Description
JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction, the Legal Research Attorney classification assists the Superior Court Judicial Officers by
researching legal issues before the Court and providing assistance, advice, and counsel to the Court Executive
Officer and the management team on legal aspects of administrative and operational issues.
EMPLOYMENT AT WILL
The Legal Research Attorney classification is established as an "at will" position. As such, the incumbent serves
at the pleasure of the Court Executive Officer, who has the right to terminate the employment of anyone in this
classification at any time, with or without advance notice, and with or without cause.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a professional classification. Most duties and responsibilities are performed within established policies,
procedures, standards, rules, and laws. However, incumbents most often work independently and make decisions
in the absence of easily applied rules. This class typically reports to the Court Executive Officer. Legal Research Attorney 1 positions are flexibly staffed to the Senior Legal Research level.
Legal Research Attorney 1: is the first working level in the Legal Research Attorney class series. Initially, the
incumbent works under close supervision in performing research and drafting legal opinions for Judicial and
Executive staff. Supervision may be provided by other Legal Research Attorney 2, Senior, or those acting in a
lead or supervisory capacity for this purpose. As experience is gained, there is a greater independence of action.
Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency, which meet
the qualifications at the higher level.
Legal Research Attorney 2: is the experienced working level in the Legal 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 Judicial Officers’ queries on procedural
and substantive issues during trials and retrial hearings.
Senior Legal Research Attorney: is the expert working level in the series. At this level, the incumbent is
independent in performing the full range of complex Legal Research Attorney assignments and tasks.
JUDGMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY
Incumbents work under general direction to perform most duties independently based on general policies,
procedures, and standards. However, incumbents frequently make decisions that may have multiple alternative
solutions and may involve the occasional development of new techniques and procedures. Priorities are
established by court needs and can change frequently. Errors can have significant consequences to the legal rights
of litigants and on the trust and confidence in the court system and its judges. Incumbents do not typically
supervise other employees in the court but may have lead responsibility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Court reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as required to achieve business and operational
objectives. Essential functions and tasks must be accomplished effectively, if assigned, and may include, but are
not limited to, those listed below.
Research, analyze, and interpret existing laws and ordinances, court decisions, pending legislation, and other
legal authorities utilizing legal resources from computerized electronic and print media, including internet
resources.
Write proposed decisions for Superior Court Judicial Officers on matters currently before the court using
computer word processing programs and manual methods.
Advise Superior Court Judicial Officers on a variety of civil, criminal, and juvenile issues and proceedings;
review and advise judges regarding petitions for Writs of Habeas Corpus and Writs of Mandate.
Assist in drafting local Rules of Court as determined by operational needs and legal and regulatory
requirements.
Review appeals pending in the Appellate Division of the Placer County Superior Court and brief the appellate
judges with thorough memoranda; review daily appellate reports for new developments in case law.
Consult with and advise managers, supervisors, and other personnel regarding a wide variety of programs,
policies, and regulations; review requests for court judgment after default for compliance with requirements.
Cover duties of other Court Legal Research Attorneys during their absences and assist with overflow of work.
Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education
opportunities in order to stay informed of legal updates.
Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and discretion in all
interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Employment Standards are intended to express the general expectations of the position, in addition to the
essential functions provided above. It is expected that the incumbent possess the knowledge, skills and abilities
listed below at hire and/or within a reasonable amount of time after hire, through experience and training.
Knowledge of:
Legal principles, precedents, and their application.
Legal research methods.
Principles of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law, and their application.
Court procedures, rules of evidence, and procedures.
Laws applicable to operation of the court and related agencies.
State and local laws and ordinances.
Preparations of briefs, rulings, and opinions.
Legal terminology, court operations, and courtroom procedures, etiquette and conventions.
Correct English use, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
Personal computers and word processing software.
Ability to:
Analyze legal principles and precedents and apply them to complex legal and administrative problems.
Use legal reference works including case and statutory law from print and electronic media.
Present statements of fact, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form.
Work well under the pressure of ad hoc information requests, deadlines and multiple projects.
Draft opinions, pleadings, and rulings.
Prepare clear and concise written reports for use in litigation.
Establish and maintain effective working relationship with all those encountered in the course of work.
Maintain flexibility in managing an unpredictable workday.
Meet established, and sometimes conflicting, deadlines in a timely manner.
Protect clients’ rights.
Maintain confidentiality of court proceedings, documents, and records, and keep accurate records.
Research, understand, interpret, explain, and apply applicable policies, procedures, guides, rules, and
statutes.
Exercise sound judgement in assisting parties and when communicating with the Court.
Operate office equipment and personal computers, and use specified computer applications and programs.
Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited law school and a member of the California State Bar, in good standing,
AND
Legal Research Attorney 1*: One (1) year in the practice of law, which shall include civil and/or criminal legal
practice, or one (1) year of experience performing legal work in a court environment, while attending law school.
* The Legal Research Assistant classification may be considered as a limited-term position for candidates who do
not meet the minimum qualifications of the LRA1 classification but have graduated from an accredited law school
by the time of hire and are applying to take, or have already passed, the California State Bar examination.
(Limited to 12 months.)
Legal Research Attorney 2*: Four (4) years in the practice of law, which shall include substantial civil and/or
criminal legal practice, or three (3) years in the practice of law, including one (1) year in a court environment
Senior Legal Research Attorney*: Seven (7) years in the practice of law, which shall include substantial civil
and/or criminal legal practice, or five (5) years in the practice of law, including two (2) years in a court
environment.
*Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining required experience and demonstrating proficiency.
Highly Desirable But Not Required: Public law experience.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Criminal History and Background Checks: Candidates are required to pass a fingerprint clearance by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ). Convictions, depending on the type,
number and date, may be disqualifying.
Licensing Requirements: Possession of a valid California driver’s license, or the ability to provide alternate
methods of transportation that meets job requirements, may be required depending on the position.
Physical Demands:
Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard and monitor.
Hearing to communicate with the public and Court staff.
Ability to sit for extended periods of time, walk, or otherwise move within the Court facilities.
Reach with hands and arms.
Vision to read and write material.
Sufficient strength to lift, carry, push, or pull materials weighing up to 25 pounds; lifting position may be
from floor to waist, and/or from the waist to an overhead position.
Ability to stoop, kneel, squat, and crouch to pick-up or move objects, office equipment, and records.
Speak clearly on the telephone and before groups.
