Attorney I/II

The State Bar of California•San Francisco, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Chief Trial Counsel (OCTC) is seeking an attorney who has excellent written and oral communication skills and is able to apply unique facts to new/unfamiliar areas of law. The ideal candidate will have skills at all phases of litigation and strong trial skills. The Attorney I is the entry-level classification in the attorney series. The Attorney I differs from the Attorney II classification in that the latter handles more complex assignments, works under less supervision, and may serve as the lead over a small team of administrative and/or professional staff or as a lead counsel in trials. The Attorney II is the journey-level classification in the attorney series. The Attorney II differs from the Attorney III in that the latter handles a more complex and voluminous caseload, works under less supervision, and may also serve as a lead over a small team of attorneys and/or administrative and professional staff.

Requirements

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to apply unique facts to new/unfamiliar areas of law.
Skills at all phases of litigation.
Strong trial skills.
Substantive knowledge of law, rules, decisions, practices, and procedures of the State Bar, California Supreme Court, State Bar Court, and California Legislature.
Substantive knowledge of effective investigation techniques, case management, and presentation of matters to administrative bodies.
Scope and character of federal and California statutory law and provisions of the federal and California constitutions.
Rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial and appellate courts in California.
Rules and procedures related to public meetings.
Principles of effective work coordination and strong case/project management.
Advanced analytical skills.
Principles of effective time management.
Principles of oral advocacy.
Strong writing and oral communication skills.
Strong legal research and writing skills.
Principles of legal research and preparation of reports, briefs, opinions, and pleadings.
Principles of conflict resolution.
Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing the practice of law in the State of California.
Ability to receive and relay detailed information through verbal and written communications.
Ability to conduct legal research using computer technology and traditional library resources.
Ability to work under the pressure of short deadlines.
Ability to effectively address conflict.
Ability to review and analyze complex written documents.
Ability to obtain and present material in oral and/or written form.
Successful completion of a Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school.
Must be an active member, in good standing, of the State Bar of California.

Nice To Haves

May assist in or make recommendations regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints.
May serve as lead counsel in less serious cases under close supervision.
May perform a number of other similar or related duties that are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.
May assist in the formulation, determination, and effectuation of management policies of the State Bar.
May perform a number of other similar or related duties that are consistent with the general level of the job and the responsibilities described.

Responsibilities

Reviews complaints to identify ethical violations and legal issues.
Reviews applications for program eligibility.
Assists in or makes recommendations regarding the disposition of applications, claims, files and complaints.
Conducts legal research in various areas of federal, state, and State Bar Court law, including case decisions, evidentiary law, statutory law, procedural and court rules, and legislation.
Prepares legal documents, including pleadings, contracts, subpoenas, memoranda, letters, proposals, tentative or draft decisions, and/or other documents.
Prepares cases for hearing or trial, including directing the gathering of evidence, preparing and filing required pleadings and motions, and preparing witnesses for testimony.
Assists lead counsel in the presentation of trials, including helping to prepare opening and closing statements, direct and cross-examination questions, and post-trial briefs; however, may serve as lead counsel in less serious cases under close supervision.
Writes legal analysis and provides recommendations to supervisor and/or more senior attorneys.
Communicates with members of the public regarding complaints, applications, rules and procedures, and State Bar processes.
Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned.
Stays informed concerning the applicable law, rules, procedures, policies, and practices relating to the functions assigned.
Evaluates administrative problems and procedures and recommends solutions or alternative methods of procedures.
Participates in training and professional development activities.
Assists in the presentation of matters before State Bar sub-entities, commissions or oversight bodies, including preparing, reviewing, or editing draft decisions and agenda items.
Serves as counsel on trials, which may include delivering opening and closing statements, conducting direct and cross-examinations, and preparing post-trial briefs.
Writes legal analysis and provides instruction and/or advice to others.
Provides direction to non-attorney staff.
Maintains adequate case, file, and related records to ensure effective completion of projects assigned and assists in the evaluation of the work product.