Staff Attorney

The purpose of this classification is to provide legal support for judges, to include conducting legal research, reviewing legal documentation prior to signature by judges, reviewing case documentation and making recommendations to judges, attending trials/hearings to assist judges, coordinating communications with attorneys, and processing legal documentation.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs legal research to identify current law and changes in law, to locate case authorities or other law, to identify precedents, or to locate other information; conducts research of law library, electronic data sources, Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed.

Reviews documentation received from attorneys; verifies appropriateness of submitted documentation for signature by judges.

Coordinates communications between judges and attorneys regarding cases; contacts attorneys to schedule telephone conferences; conducts pre-trial telephone conferences; drafts correspondence to attorneys.

Prepares cases for civil jury trial calendar; reviews cases to determine whether to grant or deny motions.

Reviews various documentation associated with cases; analyzes patient records as evidence in car accident cases; evaluates laboratory reports as evidence criminal cases; analyzes depositions as evidence in civil cases; evaluates invoices to support award of attorney fees or used as evidence in contract cases; determines principal amount dues, interest owed, post-judgment interest, and attorney fees to be awarded in contract cases.

Drafts orders or other legal documents for signature by judges.

Drafts memos to judges detailing status of cases; recommends disposition of cases to judges.

Schedules court hearings.

Attends court hearings and trials to assist judges; records extensive notes during court hearings; edits/prepares jury charges for trials.

Files legal documents with court clerk.

Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, legal orders, legal documents, court orders, jury charges, or other documents.

Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, court calendars, court orders, legal documents, depositions, briefs, laws, statutes, policies, procedures, directories, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections; utilizes word processing, database, case management, legal research, e-mail, Internet, or other computer programs.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, Judges, court personnel, attorneys, defendants, victims, witnesses, jurors, law enforcement personnel, government agencies, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Attends meetings and makes presentations as needed.

Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations; maintains an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; participates in continuing education activities; attends bar meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.


ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include scheduling meetings, typing documents, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

Performs other related duties as required.

Juris Doctorate required; member of the Georgia Bar Association; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training involving general law practice, municipal prosecution, courtroom procedures, legal research, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain valid State Bar of Georgia Law License.