County Counsel Law Clerk (M/C)

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignment of different positions.
 
Under the supervision of a licensed attorney:

• Assists with the full range of routine to complex legal activities, involving the investigation of routine to complex civil or dependency cases.
• Performs legal research in the preparation of legal briefs, opinions, and similar documents.
• Prepares drafts and legal memoranda summarizing studies of court decisions, state statutes, County Ordinances, and legal opinions; review pleadings, deeds and contracts.
• Reviews documentary evidence and prepare opinions; prepare correspondence and reports.
• Performs appellate research and drafts appellate briefs, draft pleadings, draft motions, and other draft legal documents for review by licensed attorneys.  
• Maintains accurate records and files, and compiles reports of work performed.
• Participates in various task forces with surrounding counties.
• Monitors legal developments, including proposed legislation and court decisions and recommends appropriate course of action.
• Prepares preliminary analysis of legislative bills and researches legislative histories.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge and ability required.  
 
Knowledge of:

• Civil, governmental, and dependency law and procedures particularly as related to areas of legal specialty.   
• Practices and effective techniques in presentation of court cases.   
• Judicial procedures and rules of evidence.   
• Responsibilities and obligations of public officials and administrative agencies.   
• Organization and procedures of Legal Offices.
• Pleadings and appellate court procedures.
• Principles, methods, and techniques of legal research, legal writing, and investigation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Define issues, perform legal research, analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make appropriate recommendations.  
• Interpret and explain legal principles and relate them to both trained legal professionals and the public.
• Handle difficult situations and respond quickly to changing situations.
• Prepare clear, concise, and legally sufficient resolutions, ordinances, contracts, leases, permits, reports, correspondence, and other written material to be reviewed by licensed attorneys.   
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Understand and interpret state and federal laws and constitutional provisions affecting public entity activities.   
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.  
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.  
• Communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.  
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.  
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.   

• Some positions may require the applicant to obtain California driver’s license prior to appointment.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Certificate for Practical Training of Law Students or be a law school graduate.  

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information;   ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.  
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.   
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.   

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.   
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.    

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca. 

Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. 

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. 

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. 

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable.  Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

Can I change my application after submitting it?

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application?

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam?

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. 

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.