Self-Help Attorney

Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin•Stockton, CA

14h

About The Position

The Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, is accepting applications for a Self-Help Attorney. Under general direction, this attorney provides legal assistance and information to self-represented litigants in family law, guardianship, and related matters, consistent with applicable statutes, regulations, and court policies. The attorney educates litigants about court procedures, develops public-facing educational materials, provides referrals to court-based services, and performs related work as assigned. This is a full journey-level professional attorney position in Self-Help and Family Law Facilitator Services. The position supervises and provides legal guidance to non-lawyer Self-Help Center staff, reviews their work and documents, and supports the daily operation of the office. It differs from the Family Law Facilitator role, which is responsible for overall planning, development, and administration of self-help services. The Court offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and consideration for telecommuting. The position is primarily based in an office environment with moderate noise, controlled temperatures, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and members of the public or representatives of private organizations while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Requirements

Equivalent to possession of a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law.
Active membership in the State Bar of California.
Possess, or be able to obtain and maintain, a valid California Class C driver's license and satisfactory driving record, or be able to use an alternate method of transportation when needed for job-related functions. Disability-related exceptions are reviewed case by case.
Knowledge of employee supervision practices, including work planning, assignment, review, evaluation, and staff training.
Knowledge of family law, including mediation techniques and approaches, and/or domestic violence, probate, landlord/tenant, or consumer law.
Knowledge of legal processes and Rules of Court; litigant assistance programs; legal aid and legal assistance services; family law and other legal software; legal research and analysis; legal terms, procedures, forms, and documents; business and legal communication; data collection and report preparation; modern office practices and computer equipment and applications; and English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Ability to assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Ability to supervise, select, train, motivate, and evaluate staff, and to establish and maintain schedules that meet coverage needs.
Ability to work with people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and to use tact and diplomacy with sensitive, complex, confidential, or difficult situations and individuals.
Ability to analyze problems and legal issues, identify solutions, apply legal principles to case facts, and make sound decisions.
Ability to research and analyze legal documents; organize and prioritize projects and multiple tasks; meet critical deadlines; and communicate effectively in English in person, by telephone, and in writing.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
Physical ability to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment; read printed materials and computer screens; communicate in person, before groups, and by telephone; perform keyboard and calculator tasks; and occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the area of work to be performed.
Experience providing legal self-help services through a court-based Self-Help Center or nonprofit legal aid organization.

Responsibilities

Supervise paralegals, office staff, and interns in the Self-Help Center; enforce policies and procedures, coach staff, and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate.
Review legal documents and forms for completeness and procedural compliance with applicable legal codes.
Guide non-lawyer court staff in determining appropriate procedures and required forms and documents; review staff work for technical accuracy.
Develop and provide information and educational materials to the public about court rules and procedures.
Review court documents with self-represented parties and explain legal options.
Assist with preparing legal documents, screen cases, make referrals to outside agencies when necessary, and distribute legal documents to self-represented parties.
Assist with daily office operations, including maintaining statistics and ensuring staff coverage.
Help develop community outreach programs for unrepresented and financially disadvantaged litigants, and conduct outreach about available services.
Respond to email requests for assistance and written correspondence from incarcerated litigants.
Perform other duties as assigned.