Research Attorney II/III - Legal Research Civil or Criminal Unit

Overview This recruitment is to fill a Research Attorney II/III position in the Legal Research Civil or Criminal Unit. Definition: Under supervision, to serve as a legal advisor and provide professional legal research assistance to Superior Court Judges, Executive and Managerial staff; to perform related duties as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics Court Research Attorney I It is the first working level in the Court Research Attorney class series. Initially, the incumbent works under close supervision in performing research and drafting legal opinions for Judicial and Executive staff. As experience is gained, there is a greater independence of action. This class is flexibly staffed with the Court Research Attorney II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications at the higher level. Court Research Attorney II It is the experienced working level in the Court Research Attorney class series. Incumbents work independently in performing legal research and drafting legal opinions for Judicial and Executive staff and must be able to respond within short time frames to Judges' queries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and pretrial hearings. This class is flexibly staffed with Court Research Attorney III. Court Research Attorney III It is the specialist level in the series. It is distinguished from Lead Court Research Attorney, which is the lead level in the series. Examples of Duties Reviews and summarizes evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions in matters on civil, criminal, and Presiding Judge's law and motion calendars, appellate calendar, and mandate calendar in civil and criminal trial and post-trial motions, in coordinated proceedings, in juvenile court and family law proceedings, in habeas corpus petitions, and in time credits and sentencing matters. 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 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 Superior Court cases. Drafts rulings in Superior Court cases, including minute orders, formal orders, tentative decisions, statements of decision, and judgments. Drafts correspondence to counsel, unrepresented parties, and inmates regarding matters pending before the Courts. 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 specified court proceedings and recurring issues at the request of Judges, Judicial Committees, and Court Administration. At the III level, consults with and advises staff on problems with cases in the assigned specialty area; serves as legal advisor to assigned Judicial Committees. Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited school of law. -And- Experience: Court Research Attorney I: One (1) year of experience in professional civil and/or criminal legal practice. Public law experience is desirable. Court Research Attorney II: Two (2) years of experience in professional civil and/or criminal legal practice, including performing legal research and developing legal opinions. Public law experience is highly desirable. Court Research Attorney III: Four (4) years of experience in professional civil and/or criminal legal practice, including public law experience. Knowledge of: Principles, practices, methods, and materials of legal research and analysis; Government Code and other California statutes related to Superior Court processes and Rules of Court; principles of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law; 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. Other Information Active membership in the State Bar of California. Must be able to pass a criminal history information background check. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sacramento Superior Court