Self-Help Attorney

Under general supervision, provides and coordinates self-help services for self-represented litigants. The services include assisting self-represented litigants with completing family law forms, including requests for protective orders, orders after hearing, and judgments. These services may be provided in the courtroom or the Family Law Facilitator’s office. This position is represented and exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

• Working effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that provides services to the public;
• Working in the courtroom under the direction of a judicial officer and supervision of the Family Law Facilitator;
• Collecting statistical information and preparing required reports;
• Developing curriculum and providing instruction in a classroom setting to court users;
• Providing direct services to self-represented litigants; completing and reviewing documents;
• Interviewing and dealing effectively with a variety of people with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, temperaments, and mental capabilities;
• Preparing case files, legal and casework documentation, including recording relevant information; 
• Exercising discretion and using sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines;
• Organizing and managing multiple priorities;
• Performing work that is assigned, scheduled, and prioritized by others;
• Performing other related work as required by business needs or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The successful applicant will possess the following (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• California Family Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Civil Code; 
• California child support law and child support calculation programs;
• Current trends related to Family Law and related areas of law;
• Policies, procedures, and activities of the Court as they pertain to the performance of duties;
• Techniques and trends in self-represented litigant services;
• Trial court system in California;
• Methods and techniques of interviewing;
• Methods of case management and recordkeeping;
• Functions, responsibilities, services, and activities of public safety, public health, and welfare agencies;
• Correct use of English language, spelling, and grammar;
• Modern office equipment: personal computer, printer, copier, fax, etc.
• Office methods and procedures, and telephone etiquette;

• Write clearly and concisely
• Speak in court and/or in front of groups of people;
• Maintain confidentiality of information;
• Work in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations and respond appropriately;

• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Active membership in the California State Bar Association
• At least one (1) year of experience working with self-represented litigants; or
• At least one (1) year of experience in domestic violence or family law.

Recruitment Process

To be considered for this position, job applicants are required to attach:

1. A résumé, and
2. Submit a writing sample of no less than five (5) pages.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, pinch, pull objects or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise and traffic levels in the work environment are similar to those of a busy office.

• Fluency in a language other than English.