Staff Attorney

Salary : $137,511.07 - $167,145.50 Annually
Location : Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 23/2400SEPT
Department: Legal Services & Planning
Division: Legal Services & Planning
Opening Date: 09/25/2023
Closing Date: Continuous

Definition/Description
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 vary with assignments.

This recruitment will lead to establishing an eligibility list for Regular Full-Time, Extra Help, and Limited Term opportunities at the court.

Limited Term - Individual is hired for a specific term subject to an extension at the end of the
term at the Court's discretion.

Extra Help - Positions are used by the Court to handle peak workload and vacancies. These positions are not eligible for most Court benefits - please review the benefits tab for more information.
Regular Full-Time - Individual is hired into a permanent position.

Typical Tasks/Representative Duties
Typical Tasks/Representative Duties

• 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; and 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/Typical Qualifications
Employment Standards/Typical 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. Submission to a background investigation is required upon conditional offer of employment.
Supplemental Information

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;

Ability to:

• Work effectively and communicate with a diverse population of various social and economic backgrounds;
• Plan and manage the work of attorneys and other legal staff as assigned;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Judicial Officers, Court Staff and public and private agencies;
• Present statement of fact and law;
• Argue clearly and logically in written and oral form as required;
• Work flexible hours including early morning and evening time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment is generally clean, inside buildings, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, odors, and noise. Incumbents will be working under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions, with frequent deadlines and expectation to produce high quality work under limited time constraints as well as periodic contact with angry and confrontational individuals. The ability to work independently as well as closely with others is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Specific tasks and duties may vary among assignments; however, the following are considered essential functions expected of the Staff Attorney classification:

• 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. Incumbents must have the ability to lift and carry up to 10 lbs;
• Work with time constraints and under pressure in some situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Strength, dexterity, and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a regular basis;
• Ability to listen to verbal requests from the public and court staff, then respond appropriately;
• Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper, occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 10 lbs, such as files, stacks of paper, reference books, and other materials;
• Frequent need to reach for items above and below desk level, sometimes with the assistance of a ladder or step-stool;
• Standing and sitting for long periods of time is periodically required.

EXAMINATION:
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 REQUIREMENTS:
This recruitment requires the submission of an on-line application. No paper applications will be accepted. An electronic copy of your resume, certified law school grade transcripts, a brief writing sample and responses to the supplemental questions must completed.

BENEFITS:
The Court offered benefits package includes a choice of health, dental and vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) as permitted by law, life insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
The Court offers a benefits package that includes life insurance, a choice of health and dental plans, a vision plan, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
01

Please describe your legal experience in the following areas of law: criminal, appellate, juvenile, civil, probate and family. Describe what you liked and disliked about your experience.
02

Are you an active member of the California State Bar?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you interested in an Extra Help position?

• Yes
• No

04

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)?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you interested in a Regular Full-Time position?

• Yes
• No

06

I understand that for my application to be considered, I must complete required supplemental questionnaires as part of the application screening and selection process. The information I provide will be reviewed and used to determine my eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process.

• Yes
• No

07

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.

• Yes
• No

08

Authorization and Release. I have applied for employment with the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara ("Court") and have provided information about my current and/or previous employment. I authorize the Court to investigate all statements made in my application for employment and to obtain any and all information concerning my former/current employment. This includes my job performance appraisals/evaluations, wage history, disciplinary action(s) if any, and all other matters pertaining to my employment history. I authorize my former and current employers and references to release contents of my employment record with their organizations and to provide any additional information that may be necessary for my application for employment with the Court, whether the information is positive or negative. I hereby release all such agencies and/or individuals who furnish such information, and the Court, from liability for damages, which may result from furnishing or receiving the information requested.

• Yes
• No

Required Question