Staff Attorney (Legal Research) - Juvenile Law

Job Summary

San Diego Superior Court seeks dynamic, well-qualified and highly motivated individuals with Juvenile Dependency and/or Juvenile Justice experience to work as a Staff Attorney. Under general direction of a Legal Services Supervisor or Manager, typical duties of a Staff Attorney (Legal Research) include analyzing motions, pleadings, writs and other documents submitted to the court; preparing comprehensive memoranda detailing relevant legal issues and recommending judicial action; preparing draft orders; responding to substantive and procedural questions from the judicial officers, court management and operations; and assisting the court with implementing and modifying court procedures and policies to conform with the law.

Supplemental Information

• Generous Benefits: Including holidays, vacation, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, optional deferred compensation plans, and participation in San Diego County’s Employee Retirement Association.

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for this program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current active members in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Desirable Qualifications

• Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal problems and to quickly identify key issues.

• Ability to perform complex legal research.

• Ability to draft clear and concise memoranda and/or legal opinions and orders.

• Knowledge of law affecting Juvenile Dependency and/or Juvenile Justice court proceedings and the ability to use online resources to perform legal research.

• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, including the ability to prioritize and allocate resources to meet the needs of the Court in an efficient and timely manner.

• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment.

• Effective communication skills, including the ability to discuss complex legal issues.

• Ability to work as a team member on projects with colleagues, judicial officers and court staff.

How To Apply

An online San Diego Superior Court job application is required. Please visit the court's website at http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov. From the General Info tab, click on the "Employment" link. At the Job Opportunities page, click on the position that you are interested in and then click on the "Apply" button. New users of the NEOGOV online application system will need to set up a job applicant user account.

Required Application Materials:

• Your résumé (attached as a Word or PDF file) describing your education and experience pertinent to the position;
• Two writing samples;
• References;
• A copy of your current California State Bar card (attached as a JPEG or PDF file) showing active status.

Your application will not be considered if your résumé, writing samples, references and Bar card are not included.

Filing Deadline: Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026.