Attorney (Legal Research / Legal Writing)

Job Description The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda is accepting applications for the position of Legal Research Attorney. Under general direction, a Legal Research Attorney performs a variety of complex professional legal work, including research and consultation for judicial officers, provides legal support related to the work of the Legal Research Attorney Unit and programs within the Superior Court of Alameda County; While the primary assignment of the current two openings will be supporting judges in Civil departments, particularly in civil law and motion, the Legal Research Attorney may be assigned to support other departments, e.g. The Legal Research Attorney positions will be assignedto the Legal Research Attorney Unit. However, depending on the needs of the Court, Legal Research Attorneys can be reassigned to other courthouses in Alameda County such as Hayward. Employees may be permitted to telework at the discretion of the Court.
*The application packet must include a resume, writing sample (not to exceed 10 pages), completed application form and supplemental questionnaire.
Gathers information regarding legal matters presented to the Court (e.g., motions, petitions and ex parte applications) by reviewing case files, legal documents and exhibits, and conferring as needed with litigants and the public.

Identifies, researches and analyzes legal issues and conflicting legal opinions; reviews legal authority cited by litigants; and conducts self-directed independent research as may be needed to further clarify issues and reach sound judicial decisions.

Prepares comprehensive memoranda detailing relevant legal issues, addressing arguments’ strengths and weaknesses and recommending judicial action.

Briefs judges in writing and orally; on behalf of judicial officers, drafts rulings, statements of decision and judgments.

Confers with judges, attorneys, court services staff and the public on procedural and operational matters; advises the Court on legal aspects of administrative and operational issues; Serves as legal counsel to the court, providing legal advice and guidance to court leadership on a variety of issues pertaining to judicial branch, and court operations and administration.

Advises the Court Executive Officer and the Supervising Attorney on legal aspects of administrative and operational issues; and prepares memorandum analyzing legislative, judicial and operational policies and other matters.

Assists self-represented litigants and responds to questions about Court or legal processes and procedures.

Updates law library materials and performs other collateral services in support of judges and the court; Maintains proficiency through continuing education in specific areas of procedural and substantive law.

Equivalent to three years of full-time civil or criminal litigation experience, and/or professional-level legal research experience in support of the judicial branch. Experience with civil law and motion matters is desirable.
Professional-level legal research experience in support of the judicial branch at the trial or appellate level
Knowledge of _ principles of civil and criminal law; California codes, statutes and other authorities applicable to civil, criminal, and/or family law matters; legal research methods; word processing and other office software.
_ identify legal issues; perform legal research; prepare and present oral and written legal analyses and recommendations; apply legal principles to case facts and arrive at specific conclusions; use initiative and independent judgment within general policy guidelines; operate modern office equipment and personal computers, and use specified computer applications, including word processing and spreadsheets; work evening and weekend hours as necessary; and travel throughout the county and statewide as necessary.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of fingerprint check and the provision of appropriately identifying documents to certify eligibility to work in the United States.
An initial screening of all application materials receivedincluding a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. A resume does not substitute for completing the application. An incomplete or partial application or supplemental questionnaire will result in disqualification.
A review of the completed application and supplemental questionnaire to select the best-qualified candidates for the oral panel interview process.
The application and supplemental questionnaire are used to evaluate the candidate’s qualifications.
If you require accommodation in the examination process because of disability, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io to discuss.