Court Research Attorney - Temporary/Extra Help

Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma; Santa Rosa (CA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma seeks a Research Attorney to analyze and summarize legal authorities for judges across criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The role focuses on Family Law as the primary assignment, with the potential for remote work and on-site needs as required.

Qualifications include a JD, active CA Bar, MCLE compliance, and at least three years of legal experience involving litigation or research in support of the judiciary.

Qualifications

• JD required with active California Bar membership and MCLE compliance.
• Three years of legal experience including litigation or research assisting the judiciary.
• Proven ability to analyze authorities and present clear written analyses.

Responsibilities

• Researches, interprets, and summarizes legal authorities for judicial officers.
• Prepares memoranda and proposed tentative rulings; may brief judges orally.
• Attends court hearings and conducts special projects as assigned.
• Handles confidential information and maintains professional discretion.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Oral advocacy

Court procedures

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Word processing

Case management systems

Job description

Under the direction of Supervising Research Attorney, the incumbent analyzes, interprets and summarizes legal authorities for presentation to the judicial officers in pre-trial, trial and post-trial matters, including: Criminal, Habeas Corpus, Civil Law and Motion, Probate, Juvenile, Family Law, Appellate, Court Administration, and other research duties as assigned. The primary assignment for this position will be Family Law. This position may be eligible for remote work, with in-person on-site work required as needed.

Note: The Court currently has full-time work available, but a part time schedule may be considered for the appropriate candidate. This is a Temporary Extra Help position which is expected to be needed until approximately June 30, 2027.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Researches, analyzes, and interprets existing laws and ordinances, court decisions, pending legislation, and other legal authorities;
• Researches legal authorities, including statutory and case law of California, other states, federal and foreign jurisdictions, treaties and other international law, and legislative history using traditional and computerized legal research methods;
• Researches and analyzes pleadings, memoranda of points and authorities, evidence, objections, and other documents and prepares a written memorandum for each matter, summarizing the factual background, identifying and analyzing factual and legal issues, and provides a written memorandum and/or proposed tentative ruling for disposition thereof; and/or orally briefs the judges on the research and analysis pertaining to each matter;
• Attends court hearings as required;
• Conducts research on special projects assigned or requested by judicial officers or executive staff;
• Performs other related work as required by business needs or as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited school of law; active membership in the California State Bar, including maintaining compliance with mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) requirements; three (3) years of legal experience that includes litigation or legal research in support of the judiciary; or any combination of training and experience that could provide the desired knowledge and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and materials of legal research and analysis;
• Knowledge of California statutes related to California trial court processes, Rules of Court and Rules of Evidence;
• Knowledge of principles of civil, criminal, family, constitutional, and administrative law;
• Knowledge of legal terms, procedures, forms and documents used in court cases;
• Knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and spelling;
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments, including assignments with short deadlines and/or assignments due concurrently;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Identify and analyze legal issues, research legal authorities, including independent research when necessary;
• Ability to prepare and present legal analyses orally or in writing and make sound and objective recommendations for judicial action;
• Maintain a flexible and cooperative attitude in working with judicial officers, management, all court employees and outside agencies;
• Handle sensitive matters with finesse and discretion and maintain confidentiality of information;
• Ability to use traditional and computerized legal research methods;
• Ability to use computer for legal research, word processing and communication;
• Uphold judicial ethics;
• Ability to work in an environment with conflicting priorities and adapt to changes.

The Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma is committed to creating a diverse environment and an open, inclusive culture free from bias. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a thorough background check, and the provision of appropriate identifying documents to certify eligibility to work in the Unites States. Please be advised that finalist(s) must be fingerprinted for criminal record check purposes and that continued employment is contingent upon information received in the report. Convictions, depending upon the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Accommodation:Applicants with a disability who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing [e-mail] upon submittal of application.