Staff Attorney, Civil Self-Help

Under the direction of the Managing Attorney/Family Law Facilitator, the Staff Attorney is responsible for providing civil self-help services to litigants not represented by counsel. This position provides legal information, procedural assistance, and help with forms for a variety of civil case types, including, but not limited to, small claims (appeals and collections), restraining orders (elder protection, civil harassment, and workplace violence prevention), eviction defense, CARE Act cases, debt collection, and name and/or changes, without representing any party or creating an attorney-client relationship. The Staff Attorney will also design and conduct workshops and clinics.  The Staff Attorney will serve as the Small Claims Advisor, oversee small claims night court, and coordinate the training, appointment, and scheduling of judges pro tem for small claims hearings.  May plan direct, review work, and schedule assignments of attorneys, and other legal staff as directed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Managing Attorney/Family Law Facilitator. While not a supervisory class, this position will be responsible for planning and reviewing work for paraprofessional staff and overseeing the work of interns and volunteers, as needed. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
This entry or journey level class reports to the Managing Attorney/Family Law Facilitator. This class is distinguished from the Managing Attorney/Family Law Facilitator in that the latter class has direct personnel and program supervision for all court self-help services, including the services mandated by Family Code section 10000-10012. This class is distinguished from the Research Attorney in that the latter performs legal research for judicial officers.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists self-represented litigants who access civil self-help services.
• Participates in the development and implementation of new litigant assistance programs and enhances existing programs and services; assists in developing strategies and policies to effectively meet the needs of self-represented litigants and to improve the flow of cases through the court.
• Develops informational resources and step-by-step instructions for self-represented litigants in a variety of formats, including social media posts and how-to videos.
• Participates in the day-to-day operations of the civil self-help program; assists in providing guidance, training and instruction to paraprofessional staff on assignments and administrative matters. 
• Designs content of and conducts clinics and workshops for self-represented litigants in a variety of civil law matters.
• Ensures all federal grant and other funding requirements for litigant support programs are met; participates in the development of grant applications; researches and analyzes best practices of other courts.
• Provides oversight for volunteer and internship programs providing additional resources for the civil self-help program; acts as a liaison with schools participating in internship programs.
• Assists with and/or conducts research on special projects requested by judicial officers or court management; maintains liaison with staff, judges, management and other departments or agencies.
• As assigned, reviews, analyzes and implements legislation, statutory mandates, rules of court, and applicable regulations relating to the provision of assistance to self-represented persons.
• Serves as the Small Claims Advisor and oversees small claims night court.
• Coordinates the training, appointment and scheduling of judges pro tem for small claims hearings.  
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Civil procedure, California codes, statutes and case law applicable to civil cases, including tort law, contract law, small claims, unlawful detainers, name and gender changes, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, Elder Abuse Restraining Orders, Workplace Violence Restraining Orders, CARE Act cases and debt collection.
• Program and policy development and implementation;
• Civil law-related resources and community-based organizations and referral services;
• Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to area of assigned responsibility;
• General functions and organization of the judicial system, including areas of litigation and the roles and functions of other legal and law enforcement agencies;
• Principles and practices of case and calendar management.

• Exercise judgment to choose among possible options often without clear precedents; 
• Train staff in applying professional principles within the court system; 
• Establish rapport with litigants and effectively assist litigants under stressful circumstances; 
• Identify and utilize support services and community resources; 
• Prepare concise reports and records, develop and conduct independent research projects; 
• Review literature, codes, laws, records as related to relevant area of law;
• Understand and interpret the effect of legislative changes on civil self-help program; 
• Work and communicate effectively with people of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and temperaments;
• Utilize research methods and statistical analysis techniques;
• Analyze, interpret and explain legal principles and issues;
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply local, state and federal policy, laws and regulations applicable to the civil self-help program;
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive studies, reports, correspondence and other written materials;
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing to different audiences and facilitate understanding/agreement;
• Present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively;
• Operate a computer and use standard business and case management software;
• Use tact and diplomacy dealing working with sensitive and complex issues, situations and concerned people;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work, including judicial officers and staff, members of the bar, other governmental and community agencies, and program customers;

• Active membership in good standing in the State Bar of California. 
• A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain proof of liability insurance in accordance with Court policy or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Please apply online at:  http://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/info/jobs

Please list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of the application and be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.  You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position. 

As part of completing the employment application, you are required to respond to the supplemental questionnaire. Please also include the following as a requirement for consideration:

• Cover Letter and Resume

Application materials will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, and knowledge and abilities which relate to the position.  Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be invited to an interview.

The Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma is committed to creating a diverse environment and an open, inclusive culture free from bias. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a thorough background check, and the provision of appropriate identifying documents to certify eligibility to work in the Unites States. Please be advised that finalist(s) must be fingerprinted for criminal record check purposes and that continued employment is contingent upon information received in the report. Convictions, depending upon the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Accommodation: Applicants with a disability who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing humanresources@sonomacourt.org upon submittal of the application.