Salary: $96,012.80 - $116,750.00 Annually

 

CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION

 

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.  May conduct ex parte hearings and related matters; conduct status review conferences; and serve, as needed, as a temporary judge.

 

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, civil, family law, self-help centers, or probate. This class is distinguished from the higher-level class of Attorney III in that the latter performs the more difficult and complex legal duties and/or may serve as a lead worker, leading and coordinating the duties of Attorneys and other legal staff.

 

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.  

 

 

Supervisory Duties:

None

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Necessary Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Application of knowledge and principles of civil and 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


• 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 vehicle used for court business


• Must successfully complete fingerprinting and Criminal Record Background Check

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

Experience:

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.