Supervising Research Attorney

Application package shall include the following: a cover letter, resume, application, supplemental questionnaire, and three (3) letters of professional reference. An application missing one or more of the required items shall be disqualified from consideration.

**Judicial officers from Stanislaus County should not be contacted for purposes of soliciting letters of professional reference.

WORK LOCATION & FLEXIBILITY

The Stanislaus Superior Court is committed to attracting top legal talent and recognizes the value of flexible work arrangements. This position offers the opportunity for remote work, with the expectation that the Supervising Research Attorney will be available for on-site attendance for essential meetings, trainings, or court-related functions.

The specific remote work schedule is negotiable based on the needs of the Court and the qualifications of the selected candidate. Candidates located outside the immediate area are encouraged to apply, as the Court is open to discussing arrangements that support both operational effectiveness and work-life balance.

 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.
 
Provides supervision to the Research Attorney division, Probate Examiner, and procurement staff.
 
Schedules and coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; trains, evaluates, and consults with assigned staff; assists with complex situations, and provides technical expertise.
 
Develops, updates, maintains, interprets, and implements division policies and procedures; provides related information and clarifications; updates and revises procedure manuals.
 
Meets regularly with judges and executive management to obtain information regarding operational concerns; develops practices and procedures that effectively serve the bench.
 
Researches, evaluates, prepares legal analysis and written recommendations in matters pending before the Court/Bench which include law and motion, probate calendar, family law calendar, appellate calendar and special assignment. 
 
Researches, evaluates and provides recommendations on administrative issues and questions.
 
Provides support and guidance to the procurement function; negotiates, drafts, and reviews contract terms.
 
Ensures compliance with all applicable rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations.
 
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
 
Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
 
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
 
Performs other related duties as required.
 
 

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work, typically:
 
Education
 
Juris Doctorate required.
 
Experience
 
Five (5) years as an active member of the State Bar of California, with a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience as a practicing attorney performing legal research and developing legal opinions of which two (2) years must have been in a lead or supervisor capacity. Experience in a public agency or court setting is preferred. May require specialized certifications and/or training as deemed necessary.
 
Knowledge of:
 

• Principles and practices of supervision and management, and training and development;
• Principles, practices, and methods of legal research and analysis;
• Government Code and other California statutes related to court processes and Rules of Court;
• Principles of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law;
• Legal principles, precedents and their application;
• Legal terms, procedures, forms, and documents used in court cases.
• Public Contract Code and procedures and policies related to public sector procurement, e.g., State Administrative Manual, the State Contracting Manual, the Judicial Branch Contracting Manual
• Principles of California contract law; contract drafting and negotiations.

•  Plan, supervise, direct and evaluate the work of staff;
• Use traditional and computerized legal research methods;
• Research, analyze, and apply legal principles, facts, and precedents to specific legal problems;
• Analyze and appraise a variety of legal documents;
• Research legal issues and present clear and logical arguments and statements of fact and law;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of work;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;

• Organize and prioritize work assignments and activities;
• Work under time pressures on a daily basis;
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of assignments;
• Operate personal computers.