Research Attorney I - Worcester Probate & Family Court

Job Description

Job Description

Official Title: Research Attorney I - Worcester Probate & Family Court

Pay Grade: Grade 25S

Salary Range: 25S Entry Level Pay $105,547.78 to Pay Range Maximum $155,560.86

Starting Pay:  $105,547.78

Salary Notes: This position is designated as a Union position. All new hires must start at the entry level rate for this role per the collective bargaining agreement/MOA with OPEIU, Local 6. Pay may advance within the salary band according to the CBA/MOU.

Departmental Mission Statement: The Probate and Family Court Department's mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable and efficient forum to resolve family and probate legal matters and to assist and protect all individuals, families and children in an impartial and respectful manner.

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related matters, such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, and abuse prevention. In addition to equity jurisdiction, the Probate and Family Court also has jurisdiction over wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. 

Organizational Profile:

-and-family-court

Notes: 

• This posting will remain open until filled, preference will be given to candidates that apply within the first 14 days.
• Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit a writing sample.
• This position currently offers a hybrid schedule (subject to change).

Position Summary: Conducts legal research and drafts memoranda, decisions, and orders for assigned judge(s), and consults with judge(s) on legal issues. May oversee and train law clerks and judicial interns. 

Supervision Received:  Works under the direction of the First Justice and/or their designee.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Researches and analyzes case law, statutes, rules, regulations, and other relevant law. Drafts decisions and research memoranda.
• Performs legal research for judges regarding issues that arise during trials and other court proceedings.
• Assists judges, fellow research attorneys, and law clerks with proofreading, editing, and legal interpretation of documents.
• Advises judges on legal issues.
• Oversees the work of and trains law clerks and judicial interns.
• Assists in preparing materials for committees, meetings, and judicial conferences.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Competencies:  

Ethics and Values: Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Mission Driven: Employees are fully committed to fulfilling the Trial Court and associated Departmental missions.

Professional Development: Employees are committed to participating in ongoing Trial Court training and educational offerings to advance their professional development. Managers are equally committed to affording those opportunities to those they supervise as scheduling permits.

Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Applied Knowledge: Proficiency in legal research, preparing legal memoranda, decisions, and other documents.

Problem Solving: Accurately identifies and addresses legal issues within assigned matters.

Commitment to Diversity: Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied racial, ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

Collaboration: Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience
• Law Degree from an accredited college or university
• One (1) year of related work experience
• Admission to and good standing with Massachusetts Bar

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:
• Modern office equipment and technology including computers and applicable software
• Legal research services and databases
• Case law, statutory law, rules, and regulations
• Law and procedure applicable to assigned Court Department
• Legal terminology

Skill in:
• Organization and time management
• Attention to detail
• Proofreading
• Critical thinking
• Research
• Analysis
• Legal Writing

Ability to:
• Establish effective working relationships with others
• Prepare clear and accurate work productEdit the work product of other employees
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Work independently and follow oral and written instructions
• Perform legal research and analysis
• Analyze problems and develop feasible solutions

Supervisory Responsibility:  This position does not require supervision of others.

Working Conditions:  Work is frequently performed in office or similar indoor environments.

Physical Demands: 

This position requires sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.