Research Attorney

City of Santa Fe Springs; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Fe Springs is seeking a Court Research Attorney to perform legal research and provide recommendations on court matters in Ventura. The successful candidate will conduct thorough research, brief judicial officers, and assist with legal document preparation.

Applicants must hold a Juris Doctorate degree and have experience in legal research. A valid California driver's license is required. Knowledge of online legal research methods like Westlaw is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two years' experience as a civil litigation attorney preferred.
• Active membership with the State Bar of California.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis for the Court.
• Draft legal documents and provide legal advice.
• Assist judicial officers with proceedings.

Skills

Legal research

Analysis of legal authorities

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Knowledge of legal ethics

Education

Juris Doctorate degree

Tools

Westlaw

Word processing software

Job description

Definition

Ventura Superior Court is accepting applications to fill a vacancy and establish a list for future vacancies. Under general supervision, this professional level represented position performs legal research activities on behalf of the Court by examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations for resolving issues before the Court.

Typical Duties

• Reviews and summarizes in writing arguments, evidence, and procedural history on matters submitted to the Court;
• Identifies and analyzes legal authorities relevant to the disposition of matters;
• Briefs judicial officers on research and analysis pertaining to matters before the Court, identifies and discusses unresolved issues necessary for the disposition of matters, and formulates dispositions;
• Responds to judicial officers inquiries on procedural and substantive issues, attends and assists at hearings, as necessary; reviews documents at the requests of judicial officers, as necessary;
• Serves as legal adviser to the judicial officers, staff, or judicial committees on specific matters before the Court, as necessary;
• Assists with the drafting of legal documents and memoranda required by the Court, as necessary.

Judgment and Responsibility

Incumbents perform their work under general direction. Court Research Attorneys conduct extensive legal research using independent judgment, discretion, and initiative. Erroneous recommendations or failure to achieve objectives may result in substantial delays and considerable expenditure of resources.

Education

Completion of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Performing legal research and developing legal opinions with a trial or appellate court.

OR

A minimum of two (2) years' experience as a civil litigation attorney with expertise in discovery and law and motion practice.

License Requirement

Current active membership and good standing with the State Bar of California.

California Driver's License: possession of a valid California driver’s license is required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of legal principles within area of assignment; relevant statutory, constitutional and case law; online legal research methods (i.e., Westlaw); rules of evidence and conduct of proceedings in trial, appellate and/or United States courts; legal ethics; word processing and other office automation software.

Ability to listen to and interact with judicial officers and others involved in the assigned caseload; identify legal issues and research statutes, rules and case law; apply legal principles to case facts and make decisions; prepare and present verbal and written legal analyses and recommendations; coordinate work with others; work in an environment with conflicting priorities; recognize and respect limits of authority and responsibility; uphold legal ethics; and work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Independent body mobility to access a standard office environment with shelves and drawers of varying heights.
• Vision sufficient to read a computer screen, manual dexterity, coordination and ability to use a computer keyboard on a daily basis.
• Occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds may be required and the need to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Some bending, stooping and/or squatting may be required.
• Transport, lift or carry trial materials to and from court (up to approximately 10 pounds).
• Speak and hear sufficiently to communicate clearly in person and over the telephone, in court, and in small groups.

Work Environment

• Shared office environment with varying degrees of hot and cold air.
• Requires occasional exposure to dust.
• Requires travel to other court locations, department, other agencies, or counties.
• Must be able to traverse indoors and outdoors, over uneven ground and pavement in all types of weather.
• Frequent interruptions, with high volume of telephone and personal interaction.
• Ability to drive or utilize an alternate mode of transportation to perform the essential functions of the job.