Staff Attorney III

Merced Superior Court Merced, CA Temporary Legal

Posted on November 21, 2018

The Position 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. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Court Executive Officer. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the advanced journey/lead worker level of the Attorney series. Incumbents may be assigned to provide highly complex work involving general research or specialties such as family law, self-help centers, or probate. Incumbents may also serve as lead workers, assigning, coordinating and monitoring the work of Attorneys and other legal staff. This class is distinguished from the lower level Attorney class in that incumbents perform more complex legal research work, demanding a higher degree of resourcefulness and knowledge. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Example of essential duties include, but are not limited to: Coordinates work activities of other staff attorneys as directed; which may include training, evaluating, and providing work assignments to other staff attorneys; assist staff with more difficult cases 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 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 Conduct informal hearings, and review case files, legal documents and exhibits; conduct ex parte hearings; approve ex parte orders/applications; conduct status review conferences in civil matters; respond to citizen complaints Serve as 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 880. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is an experienced attorney with a specialization in civil and/or criminal law. The candidate must possess knowledge of administrative procedures involved in legal issues; legal principles and practices, including Civil, Probate, Family, Criminal, Juvenile, Writs and Appeals; Constitutional and Administrative laws and procedures, research methods; rules of evidence; the Codes of the Sate of California; current critical court decisions impacting law and motion issues; and modern public personnel and finance administration. Qualifying Experience and Education Education: Graduation from an accredited law school. Experience: Five (5) years of work experience as a practicing licensed attorneyemphasis placed on civil experience. License, Certification, 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. Application Process Recruitment # 18-10 The filing deadline for this recruitment is Friday, December 7, 2018 Completed applications must be submitted to: Merced Superior Court Human Resources 627 W. 21st Street Merced, CA 95340 Official applications can be accessed by visiting our website at www.mercedcourt.org. The application package must include: Cover letter Signed employment application Resume Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Applications must be legible, signed and complete. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of applications are received. Compensation & Benefits The annual salary range for the Staff Attorney III is $100,838.40 to $122,636.80 per year. Placement within the range will depend on a candidate's experience. In addition, the salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package that includes the following: Health Insurance: Major group medical, dental and vision currently paid for by the Court for the employee and medical, dental and vision care for eligible dependents with 50% of the premium paid by the Court. Vacation: 10 days paid vacation each year for the first 5 years of employment 15 days accrual during the second 5 years 20 days accrual after 10 years days accrual after 20 years Management Leave: 12 paid days off (96 hours) per fiscal year. Management Leave does not accrue from year to year nor can it be cashed out in lieu of taking time off. Holidays: 14 paid holidays Life Insurance: $5,000 with premium paid by Court PLUS additional life insurance provided by Court ($30,000 to $80,000 depending on position). Retirement: Court employees are covered by the Merced County Employees' Retirement Association (MCERA), a Defined Benefit Retirement System governed by the County Employees' Retirement Act of 1937. Deferred Compensation Plans: Optional deferred compensation 457. Other Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), IRS Section Programprovides tax savings for insurance costs, dependent care costs and unreimbursed medical expenses, and short and long term disability policy.