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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