Court Attorney – Civil Self-Help Center

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Attorney, this attorney level position provides legal and procedural assistance, information, and form completion assistance to self-represented litigants in a variety of civil and probate legal matters. In addition, the Self-Help Court attorney assists with the development, planning, implementation and administration of programs that provide services to self-represented litigants. The Court Attorney is also responsible for assisting the Senior Attorney in reviewing the work of the Self-Help Centers staff in the assigned area.  Perform other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
 
The Court Attorney- Civil Self-Help Centers classification assists with various civil and probate matters, some examples are evictions, step-parent and adult adoptions, civil harassment restraining orders, and Guardianships and Conservatorships.

The following are typical duties expected of this classification, but not limited to:

• Assists with the planning and implementing of programs for self-represented litigants.
• Assists with the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures.
• Informs and assists self-represented litigants regarding court procedures and provides general direction for completion of court forms and compliance with state and local rules of law.
• Conducts webinars and workshops for self-represented litigants.
• Develops, updates, and provides educational materials to litigants.
• Interviews and assists litigants with selection of appropriate local and state court forms.
• Oversees support staff and volunteers.
• Reviews for legal accuracy the work performed by self-help assistants and volunteers.
• Identifies community resources related to self-help programs and community-based services for self-represented litigants.
• Provides referrals to other court services and outside agencies.
• Assists judicial officers in the preparation of judgments, orders and other tasks.
• Receives general direction from the Senior Attorney and Managing Attorney.  
• Expected to work autonomously following general guidelines within a broad range of policies and procedures. The Court Attorney reviews the work of the Self-Help Centers staff. 
• Exercises good judgment to choose among possible actions often without clear precedent, and to be able to distinguish between providing neutral legal information versus legal advocacy/advice to preserve the impartiality of the court.

Education/Experience
Candidate must have graduated from an accredited law school or equivalent and be licensed by the State Bar of California.  
Any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position and two (2) years of full-time experience performing legal services as an attorney for self-represented litigants for a court or non-profit organization – OR – two (2) years of full-time experience as an attorney practicing civil and/or probate law.   

Bilingual speaking and writing skills in English and Spanish are preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Civil and probate law, including unlawful detainers, conservatorships, guardianships, and general civil procedure, legal processes, and rules of court, rules of evidence, and trial procedure. 
• Litigant assistance programs, including legal aid and legal assistance services.
• State and Federal law pertaining to specific assignments; ethical responsibilities enunciated by the American Bar Association, California Bar Association, and the Code of Ethics for the Court Employees of California.
• Principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research and analysis.
• Legal terms, procedures, forms, and documents.
• Principles and practices of sound business and legal communication.

• Communicate complex legal information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using plain language to assist self-represented litigants and diverse court users.
• Work with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential matters, and challenging situations.
• Set priorities and allocate resources to meet needs in a timely, effective manner.
• Establish and maintain staff and work schedules to meet assignment coverage needs, ensuring that all statutory, rule and procedural requirements are met.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, court, partner agencies, members of the public and others encountered in the course of work.
• Exercise sound, expert independent judgment within the scope or authority of the position.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Review, investigate and analyze case documents that may include complex legal issues. 
• Perform legal research, prepare reports and legal documents.
• Train Self-Help Centers staff as required. 

• Frequent use of a personal computer and its peripherals including keyboard, mouse and monitor for extended periods of time.
• May require the use of a telephone with a headset for extended period,
• May be required to sit for extended period.
• May be required to work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions and simultaneous attention to multiple tasks.
• Frequent hand, fingers and/or wrist motion.
• Minimal reaching at or above shoulder level.
• Ability to work alone or closely with others
• May require movement through the department for use of a variety of office equipment such as printer, copier, etc.
• Minimal bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, or working on irregular surfaces.

• Shared office environment with varying degrees of hot and cold air.
• Shared workstation with varying set up.
• Requires exposure to dust, printer, or fax machine toner.
• Requires the ability to travel or be transported to work at other court locations, intermittently, temporarily or on a regular basis, depending on the business need of the court.
• Must be able to traverse indoors and outdoors, over uneven ground and pavement in all types of weather.
• Constant interruptions, with high volume of telephone and personal interaction.