JUDICIAL STAFF COUNSEL III

San Bernardino Superior Court; California; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

San Bernardino Superior Court seeks an experienced attorney with a strong Civil Litigation background to provide trusted legal counsel to judges. The role involves independent research, drafting opinions, and advising on complex legal issues.

After probation, telework is possible with on-site reporting as needed. The position requires a JD, active California Bar membership, and at least five years of legal practice, including three years in litigation.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active CA Bar membership.
• Five years of legal practice experience, including three years in litigation.
• Ability to perform independent legal research and draft opinions.

Responsibilities

• Perform general and specialized legal research and analysis for judges.
• Prepare drafts of legal opinions and memoranda; advise on complex matters.
• Review cases, pleadings and motions; provide recommendations for rulings.

Skills

Legal research

Civil litigation

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

NOW HIRING: JUDICIAL STAFF COUNSEL III - CIVIL LITIGATION EXPERT

The Superior Court is seeking an experienced attorney with a strong background in Civil Litigation to provide trusted legal counsel and support to our judges.

COMPENSATION UPDATE

Effective October 1, 2026, the salary range for this position will increase by 2%. Candidates hired on or after October 3, 2026, will be hired at the updated rate.

Telework/On-Site Opportunity

After completing the probationary period, this position is eligible for a full-time telework schedule. During the probationary period, telework may be available at the Court's discretion. Telework must be completed from a pre-designated home-based location within the State of California, and employees may be required to report on-site to address business needs. Telework is at the sole discretion of the Court and may be rescinded immediately, without prior notice, based on the needs of the San Bernardino Superior Court.

For additional details about the role, please review the full job description: JUDICIAL STAFF COUNSEL III

About the Position

Under minimal direction, performs general and specialized legal research and analysis, reviewing cases and making recommendations to the Court, advising the Court on complex matters of law, preparing drafts of legal opinions, legal memoranda and other documents; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in the Judicial Staff Counsel classification perform difficult and complex legal research activities and must exercise a high degree of independent judgment with accurate and neutral legal research and analysis of substantive and procedural issues on matters pending before the court and provide recommendations for rulings to assist the judicial officers with their decisions.

Judicial Staff Counsel is distinguished from Staff Attorney in that the latter provides legal assistance to self-represented litigants in the Self-Help and Family Law Facilitator Programs.

1. Researches, identifies and analyzes legal and factual issues in matters set for hearing in the court; reviews case files including motions, writs and other pleadings, prepares legal memoranda and summary of findings and provides research used in rendering decisions.
2. Confers with judicial officers regarding questions resulting from the memorandum, general legal issues regarding matters pending before the Court, and changes in the law or emerging issues impacting a pending case.
3. Stays abreast of developments in statutory and case law to anticipate the effect of changes that would impact judicial recommendations.

As Assigned

1. May research legal issues in specialized areas of probate law, including decedents' estates, wills, trusts, conservatorships and guardianships; analyzes legal issues; reviews case files, including motions and other pleadings; prepares memoranda and makes recommendations for disposition of matters before the Court.
2. May review, evaluate and analyze appellate briefs, trial records, writ petitions, motions and other pertinent documents to determine factual accuracy, legal issues on appeal, and scope and complexity of issues raised; performs legal research and analysis of the merits of the parties' appellate arguments; drafts proposed appellate decisions; confers with judicial officers regarding issues; prepares final opinions as directed.
3. May provide judicial support for specialized and emerging areas of the law including CEQA and complex litigation such as preparing comprehensive memoranda, analyzing developments in statutes and regulations, and coordinating with court staff and other courts on processes and procedures.
4. Performs other duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, active membership in good standing in the State Bar of California, and five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, including three (3) years of experience in litigation, performing legal research and drafting legal opinions and/or briefs; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

• A California Class C driver's license will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of California and federal law and procedure with special emphasis on California Civil Law and Procedure;
• California judicial system and local court operations and procedures;
• Advanced principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation, including methods and procedures for conducting efficient online legal research;
• Judicial ethics, responsibilities and the context in which they are carried out;
• Principles and practices of sound business and legal communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation and the requirements of the California Style Manual.

Knowledge of As Assigned

• Appellate Division processes and Rules of Court, statutes, and case law applicable to traffic, misdemeanor, and limited civil appeals;
• Probate court processes and California probate law and procedure;
• Federal and state law, codes and regulations applicable to CEQA and land use;
• Federal and state law, codes and regulations applicable to complex litigation in California.

Selection Process

1. Human resources will evaluate all applications to identify those who meet the minimum qualifications, as well as any desirable qualifications listed. Only candidates who fulfill these requirements will proceed in the process.
2. Your responses to the supplemental questions may be scored and ranked. Depending on the number of applicants, you might also need to complete an online assessment or a screening interview.
3. If you successfully pass step 2 and meet the minimum qualifications, your name will be added to the eligible list. From this list, you may be considered for an interview. Please note that being on the eligible list does not guarantee an interview or a job offer.