Judicial Staff Attorney I​/II

Description

Selection Interview scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026

Applications must include an attached resume and a writing sample.

DEFINITION
:
Under general supervision, assists the Superior Court Judges by researching legal issues before the Court; prepares written summaries of findings for the judge; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
:
The Judicial Staff Attorney classification assists judges and commissioners by performing in-depth research and analysis of matters pending before the Court. The Judicial Staff Attorney identifies, researches, summarizes, and analyzes legal issues and controlling facts raised in motions, petitions, and applications; summarizes the background of a case including its procedural history; conducts independent legal research as needed to clarify issues, resolve conflicting legal authorities, and reach sound decisions.

The Judicial Staff Attorney must be able to draft comprehensive legal memoranda that detail relevant facts and legal issues, the strengths and weaknesses of the parties’ arguments, and make a sound recommendation to the judge.

Incumbents of this classification must be able to review legal documents and case files (both electronic and paper) carefully and accurately; draft concise, well‑organized analyses and tentative decisions; possess and be able to apply a thorough knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of the legal profession; and work well under pressure.

Judicial Staff Attorney I is the entry‑level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Incumbents perform a limited scope of professional legal work with direct supervision and guidance, and as experience is gained, incumbents are given a broader scope of assignments with greater responsibility and less supervision.

Judicial Staff Attorney II is the experienced, journey level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Judicial Staff Attorney II is distinguished from Judicial Staff Attorney I in that incumbents in the former class perform a wide scope of the more complex professional legal work with greater responsibility and minimal supervision.

All duties are performed in accordance with federal and California law, Rules of Court, and established local rules and procedures.

Typical Tasks
:

• Review, research, summarize, and analyze moving, opposing, and reply papers, as well as all supporting documents submitted by counsel relating to matters on the Law and Motion calendars; and prepare detailed memoranda and proposed rulings; review, research, and analyze petitions for writs of habeas corpus; and prepare proposed orders;
• Perform in‑depth study of legal issues by researching, reviewing, condensing, and analyzing case and statutory law;
• Research and analyze all cases, statutes, and secondary materials cited by the parties and all other relevant materials necessary to reach decisions on pending matters;
• Prepare comprehensive and concise written memoranda including analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for decisions;
• Prepare orders and tentative rulings; attend law and motion hearings when requested by the Court or as time permits to hear oral argument on issues researched; respond to judges’ inquiries on procedural and substantive issues;
• Conduct additional research upon request;
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

For all levels
:
Possession of a Law Degree and current active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Level II
:
Two (2) years of full‑time, paid work experience as an attorney.

OR any combination of relevant experience which would demonstrate that the individual possesses the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities listed above, as determined by the Court Executive Officer.

Other
:
Possession of valid Class “C” California Driver’s License may be required.

EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE,

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility:

Knowledge of
:

• Principles and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California including civil and criminal law;
• Court…