Research Attorney

Superior Court of California, County of San Luis Obispo; California; Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled legal researcher to join their team. In this pivotal role, you will conduct complex legal research, analyze case law, and prepare comprehensive memoranda for judicial review. Your expertise will directly impact court proceedings, as you draft rulings and provide critical legal insights. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your contributions will shape the legal landscape. If you are passionate about the law and thrive in a collaborative setting, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited law school and active California Bar membership.
• Five years of experience as a practicing attorney with a focus on legal research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct complex legal research and prepare detailed memoranda for court.
• Draft rulings and orders while briefing judicial officers on legal matters.

Skills

Legal Research

Legal Writing

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of California Law

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Legal Research Software

Word Processing Software

Court Case Management Databases

Job description

*** Remote work may be considered ***

DEFINITION
Under limited direction, this professional level position independently performs complex legal research on behalf of the Court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the Court.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A person in this position performs complex legal research work demanding a high degree of resourcefulness, legal research and writing experience.

• Researching difficult legal questions and preparing memoranda, documents, and summaries of alternatives for consideration by a judicial officer
• Reviewing and summarizing evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions in civil matters, and when needed in probate, appellate, criminal, juvenile, and family law matters
• Researching and analyzing legal authorities, including statutory and case law of California, other states, federal and foreign jurisdictions, treaties, and other international laws, and legislative history using traditional and computerized legal research methods
• Preparing memoranda as appropriate for each matter, including summarizing background information, identifying and analyzing factual and legal issues, and recommending a disposition
• Orally briefing judicial officers on research and analysis pertaining to matters in Court cases
• Drafting rulings, minute orders, formal orders, tentative decisions, statements of decisions, and judgments
• Responding to queries by judicial officers on procedural and substantive issues during trials and pre-trial hearings, including in limine motions, law and motion matters, evidentiary objections, jury instructions, and status of case authorities cited by counsel
• Researching, analyzing, and formulating recommended policies, procedures, and forms related to specific Court proceedings and recurring issues at the request of judges, judicial committees, and Court administration
• Reviewing appealed cases; researching pertinent issues and law; preparing preliminary opinions for the Court’s consideration
• Serving as hearing officer or Judge Pro Tempore for selected calendars
• Covering duties of other staff research attorneys as needed during absences
• Performing other related work as required by business needs or as assigned
  

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and materials of legal research, analysis, and writing
• Government Code and other California statutes related to California Trial Court processes and Rules of Court
• Principles of civil, probate, family, constitutional, and administrative law
• Legal terms, procedures, forms and documents used in Court cases
• Proper English usage, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and spelling
• Appropriate legal citation
  

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
  
• Use traditional and computerized legal research methods
  
• Apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to specific legal problems
  
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents
  
• Research and analyze legal issues and present clear and logical arguments and statements of fact and law
  
• Organize and prioritize work assignments in a fast-paced environment, including assignments with short deadlinesand/or due concurrently
  
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds and temperaments
  
• Use personal computers including word processing, spreadsheet software, and Court case management databases
• Maintain confidentiality of information
  

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Graduation from an accredited school of law AND
  
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California AND
  
• Five (5) years of work experience as a practicing, licensed attorney with particular emphasis on legal research, analysis, and writing skills

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• May require a valid California driver's license
  
• Must be willing to work at any Court location
  
• May be required to work outside normal business hours with or without advance notice
  

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Strength, dexterity, coordination and vision to use a keyboard and video display terminal on a daily basis. Hearing to communicate with the public and court staff. Dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; occasional lifting of objects weighing up to 20 lbs. such as files stacks of papers, reference and other materials. Moving from place to place within an office; sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time.