Staff Attorney (Legal Research) - Civil Law

STAFF ATTORNEY (Legal Research) - Civil Law
Examination No.27-006

San Diego Superior Court is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Staff Attorney (Legal Research) - Civil Law.

There is currently one (1) Civil Staff Attorney vacancy at the Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street in San Diego. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in Civil law.

All well-qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as the resulting eligible list from this recruitment may also be used to fill future Civil Staff Attorney (Legal Research) vacancies in any of the San Diego Superior Court locations.


JOB SUMMARY 

San Diego Superior Court seeks dynamic, well-qualified and highly motivated individuals with Civil law experience to work as a Staff Attorney. Under general direction from 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 judicial officers, court management, and operations staff; and assisting the court with implementing and modifying court procedures and policies to conform with the law.
 
While the current vacancy requires significant Civil law experience, additional experience in Criminal, Family, Juvenile, and/or Probate law is a plus.
 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The San Diego Superior Court offers generous benefits, including:

• Fourteen (14) paid holidays plus one (1) birthday holiday
• New employees in this classification accrue vacation at an initial rate of seventeen (17) days per year
• Employees in this classification accrue thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave per year
• A robust benefit plan, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Participation in the San Diego County Employee Retirement Association
• Optional deferred compensation plans
• Annual pay step increases until the top of the salary range has been attained
• Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• May be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule and/or an alternative work schedule, subject to Court approval and operational needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be current active members in good standing with the State Bar of California and have at least one (1) year of full-time, professional experience as a licensed attorney in California.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of law affecting Civil court proceedings and the ability to use online resources to perform legal research
• 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
• 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
• Ability to work as a team member on projects with colleagues, judicial officers and court staff
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to discuss complex legal issues

HOW TO APPLY

An online San Diego Superior Court job application is required. Please visit the court's website at www.sdcourt.ca.gov. From the General Info tab, click on Employment. 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

Please include the following REQUIRED materials in the "Attachments" section of your online application:

1. Your résumé (attached as a Word or PDF file) describing your education and experience pertinent to the position;
2. Two writing samples;
3. Professional references; AND
4. 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.


The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an implied or expressed contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked at any time. The requirements stated represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed requirements does not guarantee an applicant will qualify.