Legal Research Attorney - Civil

Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa

Announces an open recruitment for: Legal Research Attorney - Civil

$102,758.86 - $131,149.20 annually

Final Filing Continuous

The Superior Court of Contra Costa County is conducting an open recruitment to fill a permanent Legal Research Attorney position in the areas of Civil and Complex Civil law and motion matters. An eligibility list will be established as a result of this recruitment and may be used to fill other Legal Research Attorney vacancies.

The person appointed to this position assist judges of the court by performing legal research and drafting bench memoranda containing analyses, conclusions and recommendations. The incumbent is expected to bring significant legal knowledge and experience in order to function independently and to serve as a subject matter expert. The Civil Legal Research Attorneys are currently based in Martinez. Telecommuting up to two days per week will be permissible after six months of satisfactory performance as a Legal Research Attorney.

Typical tasks for a Research Attorney include: reading and analyzing memoranda of law submitted by counsel related to Civil and/or Complex law and motion matters and writs pending before the court; researching and analyzing all cases, statutes and secondary materials cited by the parties and all other relevant materials necessary to reach decisions on pending matters; drafting bench memoranda including analysis, conclusions and recommendations for decisions; making oral presentations to judges of results of the foregoing; posting tentative rulings; attending law and motion hearings when requested by the Court, or as time permits to hear oral argument on issues researched; and performing other related duties as needed.

Individuals appointed to these positions must be able to: work well with others, as well as work independently; have the ability to handle multiple demands and deadlines; have a good understanding of court procedures; be attentive to detail; and maintain accurate and neat records. The persons appointed to these positions must be able to maintain a positive and professional attitude and possess good interpersonal and oral communication skills. Regular and punctual attendance is essential.

Important Note: Successful candidates may not engage in the active practice of law in Contra Costa County in the case type they are assigned while employed with the Court.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE should have the following knowledge and abilities:

Knowledge of:

• General legal and constitutional principles and applications as well as legal precedents and their application to the assigned area of law;

• Evidentiary principles, California Code of Civil Procedure, Evidence Code, and Rules of Court;

• Pretrial and hearing procedures;

• Legal research methods;

• Legal reference works including decisions and statutory law; and
  Computerized legal research and related computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Perform legal research independently; Analyze and appraise legal problems and apply legal principles and precedents to facts and evidence;

• Present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.

• Set priorities, schedule and appropriately monitor a large volume of work;

• Prepare clear and concise documents using word processing software within strict time deadlines;

• Review, analyze and maintain a working knowledge of current changes in the law;

• Review, read, evaluate and analyze briefs, petitions, motions and other pertinent documents filed in assigned cases in order to determine factual accuracy, completeness and complexity of issues raised;

• Draft clear and concise legal memoranda that include a summary of relevant facts, analysis of the application of relevant law to the facts and a recommendation to the judicial officer; and

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with judges, attorneys, court administrators, managers and employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a law degree from an accredited law school;

• Active membership in the State Bar of California for three (3) years;

• Possession of at least two (2) years post bar experience as a practicing attorney in private practice or a government agency.
  
  

  Experience as a court legal research attorney is desirable, although not required for the position.

Application and Selection Process:

Interested individuals must complete a Court application, and provide the following: (1) a cover letter; (2) a detailed resume; and (3) a writing sample (maximum of ten (10) pages). To apply, go to: http://www.cc-courts.org: and click on the Job Opportunities tab. After submitting your application all subsequent communications will be via email. Please add contracosta.courts.ca.gov and [email protected] to your email address book to ensure delivery of emails. For additional information email: [email protected].

Depending on the number of applications received, an application evaluation committee may be convened to review and evaluate each candidates application, and those deemed to be best qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process. The court reserves the right to revise the testing process in accordance with the Court Personnel Plan and accepted selection practices.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Conditions of Employment

Successful completion of fingerprint and a criminal record background check is required prior to appointment and is a condition of employment.

All employees of the court who operate a vehicle on court business must certify they possess a valid California Drivers License and required levels of automobile insurance.

Convictions

Felony and misdemeanor convictions MAY BE disqualifying for employment with the court. The court will assess the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has elapsed since the offense was committed, and the nature of the job duties to be performed.

Employment Eligibility:

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present to the Court, at the time of appointment, original documents which show satisfactory proof of: 1) identity and 2) U.S. Citizenship or a legal authorization to work in the United States.

Union Representative

This position is an unrepresented position.

Applicants with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made so applicants with disabilities may participate in the recruitment process. Please advise Superior Court Human Resources of special needs in advance.

The Court is an equal opportunity employer. The Court provides equal employment opportunity at all times and does not discriminate in violation of applicable law