LAW CLERK (BAR MEMBER)

Full-time

No

General Purpose
Under general judicial direction, performs legal research, prepares motions and matters on calendar to expedite court calendars, and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Law Clerks are responsible for assisting judicial officers with legal research, summarizing motions and providing recommendations on case rulings. Incumbents may be assigned to various court locations or units. Appointments to the classification of Law Clerk are for a six month limited term of employment. Upon completion of this six month term, a Law Clerk may be appointed for two one year terms of limited employment. Appointments may not exceed more than two years, six month.

Law Clerks are distinguished from Research Attorneys in that incumbents in the former class perform legal research assignments commensurate with experience level and are hired on a limited-term status with the Court.

Examples of Essential Duties, Responsibilities, and Skills

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this classification. Any one position in this class may not perform all the duties listed below, nor are the duties described intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

1. Performs legal research in matters on civil, criminal, family law and probate matters that includes reviewing case files, drafting legal memoranda and preparing summary on findings.

2. Summarizes, evaluates and recommends rulings on pre-trial civil. Researches applicable law and analyzes the cases cited by the parties and provides the judicial officer with a recommendation for each motion.

3. Researches, analyzes and recommends policies and procedures related to specific court proceedings and recurring issues at the request of judicial officers and Supervising Research Attorneys or the Managing Research Attorney.

Other Duties

1. Coordinates with judicial officers, Supervising Research Attorneys and/or court staff to organize and schedule replacement coverage when necessary. Organizes work for relief personnel.

2. Delivers and picks up files to be reviewed from courtrooms. Delivers completed files to Judge for review.

3. Responds to questions from judicial officers and court staff on general legal issues regarding matters pending before the courts.

4. May also draft correspondence on behalf of a judicial officer to counsel and litigants regarding matters pending before the courts.

5. Occasionally assists with exparte applications, motion in limine and post-trial motions.

6. Trains and oversees law students and volunteers assigned to departments through the judicial extern program.

7. Performs additional court-related duties as directed by the judicial officer.

Knowledge of:

1. Principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research and analysis.

2. Civil law. Some assignments may require specialized knowledge of criminal, family, juvenile or probate law.

3. Legal terms, procedures, forms and documents used in court cases.

4. Government Code and other statues related to Court process and rules of Court.

Ability to:

1. Plan, organize and use traditional and computerized legal research methods.

2. Research, analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents.

3. Research legal issues and present clear and logical arguments and statement of facts and law.

4. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

5. Set priorities and allocate resources to meet needs in a timely, effective manner.

6. Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive written materials.

7. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of Court staff and management, judicial officers, and others encountered in the course of work.

Physical Class

(2) Physical Class II - Light Work
This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort, which may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit, and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

PROCESS FOR CONSIDERATION:

Step 1 - Submit an online application. You will need the following documents/information:

Resume
Law School Diploma or letter from your law school's Registrar's Office verifying that a degree has been conferred*
Law School transcripts from all law schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted)
2 writing samples demonstrating your analytical ability (. drafted pleading, legal publication, legal writing class assignment, etc.)
3 professional references
Letter from State Bar of California confirming your eligibility to take the bar exam (Non-Bar applicants who do not hold a JD from an accredited school only)
Bar member number (Bar members only)

Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to edit or add documents.

Please allow 1-2 weeks for you application to be reviewed. You will be notified if your application is complete and you meet the selection requirements.

Step 2 - The management team will review all qualified applications and invite those who are among the best qualified to interview with a hiring committee.

Step 3 - The hiring committee will interview applicants and identify those who will be placed on the eligibility list.

Step 4 - When a judge has a vacancy, the managing research attorneys and judge will interview candidates and make final hiring decisions.

You will be notified of the outcome after each step of the process. You may also check your application status through your account.

Please provide a current and accurate e-mail address for the Court to communicate with you about this job opportunity. We recommend adding to your e-mail address book/safe senders list to avoid the notification being filtered as spam.

*Bar Members: If you did not earn a Law School Diploma, please upload alternative Bar membership qualifying documentation.

PROCESS FOR CONSIDERATION:

Step 1 - Submit an online application. You will need the following documents/information:

Resume
Law School Diploma or letter from your law school's Registrar's Office verifying that a degree has been conferred*
Law School transcripts from all law schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted)
2 writing samples demonstrating your analytical ability (. drafted pleading, legal publication, legal writing class assignment, etc.)
3 professional references
Letter from State Bar of California confirming your eligibility to take the bar exam (Non-Bar applicants who do not hold a JD from an accredited school only)
Bar member number (Bar members only)

Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to edit or add documents.

Please allow 1-2 weeks for you application to be reviewed. You will be notified if your application is complete and you meet the selection requirements.

Step 2 - The management team will review all qualified applications and invite those who are among the best qualified to interview with a hiring committee.

Step 3 - The hiring committee will interview applicants and identify those who will be placed on the eligibility list.

Step 4 - When a judge has a vacancy, the managing research attorneys and judge will interview candidates and make final hiring decisions.

You will be notified of the outcome after each step of the process. You may also check your application status through your account.

Please provide a current and accurate e-mail address for the Court to communicate with you about this job opportunity. We recommend adding to your e-mail address book/safe senders list to avoid the notification being filtered as spam.

*Bar Members: If you did not earn a Law School Diploma, please upload alternative Bar membership qualifying documentation.

Qualification and Experience Minimum Requirements: Graduation from an accredited school of law and eligibility to take the California State Bar Examination. -OR- Licensed to practice law in the state of California and a member in good standing of the California State Bar. Special Requirements Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: A valid California Class "C" driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation. Law Clerks of the Superior Court are prohibited by Court policy from practicing law, receiving fees, and appearing in court representing another party as counsel during their employment by the Court as a Law Clerk.

Legal