Salary : $102,758.86 – $131,149.20 Annually
Location : Martinez, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2023-10-23-EJ01
Department: Legal Research Attorneys
Opening Date: 09/27/2023
Closing Date: 10/23/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
Announces an open recruitment for: Legal Research Attorney – Criminal
$102,758.86 – $131,149.20 annually
(Effective December 1, 2023, there is a 3% (three percent) base wage increase.)
Final Filing – 5p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023
The Superior Court of Contra Costa County is conducting an open recruitment to fill a permanent Legal Research Attorney position in the area of Criminal law. An eligibility list will be established as a result of this recruitment and may be used to fill other Legal Research Attorney vacancies that become available. The person appointed to this position assists the judges of the court by performing legal research and drafting bench memoranda containing analyses, conclusions and recommendations. The incumbent is expected to bring significant legal knowledge and experience in order to function independently and to serve as a subject matter expert. The Criminal Legal Research Attorneys are currently based in Martinez. Only incumbents who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date may apply.
Examples of Duties
Typical tasks for a Research Attorney include: reading and analyzing memoranda of law submitted by counsel related to Criminal law and motion matters and writs pending before the court; researching and analyzing all cases, statutes and secondary materials cited by the parties and all other relevant materials necessary to reach decisions on pending matters; drafting bench memoranda including analysis, conclusions and recommendations for decisions; making oral presentations to judges of results of the foregoing; attending law and motion hearings when requested by the Court, or as time permits to hear oral argument on issues researched; and performing other related duties as needed.
Individuals appointed to this position must be able to: work well with others, as well as work independently; have the ability to handle multiple demands and deadlines; have a good understanding of court procedures; be attentive to detail; and maintain accurate and neat records. The person appointed to this position must be able to maintain a positive and professional attitude and possess good interpersonal and oral communication skills. Regular and punctual attendance is essential.
Important Note: Successful candidates may not engage in the active practice of law in Contra Costa County in the case type to which they are assigned while employed with the Court.
Minimum/Desirable Qualifications
The IDEAL CANDIDATE should have the following knowledge and abilities:
Knowledge of:
General legal and constitutional principles and applications as well as legal precedents and their application to the assigned area of law;
Evidentiary principles, Penal Code of Criminal Procedure, Evidence Code, Local Rules of Court and California Rules of Court;
Pretrial and hearing procedures;
Legal research methods;
Legal reference works including decisions and statutory law; and
Computerized legal research and related computer systems and applications.
Ability to:
- Perform legal research independently;
- Analyze and appraise legal problems and apply legal principles and precedents to facts and evidence;
- Present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form;
- Review the legal sufficiency of motions to dismiss, motions to suppress, speedy trial motions, discovery motions, motions to change venue, pre-trial common law motions, post-trial and post- conviction motions, writs of prohibition and mandamus, writs of habeas corpus;
- Advise the Court regarding such matters as grants of immunity, sentencing alternatives, sentencing computations under the determinate sentencing law, probation revocation/modification and admissibility of evidence;
- Set priorities, schedule and appropriately monitor a high volume of work;
- Review, analyze and maintain a working knowledge of current changes in the law;
- Draft clear and concise legal memoranda that include a summary of relevant facts, analysis of the application of relevant law to the facts and a recommendation to the judicial officer; and
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with judges, attorneys, court administrators, managers and employees.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;
- Possession of a law degree from an accredited law school;
- Active membership in the State Bar of California for three (3) years;
- Possession of at least two (2) years post bar experience as a practicing attorney in private practice or a government agency.
Experience as a Court Legal Research Attorney is desirable, although not required for the position.
Supplemental Information
Application and Selection Process:
Interested individuals must complete a Court application, and provide the following: (1) a cover letter; (2) a detailed resume; (3) answers to supplemental question; and (4) a writing sample (maximum of ten (10) pages). To apply, go to: and click on the Job Opportunities tab. After submitting your application all subsequent communications will be via email. Please add contracosta.courts.ca.gov and to your email address book to ensure delivery of emails. For additional information email:
Depending on the number of applications received, an application evaluation committee may be convened to review and evaluate each candidate’s application, and those deemed to be best qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process. The court reserves the right to revise the testing process in accordance with the Court Personnel Plan and accepted selection practices.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Conditions of Employment
Successful completion of fingerprint and a criminal record background check is required prior to appointment and is a condition of employment.
All employees of the court who operate a vehicle on court business must certify they possess a valid California Driver’s License and required levels of automobile insurance.
Convictions
Felony and misdemeanor convictions MAY BE disqualifying for employment with the court. The court will assess the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has elapsed since the offense was committed, and the nature of the job duties to be performed.
Employment Eligibility
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all persons hired after November 6, 1986, are required to present to the Court, at the time of appointment, original documents which show satisfactory proof of: 1.) identity and 2.) U.S. Citizenship or a legal authorization to work in the United States.
Union Representative
This position is an unrepresented position.
Applicants with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations will be made so applicants with disabilities may participate in the recruitment process. Please advise Superior Court Human Resources of special needs in advance.
The Court is an equal opportunity employer. The Court provides equal employment opportunity at all times and does not discriminate in violation of applicable law
Benefits Package:
- Three (3) weeks of vacation per year, accrued on a bi-weekly basis increasing with years of service;
- Twelve (12) days of sick leave per year, accrued on a bi-weekly basis, with no maximum accrual;
- Fourteen (14) fixed paid holidays;
- Twenty-four (24) hours personal floating holiday annually, pro-rated based upon hire date;
- Seventy-five (75) hours of administrative leave each January 1st, pro-rated for new appointments;
- Membership in the County’s retirement plan under the County Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937;
- Choice of health coverage with Court contribution of 100% for employee and family of the lowest premium plan offered by each carrier;
- Dental and vision plans with Court contribution of 90% of the cost for employee and family;
- Court paid life insurance and long-term disability;
- Voluntary benefit programs including flexible spending accounts, supplemental life and disability plans and commuter benefits;
- Annual professional development allowance; and
- Deferred compensation program.
01
Please briefly tell us how many of the following types of papers you have researched and/or briefed:a ) Motions to Suppress pursuant to Penal Code 1538.5;b.) Motions to Dismiss the Information pursuant to Penal Code 995; c.) Motions to withdraw plea; d.) Writs of Coram Nobis; e.) Writs of Habeas Corpus; f.) Writs of Mandate; andg.) Writs of Prohibition
Required Question