Self-Help Attorney

Limited-Term Position - open to full-time or part-time 

Definition:
Under general direction, this position provides services mandated by Family Code 10000-10012 which includes the development, planning, implementation, and administration of a family law program providing legal services to litigants not represented by counsel. This position facilitates and expedites family law proceedings related to child support, spousal support and health insurance issues as required by Family Law Facilitator statute. This position also administers self-help services in other areas including but not limited to family law, guardianships, conservatorships, small claims, restraining orders, evictions, and debt collection.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
This single classification of Self-Help Attorney is responsible for planning and managing the work of the San Benito Superior Court Self-Help Center, which provides legal support services to self-represented litigants. The incumbent monitors the performance of assigned staff to ensure they are efficient, effective and responsive in meeting judicial and customer needs. Incumbents are expected to exercise leadership in instituting policies, methods and processes for the delivery of high-quality services efficiently and cost-effectively.

Reports To:
The Court Executive Officer or designee.

Job Duties: 
Depending on assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the administrative and operational functions of the San Benito Superior Court Self-Help Center, including directing and evaluating the work of assigned staff to ensure compliance with Court policies and procedures; establishes performance goals; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; prepares performance evaluations and provides feedback to improve performance.
• Reviews legal documents and forms for completeness and procedural compliance with specific requirements set forth in applicable legal codes; provides guidance and assistance to non-lawyer court staff to determine appropriate procedures and applicable forms and documents needed; reviews, for technical accuracy, the work performed by assigned staff.
• Provide mediation for cases as needed.
• Monitors the effectiveness of staff and programs intended to provide access to legal services to litigants unrepresented by counsel to facilitate and expedite court proceedings; oversees grant applications and tracking; monitors legislated reporting processes; establishes and implements partnerships to expand court resources and legal support services offered through San Benito Superior Court Self-Help Center.
• Develops and provides information and educational materials to the public regarding court rules and procedures; reviews court documents with self-represented parties and explains legal options; assists with the preparation of legal documents; screens cases and refers to outside agencies if necessary; disburses legal documents to self-represented parties.
• Conducts workload analysis; develops and implements goals, objectives, policies and standards applicable to the San Benito Superior Court Self-Help Center's operational responsibilities; analyzes and evaluates short and long-term functional issues and challenges; conducts research and special studies and evaluates alternatives for the more effective and efficient provision of services.
• Represents the Court in various conferences, committees, and community organizations; participates in various task forces and committees.
• Assists in developing community outreach programs for unrepresented and financially disadvantaged litigants; performs community outreach activities to inform the public of the services offered.
• Maintains timekeeping records as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Legal principles, precedents and applications as applied to judicial procedures.
• Self-Help program requirements and policies, including legal aid and the development of forms, workshops and other models to assist self-represented litigants.
• Provisions of general and family law, legal processes and rules of Court.
• Family law support and all other relevant software programs.
• Principles and practices of one or more areas of law: California Family Law and procedure, California Landlord-Tenant Law and procedure, California Guardianship Law and procedure, and California Small Claims Law and procedure.
• Principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research and analysis.
• Legal terms, procedures, forms and documents used in family law and other litigation areas with high proportions of self-represented litigants.
• Government code and other statutes related to process and rules of Court.
• Advanced principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation, including methods and procedures for conducting efficient online legal research.
• Principles and practices of sound business and legal communication.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

• Plan and direct the operations and functions of the San Benito Superior Court Self-Help Center.
• Define complex issues involving assigned court legal support programs, perform difficult analysis and research, evaluate alternatives and develop sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply local, state and federal policy, laws and regulations applicable to area of responsibility.
• Represent the Court effectively in interactions with community-based organizations, legal services providers and the JCC regarding program activities and build court-based partnerships.
• Work with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations and upset individuals.
• Perform project management responsibilities, including developing logical and efficient project plans, establishing priorities, monitoring and managing task completion, anticipating and avoiding problems and working collaboratively with team members to ensure successful project results;
• Work collaboratively with other supervisors and provide seasoned advice and counsel to develop solutions to difficult issues.
• Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls;
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive studies, reports, correspondence, legal documents and other written materials;
• Represent the Court effectively in dealings with external agencies, court appointees, and the public;
• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively;
• Operate a computer and use standard business and case management software;
• Use tact and diplomacy dealing with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people; and,
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
• Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues and situations.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Education: Graduation with a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

• Experience of three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in the practice of law.

• Certification of eligibility to work in the United States of America.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• Current membership in the State Bar of California Bar in good standing.
• All Court employees can and will be called upon to act as Disaster Workers when needed.
• The ability to pass a fingerprint clearance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ). Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying.
• Superior Court of California, County of San Benito Self-Help Attorneys may only practice law within the scope of their duties as employees of the Court, and are prohibited by the Court from any outside practice of law during the course of their employment. This prohibition includes giving legal advice, receiving fees, and/or appearing in any court on behalf of another person.