Senior Staff Attorney

Under limited direction, this professional level position performs complex legal research on behalf of the court, including examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information, and submitting recommendations for resolving primarily criminal issues before the court, but may also include civil, probate, and family law matters. This position is represented and exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Researches difficult legal questions and prepares memoranda, documents, and summaries of alternatives for the judges’ consideration. Reviews and summarizes evidence, procedural history and legal contentions in matters on civil, criminal, law and motion calendars, appellate calendar, mandate calendar in civil and criminal, trial and post‑trial motions, in juvenile and family law proceedings, habeas corpus petitions. Researches legal authorities, including statutory and case law of California, other states, federal and foreign jurisdictions, treaties, and other international laws, and legislative history using traditional and computerized legal research methods. Prepares a memorandum for each matter, summarizing background, identifying and analyzing factual and legal issues, and recommending disposition; orally briefs judges on research and analysis pertaining to matters in court cases. Drafts rulings, including minute orders, formal orders, tentative decisions, statements of decisions, and judgments. Drafts correspondence to counsel, unrepresented parties and inmates regarding matters pending before the Court. Responds to judges’ queries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and pre‑trial hearings, including in‑limine motions, evidentiary objections, jury instructions, status of case authorities cited by counsel, and points of substantive law. Researches, analyzes, and formulates recommended policies, procedures, and forms related to specific court proceedings and recurring issues at the request of judges, judicial committees, and court administration. May train, review work and schedule assignments of other legal staff. Reviews appealed cases; researches pertinent issues and law; and prepares preliminary opinion for the courts’ consideration. Performs other related work as required by business needs or as assigned. The ideal candidate will possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed below, as well as any others necessary to perform the essential duties of the position, and will meet all minimum qualifications. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The successful applicant will possess the following (KSAs): Knowledge of Principles, practices, methods, and materials of legal research and analysis. California statutes related to California trial court processes and Rules of Court. Principles of civil, criminal, family, constitutional, and administrative law. Legal terms, procedures, forms and documents used in court cases. Proper English usage, including grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling. Ability to Use traditional and computerized legal research methods. Apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to specific legal problems. Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents. Research legal issues and present clear and logical arguments and statements of facts and law. Organize and prioritize work assignments including assignments with short deadlines and/or due concurrently. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with people of diverse socio‑economic backgrounds and temperaments. Use personal computers including word processing, spreadsheet software, and court case management databases. Maintain confidentiality of information. Educational and Work Experience Requirements Graduation from an accredited school of law. Active membership in the California State Bar. Two (2) years of experience in an Attorney classification in a California Trial Court OR Two (2) years in the practice of law. Special Requirements May be required to possess or obtain by appointment date a valid California driver’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles. Must be willing to work outside regular business hours, with or without advanced notice. May be assigned to work in Fairfield or Vallejo Recruitment Process To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit the following: Resume Writing Sample (Not to exceed 5 pages) PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, pinch, pull objects or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk or hear. The employee may need to use stairs occasionally. The employee may routinely lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must have speech and hearing sufficient for communicating in person or by telephone, and for presentations. Work environment: The noise level in the work environment is similar to a busy office. #J-18808-Ljbffr