pursuant to rules of court;
• Drafts conference memoranda and opinions as requested by the Court;
• Conducts legal research as requested by the Court;
• Reviews appealed cases;
• Researches pertinent issues and law;
• Prepares preliminary opinions for the Court's consideration;
• Confers with judges, attorneys, and the public with respect to procedural and substantive legal issues and requirements of individual cases;
• Confers with the assigned Judge regarding assignments and calendars;
• Writes proposed decision on matters currently before the Court;
• Processes petitions re habeas corpus;
• Advise judges on a variety of civil and criminal issues and proceedings;
• May plan, direct, review work, and schedule assignments of attorneys and other legal staff as directed;

Employment Standards/Qualifications

• An eligible candidate must be an active member of the California State Bar and have a minimum of two years of experience in the full time practice of the area of law for the position to be assigned, i.e. criminal law.
• The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and abilities consistent with the highest standards of the legal profession, with a strong academic background.
• Private practice is prohibited during the incumbent's tenure.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge Of Legal principles, precedents, and their application;
• Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California;
• Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate court of California and the United States and before administrative bodies;
• Principles of civil, criminal, and/or family law;
• Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research;
• Process and procedures of various areas of the Court, including procedures, forms and documents used court cases;
• Principles and practices of supervision;

Application Requirements

• Frequent and ongoing use of a computer terminal to conduct a variety of the more advanced clerical functions and communications;
• Periodic, regular, and/or occasional contact with employees in other court divisions, government agencies, the public, and/or vendors with the ability to converse and respond appropriately to inquiries and requests;
• Periodic to regular lifting, walking, and carrying of files, documents, and other court related materials.

Exam Information

• A screening panel will be convened to select those applicants deemed most qualified to participate in an interview. The process will include application appraisal and interview.

Application Questions

• Please describe your legal experience in the following areas of law: criminal, appellate, juvenile, civil, probate and family.
  
• Are you an active member of the California State Bar?
  Not applicable
• Are you interested in an Extra Help position?
  Not applicable
• Are you interested in a Limited Term Full-Time position (individual is hired for a specific term subject to an extension at the end of the term at the Court's discretion)?
  Not applicable
• Are you interested in a Regular Full-Time position?
  Not applicable
• I understand that for my application to be considered, I must complete required supplemental questionnaires as part of the application screening and selection process.
  Not applicable
• I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form, to demonstrate my qualifications for this job.
  Not applicable
• Authorization and Release.
  Not applicable