Staff Attorney

JOB OPPORTUNITY:
The Superior Court of California, County of Kings, is seeking to fill one Staff Attorney I/II. The level of
classification upon hire is within the discretion of the Court based on the candidate’s qualifications.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
Under direction, this professional level position performs a wide range of complex legal research and
analysis duties in assistance to judicial officers hearing all case types. This professional level position
may also be asked to perform research and drafting duties in assistance to the administration of the
court.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Staff Attorney I is the entry level of the Staff Attorney classification series, reporting to the Staff
Attorney II. The Staff Attorney I is distinguished from the Staff Attorney II in that the latter performs
the more difficult and complex legal duties and/or may serve as a lead worker, mentoring and
coordinating the duties of attorneys and other legal staff. Staff Attorney I and Staff Attorney II are
established as Exempt positions.
EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL:
The Staff Attorney I and Staff Attorney II classifications are established as “At-Will” positions and, as
such, the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Judicial Officers. The Court Executive Officer has
the right to terminate the employment of any incumbent in the position of Staff Attorney I or Staff
Attorney II at any time, with or without advance notice and with or without cause.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Examples of duties performed by the Staff Attorney I include, but are not limited to, the following:
Researches, analyzes and formulates recommended policies, procedures and forms related to
specified Court proceedings and recurring issues at the request of Judges, Judicial Committees and
Superior Court of the State of California
County of Kings

Court Administration; reviews and summarizes evidence, procedural history and legal contentions in
matters on Civil, Criminal and Presiding Judge's law and motion calendars, appellate calendar and
mandate calendar in civil and criminal trial and post-trial motions, in coordinated proceedings, in
juvenile court and family law proceedings, in habeas corpus petitions and in time credits and
sentencing matters; reviews and summarizes evidence, procedural history and legal contentions in
matters on decedent estate, trust, conservatorship, guardianship, Lanterman Petris and Short (LPS)
proceedings and other protected proceedings; researches legal authorities, including statutory and
case law of California, other states, federal and foreign jurisdictions, treaties, and other international
laws and legislative history using traditional and computerized legal research methods; confers with
court investigators in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings when necessary; attends court
hearings upon request of assigned judicial officer, prepares summary for each calendared matter
identifying and analyzing factual and legal issues, and recommending disposition; prepares
memorandum for each matter, summarizing background, identifying and analyzing factual and legal
issues and recommending disposition; orally briefs judges on research and analysis pertaining to
matters in Superior Court cases; responds to Judges' queries on procedural and substantive issues
during trials and pre-trial hearings, including in limine motions, evidentiary objections, jury
instructions, status of case authorities cited by counsel and points of substantive law; and,
communicates orally and in writing with attorneys, other agencies, unrepresented parties and inmates
regarding matters pending before the Court; drafts rulings in Superior Court cases, including minute
orders, formal orders, tentative decisions, statements of decision and judgments. (Essential duties
may vary from position to position within classifications. Reasonable accommodation will be made
when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law. This position
may be assigned any other duties as determined and assigned by the Court Executive Officer or his
designee).
In addition, both the Staff Attorney I and Staff Attorney II positions will be expected to participate in
the court’s temporary judge program. The conditions for appointment are set forth in Rule 2.812(b) of
the California Rules of Court, and the education and training requirements are found in Rule 2.812(c).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Graduation from an accredited School of Law.
Experience: Active, valid membership in the California State Bar. Applicants for the Staff Attorney I
position must have at least two (2) years experience in public law, civil and criminal legal practice,
including performing legal research and developing legal opinions. Applicants for the Staff Attorney II
position must have at least three (3) years of similar experience.
Knowledge of: Legal principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research and analysis;
Government Code and other California statutes related to Superior Court processes and Rules of
Court; principles of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law and their application; legal
terms, procedures, forms and documents used in court cases.
Ability to: Use traditional and computerized legal research methods (Lexis Advance); research,
analyze and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to specific legal problems; analyze and
appraise a variety of legal documents; research legal issues and present clear and logical arguments
and statements of fact and law; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those
contacted during the course of work; communicate effectively orally and in writing.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a valid California Class ‘C” driver’s license. Ability to qualify for a security clearance
through fingerprinting, traffic and criminal record background investigation, random drug testing and
regular TB testing. Ability to sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual
dexterity; eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to twenty (20) pounds; verbal
communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copier and fax
machine. Travel may be required outside of Kings County for outlying court work site visits, attend
meetings, conferences, and trainings.
BENEFITS:
The Court offers a benefit package to its regular full-time employees (pro-rated if not hired at the
beginning of the plan year) which include 13 Court approved holidays; accrued sick/vacation (accrual
based on hours worked, minimum 2 weeks/year); a Flexible Benefit Plan to purchase a variety of
health insurance plans and related benefits such as Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision
Insurance, Deferred Compensation, Administrative Leave, Medical Reimbursement, Dependent Care
Reimbursement, Life Insurance, Cancer Policy, and Short-term/Long-term Disability. A Retirement
Plan is provided [2% at age 62] through California Public Employees Retirement System [P.E.R.S.].
A Classic P.E.R.S. Member Retirement Plan is offered [2% at age 55] only if the employee does not
have a six-month break in service as a previous CalPERS member or retirement plan member that is
reciprocal with P.E.R.S. An Employee Assistance Program is also provided.

THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF KINGS, IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
APPLICANTS SHALL NOT BE FAVORED OR DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION,
GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, CITIZENSHIP, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, PHYSICAL DISABILITY,
MENTAL DISABILITY, MEDICAL CONDITION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, UNION ACTIVITY,
POLICTICAL AFFILIATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.