Legal Research Attorney

Placer County Superior Court•Roseville, CA

About The Position

The Legal Research Attorney assists Superior Court Judicial Officers by researching legal issues before the Court and providing assistance, advice, and counsel to the Court Executive Officer and management team on legal aspects of administrative and operational matters. The role involves reviewing court files, researching applicable law, discussing cases with judicial officers, preparing memoranda and proposed or tentative rulings, and attending hearings when requested. The attorney may also undertake special research and writing projects related to court operations. Work must be thorough and accurate, often under significant time constraints, and requires objectivity, adaptability, strong ethics, and deference to judicial officers on case dispositions. The position works under general direction and is generally performed independently within established policies, procedures, standards, rules, and laws. Priorities may change frequently in response to court needs, and errors can significantly affect litigants’ legal rights and confidence in the court system. Legal Research Attorney 1 is the initial working level, with closer supervision at first and increasing independence as experience is gained. Legal Research Attorney 2 is the experienced level, requiring independent research and drafting and the ability to respond quickly to judicial officers’ questions during trials and retrial hearings. Senior Legal Research Attorney is the expert level, independently handling the full range of complex assignments. The classification typically reports to the Court Executive Officer. The position is at will.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited law school.
Membership in good standing with the California State Bar.
For Legal Research Attorney 1: one year of legal practice, including civil and/or criminal practice, or one year of legal work in a court environment while attending law school.
For Legal Research Attorney 2: four years of legal practice, including substantial civil and/or criminal practice, or three years of legal practice including one year in a court environment.
For Senior Legal Research Attorney: seven years of legal practice, including substantial civil and/or criminal practice, or five years of legal practice including two years in a court environment.
Knowledge of legal principles, precedents, legal research methods, and civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law.
Knowledge of court procedures, rules of evidence, laws applicable to court operations, state and local laws and ordinances, and preparation of briefs, rulings, and opinions.
Knowledge of legal terminology, court operations, courtroom procedures and conventions, correct English usage, and word-processing software.
Ability to analyze legal principles and apply them to complex legal and administrative problems.
Ability to use print and electronic legal reference materials, including case and statutory law.
Ability to communicate facts, law, and arguments clearly and logically in writing and orally.
Ability to manage ad hoc information requests, deadlines, and multiple projects under pressure.
Ability to draft opinions, pleadings, rulings, and clear, concise written reports for litigation.
Ability to establish effective working relationships, manage an unpredictable workday, and meet sometimes conflicting deadlines.
Ability to protect clients’ rights, maintain confidentiality, keep accurate records, and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to research, interpret, explain, and apply relevant policies, procedures, guides, rules, and statutes.
Ability to operate office equipment and personal computers and use specified applications and programs.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive, complex, or confidential matters.

Nice To Haves

Public law experience.

Responsibilities

Research, analyze, and interpret laws, ordinances, court decisions, pending legislation, and other legal authorities using electronic and print resources.
Prepare proposed decisions for Superior Court Judicial Officers using word-processing programs and manual methods.
Advise judicial officers on civil, criminal, and juvenile issues and proceedings, including petitions for writs of habeas corpus and writs of mandate.
Assist in drafting local Rules of Court as operational and legal requirements warrant.
Review appeals pending in the Appellate Division of the Placer County Superior Court and prepare thorough memoranda for appellate judges.
Review daily appellate reports for developments in case law.
Consult with and advise managers, supervisors, and other personnel on programs, policies, and regulations.
Review requests for court judgment after default for compliance with requirements.
Cover for other Court Legal Research Attorneys during absences and assist with overflow work.
Attend work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and continuing education opportunities to stay informed about legal updates.
Represent the Court courteously and with tact, consideration, and discretion in interactions with the Court community and the public.
Perform other duties as assigned.