Staff Attorney

JOB SUMMARY:

The essential function of this position is to act as a Staff Attorney under the authority of the Judge of the Probate Court. The Staff Attorney is responsible for reviewing legal filings or evidence presented in a hearing before the Court as well as statutory and case law to research legal issues and prepare memoranda for the Court. Additionally, The Staff Attorney will review applications and fillings to ensure compliance with the Georgia code. Other responsibilities may include any administrative function of the Court necessary to ensure the efficient working of the Court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Researches legal issues, topics, and questions and compiles and prepares research memorandums for use by the Court in making legal decisions.

Reviews and analyzes filings and makes appropriate recommendations to the Court based upon the law.

Writes and edits judicial decisions and provides assistance to the judge in determining case outcomes.

Reviews and assesses Georgia Supreme Court or Georgia Court of Appeals decisions, provides in-depth analysis to the Court, and prepares recommendations on remanded cases.

Manages and tracks complex cases.

Assists in trials, pre-trials, or case management proceedings as requested.

Attends hearings and conferences as requested.

Tracks new legislation and rules and updates the Court of any changes impacting Court policies, protocols, and/or local rules.

Maintains legal resources for the Court.

Answers procedural questions for the Court, attorneys, and the public.

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

One or more years of experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia or awaiting bar results

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of state laws, court proceedings, rules of evidence, policies, procedures, and activities of the Court as they pertain to the position of staff attorney

Knowledge of probate, guardianship, and estate planning

Knowledge of legal practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. 

Knowledge of and proficient with computers, Microsoft Office, and WestLaw.

Knowledge of federal and state laws relevant to local government and rules of court. 

Skill in research and writing.

Ability to identify and analyze legal issues

Ability to prioritize work, work independently and manage a variety of projects

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Unified Government as they relate to the Office of the Attorney. 

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. 

Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. 

Ability to read, understand, and interpret federal and state laws, local ordinances and codes, tax maps and digests, plats, case law, legal handbooks, financial reports, real estate appraisals, and other materials.   

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in preparing and presenting court cases. 

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); operate a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Incumbents must continuously be able to think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Incumbents must also continuously direct others; meet deadlines; stay organized; use math/calculations and use a keyboard/type.

Essential Functions frequently require the ability to move about inside the office; and move/transport items up to 10lbs.

Essential functions occasionally require the ability to bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, and twisting at the waist, hips or knees; reach overhead; push or pull; and repetitively use hands/arms/legs. Incumbents in this position are occasionally required to be on-call and work irregular hours. 

Sensory Requirements: Essential functions regularly require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; and use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use equipment.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions of this position continuously require the ability to either work with others or work alone. 

This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.