Legal Research Attorney

Colorado Judicial Branch; Colorado; Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Judicial Branch seeks a Legal Research Attorney to perform highly complex legal research for the district bench. The role emphasizes research for all district judges, with responsibility for maintaining the district's law library and advising on the appropriate course of action.

Responsibilities include drafting first opinions, reviewing court filings, and coordinating with judges on research results.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and eligibility to practice law in Colorado.
• Proven ability to conduct complex legal research and synthesize findings.
• Experience advising judges or working in a court setting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conducts highly complex legal research for the bench in the district.
• Advises judges on research results and potential actions.
• Drafts initial opinions for the court and reviews pleadings filed with the court.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Judicial advising

Education

Graduation from accredited law school

Tools

Law library management

Legal databases

Job description

POSITION INFORMATION

Job Code: R45020
Full Time Salary Range: $77,710.44 - $112,679.64

FLSA Status: Excluded

Learn more about employee benefits

This posting may be used to create a Talent Pool. Talent Pools may be used for a period of 10 months after the closing date on a job posting.

NOTICE TO COLORADO APPLICANTS:

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Judicial Department works to provide equal access to justice, contribute to public safety, and strengthen the rule of law across Colorado. Together our courts and probation departments are committed to impartial and timely dispute resolution; support for families, litigants, and victims; client rehabilitation; and meaningful community engagement.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement Of Duties: Provides highly complex legal service performing legal research for the entire bench in a judicial district.

Distinguishing Factors: Positions in this classification are distinguished from law clerks and other positions due to the concentration on legal research for all district judges in a judicial district and maintenance of the district's law library. Courtroom and bailiff duties are not required of this position. This position reports to the Chief Judge in the designated district. A district can convert Law Clerk positions to Legal Research Attorney positions using a ratio .25 Legal Research Attorneys for every 1.0 District Court Judge, OR convert the funding for Law Clerks to Legal Research Attorneys at a ratio of 4:1. Each district is allowed a minimum of 1.0 Legal Research Attorneys. The Legal Research Attorneyis a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This is a remote-eligible position that may require occasional onsite meetings.

This is a term-limited position within the Colorado Judicial Department. The position was created to support specific operational needs and project-based work and is expected to last approximately 24 months, though the actual end date may vary depending on business needs and available funding.

This position may be combined with our .5FTE Legal Research Attorney posting to make a full-time position, if a single applicant is the successful candidate for both. Applicant must apply for both to be considered.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Researches legal issues presented by parties during litigation.
• Advises judges on research results and assists the judge in developing an appropriate course of action in the case.
• Writes the first draft of opinions issued by the court.
• Reviews documents and pleadings filed with the court as assigned by individual judges.
• Compiles information gained from research on particular issues in a case.
• Maintains all library materials including book, CD-ROM, and electronic research subscription in more than one location.
• Recommends library materials for research and reference purposes.
• Authorizes the use of research materials or the district's law library to those other than district judges.
• Attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS CONT.

Supervisor Responsibilities: No formal supervisory responsibility. Responsibility for one's own work product and work within a unit performing similar functions. Rarely provides lead function, advice, or explains work instructions to other employees or volunteers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education:

Graduation from an accredited law school; possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Colorado; and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Colorado.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.