Staff Attorney I, II, III

Company: MERCED SUPERIOR COURT
Location: Merced
Posted on: April 18, 2025

Job Description:

Staff Attorney I

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Salary $86,278.40 - $104,852.80 Annually







Location CA, CA










Job Type Full Time







Job Number 23-24-8










Division Administration







Opening Date 11/01/2024










Closing Date Continuous






DEFINITION:
Under general direction, this professional level position performs legal research activities on behalf of the Court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the Court; prepares orders and performs some clerical work.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:
The Court Staff Attorney I classification is established as an "at-will" position and, as such, the incumbent serves at the direction of the Court Executive Officer. The Court Executive Officer has the right to terminate the employment of any incumbent in the position of Court Staff Attorney I at any time, with or without advance notice or cause.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the entry level of the Staff Attorney series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research within guidance from more experienced staff. This class differs from Staff Attorney II in that Staff Attorney II is the fully experienced, journey level with incumbents expected to perform the more complex legal work and special projects with minimal guidance and supervision. Staff Attorney I incumbents will be expected to increasingly perform more complex work with less guidance. In addition, Staff Attorney incumbents will develop special expertise in specific areas of the law.




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.

1. Review and summarize evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions on matters before the Court

2. Identify and analyze factual and legal issues relevant to the disposition of matters, research legal authorities

3. Brief judicial officers (verbally and/or in writing) on research and analysis pertaining to matters before the court, identify and discuss unresolved issues necessary for the disposition of matters, and formulate dispositions

4. Respond to judicial officer inquiries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and hearings

5. Attend and assist at trials and hearings, conduct reviews of documents at the request of judicial officers

6. Prepare pleadings, written legal reports, opinions, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings

7. Prepare a wide variety of documents, forms, memoranda, contracts, rules, and judicial decisions from rough drafts and dictation/transcription; compose documents with brief instruction and direction; review and correct documents for accuracy, completeness, and conformity with applicable laws, policies, and procedures

8. May serve as legal adviser to the court judicial officers, staff, or judicial committees on specific matters before the court

9. May assist with the drafting of legislative measures and other legal work required by the court

10. Other duties as assigned


Supervisory Duties:
None

WORK HOURS
Hours may vary per Court operational needs.




MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS




Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school

Experience:
Some legal experience is desirable

Active membership in the State Bar of California

Necessary Employment Standards
As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
--- Principles of civil or criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence
--- Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research and writing
--- Principles of statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California
--- English Language Arts: correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
--- Present facts and law and argue clearly and logically on behalf of the court, both verbally and in writing
--- Independently work
--- Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
--- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or Court regulations.
--- Effective communication skills - verbal and written - in person, over the telephone and in writing with public, attorneys, co-workers, supervisors, managers, commissioners and judges.
--- Excellent organizational skills.
--- Modern office equipment and programs including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
--- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, supervisors, judges, commissioners, independent contractors and other management. Work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds.
--- Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check.


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.




ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS




Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

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 a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.

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 the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

Physical Ability:



Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, computer monitor, and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time

Fine finger manipulations, dexterity, and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper

Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching

Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level

Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push, and pull objects

Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch

Able to move to different locations such as, but not limited to: courtrooms, clerk's office, various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court

Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement

Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying

Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone

Corrected hearing and vision to normal range




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.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Convictions, depending on the type, number, and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Staff Attorney II







Salary $102,835.,20-$125,049.60 Annually







Location CA, CA










Job Type Full Time







Job Number 23-24-9










Division Administration







Opening Date 11/01/2024










Closing Date Continuous




DEFINITION:


Under general direction, this professional level position performs difficult and complex legal research activities on behalf of the court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the court.





EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:


The Court Staff Attorney II classification is established as an "at-will" position and, as such, the incumbent serves at the direction of the Court Executive Officer. The Court Executive Officer has the right to terminate the employment of any incumbent in the position of Court Staff Attorney II at any time, with or without advance notice or cause.





DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:


This is the journey level of the Attorney series. Incumbents may be assigned to support general research or specialties such as criminal or civil. This class is distinguished from the higher-level class of Attorney III in that the latter performs the more difficult and complex legal duties.







ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS







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.





1. Review and summarize evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions on complex matters before the Court

2. Identify and analyze factual and legal issues relevant to the disposition of matters, research legal authorities

3. Brief judicial officers (verbally and/or in writing) on research and analysis pertaining to matters before the court, identify and discuss unresolved issues necessary for the disposition of matters, and formulate dispositions

4. Respond to judicial officer inquiries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and hearings

5. Attend and assist at trials and hearings, conduct reviews of documents at the request of judicial officers

6. Prepare pleadings, written legal reports, opinions, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings

7. May serve as legal adviser to the court judicial officers, staff, or judicial committees on specific difficult and complex matters before the court

8. May assist with the drafting of legislative measures and other legal work required by the court

9. Confer with counsel and other parties, conduct informal hearings, and review case files, legal documents and exhibits

10. May conduct status review conferences in civil matters contingent upon qualifications

11. Attend training as offered and/or directed. Travel to off-site courts, as needed

12. Other duties as assigned







Supervisory Duties:


None







MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS







MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Necessary Employment Standards


Knowledge of:


--- Application of knowledge and principles of civil or criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence

--- Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research and writing

--- Presentation of facts and law and argue clearly and logically on behalf of the court, both verbally and in writing

--- Application of knowledge and principles of statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California



Skill/Ability to:
--- Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or Court regulations

--- Effective communication skills - verbal and written - in person, over the telephone and in writing with public, attorneys, co-workers, supervisors, managers, commissioners and judges.

--- English Language Arts - correct usage of vocabulary, spelling and punctuation, legible handwriting

--- Modern office equipment and programs including Microsoft Word and Outlook

--- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, supervisors, judges, commissioners, independent contractors and other management

--- Work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds.

--- Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check



EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED


Education:




Graduation from an accredited law school





Experience:




Three (3) years of work experience as a practicing licensed attorney





License, Certification and/or Special Requirements:



Active membership in the State Bar of California

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.








ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS







ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS


Performance Aptitudes


Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.





Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.





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 a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.





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 the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.





Physical Ability:



Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, computer monitor, and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time

Fine finger manipulations, dexterity, and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper

Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching

Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level

Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push, and pull objects




Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch

Able to move to different locations such as, but not limited to: courtrooms, clerk's office, various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court




Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement

Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying

Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone

Corrected hearing and vision to normal range





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.



BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.


The Superior Court of California, Merced County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superior Court of California, Merced County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.





Staff Attorney III







Salary $145,620.80-$177,340.80 Annually







Location CA, CA










Job Type Full Time







Job Number 24-25-03










Division Administration







Opening Date 11/01/2024










Closing Date Continuous






DEFINITION:
Under general direction, this professional level position coordinates the work activities of the other staff attorneys and performs difficult and complex legal research activities on behalf of the court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the Court. The incumbent will conduct ex parte hearings and related matters, status review conferences, and serve, as directed, as a temporary judge.

EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:
The Court Staff Attorney III classification is established as an "at-will" position and, as such, the incumbent serves at the direction of the Court Executive Officer. The Court Executive Officer has the right to terminate the employment of any incumbent in the position of Court Staff Attorney III at any time, with or without advance notice or cause.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the advanced journey/lead worker level of the Attorney series. Incumbents may also serve as lead workers, assigning and coordinating the work of Attorney I and II. This class is distinguished from the lower-level Attorney classifications in that incumbents perform more complex legal research work, demanding a higher degree of resourcefulness and knowledge.




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.



Coordinates work activities of staff attorney I/II as directed, which may include training

Meets regularly with judges to obtain information regarding operational problems, developing practices and procedures that effectively serve the bench

Review and summarize evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions on complex matters before the Court

Identify and analyze factual and legal issues relevant to the disposition of matters. Research legal authorities

Brief judges (verbally and/or in writing) on research and analysis pertaining to matters before the Court. Identify and discuss unresolved issues necessary for the disposition of matters, and formulate dispositions

Respond to judges' inquiries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and hearings. Attend and assist at trials and hearings, conduct reviews of documents at the request of judges

Prepare pleadings, written legal reports, opinions, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents in connection with trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings

May serve as legal adviser to the court judicial officers, staff, or judicial committees on specific difficult and complex matters before the Court

May assist with the drafting of legislative measures and other legal work required by the Court

Confer with counsel and other parties, conduct informal hearings, and review case files, legal documents and exhibits

Conduct ex parte hearings; approve ex parte orders/applications

May conduct status review conferences in civil matters

Serve as the Court's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Representative by reviewing rules, policies, etc. and coordinating the implementation of the program and any changes

Serve, as needed, as a temporary judge, in compliance with the limits of California Rule of Court

Attend training as offered and/or directed; travel to off-site courts, as needed

Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines

Maintain professional appearance and demeanor

Other duties as assigned



Supervisory Duties:
None

WORK HOURS
Eight (8) hour workday with additional time per the Court's needs.





MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS




Education:
Graduation from an accredited law school

Experience:



Five (5) years of work experience as a practicing licensed attorney

Criminal and/or civil experience




License, Certification and/or Special Requirement's:

Active membership in the State Bar of California

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.





Necessary Employment Standards
As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Principles of civil and criminal law, trial procedure, and rules of evidence

Principles, methods, materials, and practices of legal research and writing

Principles of statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California

English Language Arts: correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation

Present facts and law and argue clearly and logically on behalf of the Court, both verbally and in writing

Work independently

Must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.

Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or Court regulations.

Effective communication skills - verbal and written - in person, over the telephone and in writing with public, attorneys, co-workers, supervisors, managers, commissioners and judges.

Excellent organizational skills.

Computer proficiency.

Uphold judicial ethics.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, supervisors, judges, commissioners, independent contractors and other management. Work effectively with and assist individuals of various ages and diverse cultural backgrounds.

Valid California Driver's License and court acceptable driving record, if using a vehicle for court business.

Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check








ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS




Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.

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 a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data, and information.

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 the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

Physical Ability:



Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, computer monitor, and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time

Fine finger manipulations, dexterity, and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper

Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching

Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level

Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push, and pull objects

Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch

Able to move to different locations such as, but not limited to: courtrooms, clerk's office, various departments, other court facilities, and desk assignments based on the operational needs of the Court

Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement

Perform repetitive writing, typing, copying

Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone

Corrected hearing and vision to normal range




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.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.







































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Keywords: MERCED SUPERIOR COURT, Sacramento , Staff Attorney I, II, III, Legal , Merced, California