Research Attorney

The Research Attorney position is flexible, offering various telecommute options. Under direction, performs complex legal work including technical research and drafting legal documents and responses and advises judges and managers on legal issues; and performs related duties as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Research Attorney is a journey level professional attorney classification. Incumbents perform legal research, prepare tentative decisions and rulings and assist the judges in researching and resolving legal questions. 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. Researches, evaluates, prepares legal analysis and written recommendations in matters pending before the Court / Bench which include law and motion, probate calendar, family law calendar, appellate calendar and special assignment. Researches, evaluates and provides recommendations on Administrative issues and questions. Interacts and discusses cases with Judges. Ensures compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS Performs general / clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending / receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming / outgoing mail. Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed. Performs other related duties as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education Juris Doctorate required. Experience Two years as a member of the California State Bar Association, with a minimum of two years experience as a practicing attorney, including performing legal research and developing legal opinions, preferably some experience in a public agency or court setting; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. May require specialized certifications and / or training as deemed necessary. Knowledge of :

• Principles, practices, and methods of legal research and analysis;
• Government Code and other California statutes related to court processes and Rules of Court;
• Principles of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law;
• Legal principles, precedents and their application;
• Legal terms, procedures, forms, and documents used in court cases. Ability to :
• Use traditional and computerized legal research methods;
• Research, analyze, and 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 fact and law;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Organize and prioritize work assignments and activities;
• Work under time pressures on a daily basis;
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of assignments;
• Operate personal computers. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Special Requirement 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. Membership in the State Bar of California. PERFORMANCE APTITUDES Data Utilization : Requires the ability to synthesize, hypothesize, and / or theorize concerning data involving modification of existing policies, strategies and / or methods to meet unique or unusual conditions. Requires the ability to do so within the context of existing organizational theories and management principles. Human Interaction : Requires the ability to function in a managerial capacity for a division or organizational unit. Includes the ability to make decisions on procedural and technical levels. 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 consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference, descriptive and / or design data and information as applicable. 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 broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs. ADA COMPLIANCE Physical Ability : Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and / or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds). 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. The Superior Court of Stanislaus County, California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superior Court of Stanislaus County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. recblid tcegwh8i5xjp1fdj1hqk18tmtzv8rz