Extra Help Law Clerk

County of Tulare; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Tulare County in Visalia is seeking an Extra Help Legal Clerk to support the Public Defender’s Office. The position involves drafting and reviewing legal documents, researching ordinances and case law, and assisting attorneys under supervision.

This role is limited to 1,559 hours per fiscal year, with no benefits; there is no guarantee of permanent employment. Candidates should have completed at least one year of law school or passed the California mini-bar and be able to work with diverse teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: equivalent to one year of law school or successful completion of the California mini-bar.
• Ability to interpret legal terms and apply procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to work under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents (agreements, deeds, trial briefs, motions).
• Study and apply ordinances, statutes, regulations and case law.
• Review and draft contracts and other legal documents.

Skills

Legal terminology

Legal research

Oral communication

Written communication

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

Law school coursework (1 year) or California mini-bar

Tools

Office equipment

Job description

Applications will be reviewed by Tulare County Human Resources & Development. As extra help positions become available, County departments with the job openings select the most qualified and appropriate applicant for the position available. The number of hours and duration of employment varies by each assignment. Extra help employees may work in a variety of County departments in locations throughout the geographic county area.

Extra help employees may not work more than 1,559 hours in any fiscal year from July to June. An extra help employee who mistakenly works in excess of 1,559 hours in a fiscal year does not become a probationary or regular employee. Applications will be active for six months. If you are hired for extra help and you complete a work assignment and then you if you wish to be employed again, you must resubmit an Extra Help application online. There are no benefits associated with extra help positions. See regular job specification for complete job duties and requirements.

Current vacancy is with the Public Defender’s office, located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.

• Assist in the preparation of legal documents, such as agreements, deeds, trial briefs, points and authority on motions, writs and appeals
• Study, interpret and apply ordinances, statutes, regulations, court decisions and other legal authority for use in the preparation of cases, opinions and briefs
• Review, analyze, and draft contracts and other legal documents

For a full list of duties, please click here.

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of one (1) year from a law school accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California, or successful completion of the first-year law student's examination, (California mini-bar).

Knowledge of:

• Basic legal terminology and documents
• Basic structure of the courts, judicial system, and local government roles, powers and authorities
• Legal research methods
• Criminal/Civil law and procedure, contracts, and administrative law, based on department assignment.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Conduct legal research online
• Analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems
• Present abatements of law, fact and argument clearly
• Analyze factual deficiencies in view of legal principles
• Read and comprehend complex legal language.
• Write clear, concise and accurate legal documents.
• Work under pressure of deadlines.
• Communicate verbally to convey legal information or ideas to others.
• Record information and condense at later time.
• Organize and coordinate work.
• Work effectively with co-workers.
• Retain and recall information.
• Follow instructions.
• Maintain confidentiality
• Establish cooperative working relationships with attorneys, support staff, clients, law enforcement officers and members of the public.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Legal citations to assist attorneys.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Trial procedures and rules of evidence.

Skill/Ability to:

• Make effective presentations in courtroom settings or local agency public meetings.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER