Court Staff Attorney -II​/Criminal Division

Job Details

Court Staff Attorney I-II (311C/312C) - Criminal Division in San Francisco, CA

Employer:

Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco

Salary: $3,847.46 - $5,683.73 Biweekly

Location:

San Francisco, CA

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Job Number:

Opening Date: 02/06/2026

Closing Date: 3/6/2026 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US & Canada);
Tijuana

COURT STAFF ATTORNEY I-II
Criminal Division (Class Codes 311C/312C)

The Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, invites applications from qualified individuals for the position of Court Staff Attorney providing legal research and legal consultation for judicial officers in the Criminal Division. The Court Staff Attorney reports to the Supervising Court Staff Attorney in the Criminal Division. The incumbent must be an attorney with professional legal experience as a member of the State Bar of California.

An incumbent with more than two years of legal experience as a member of the State Bar of California may be appointed at the Court Staff Attorney II level. Upon appointment, may be reassigned or transferred to any position classified as Court Staff Attorney if needed.

This selection process is conducted under San Francisco Superior Court Personnel Rule 4. An eligibility list will not be established.

FINAL FILING DATE: 12:00 PM, March 6, 2026

COMPENSATION:

Court Staff Attorney II
$4,675.78 to $5,683.73 biweekly ($121,570 to $147,777 annually)

Court Staff Attorney I
$3,847.46 to $4,675.78 biweekly ($100,034 to $121,570 annually)

The Court offers a generous benefits package including health and dental insurance, contributory retirement, deferred compensation, paid vacation, sick leave, floating holidays, and holiday pay.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Performs professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision. Performs professional legal assignments and research with emphasis in Criminal Court policies and procedures; reviews and summarizes legal evidence, procedural history, and legal contentions in matters related to various legal cases and Court calendars. Researches legal authorities, including statutory and case law, appellate decisions, and legislative history, using traditional and computerized methods.

Prepares memoranda summarizing background, identifying and analyzing factual and legal issues, and recommending disposition of legal issues for judicial officers. Meets with judicial officers and provides oral briefings; drafts rulings for Court cases (minute orders, formal orders, tentative decisions, statements of decision, and judgments) for review and use by judicial officers; drafts correspondence to counsel and other parties.

Responds to judicial officer inquiries on procedural and substantive issues during trials and hearings, researching and briefing motions, evidentiary objections, and jury instructions.

Work is performed in an office and courtroom environment with frequent contact with judicial officers, management, litigants, attorneys, staff, and the public. Initial assignment will be at the Hall of Justice. Some remote work may be available based on Court needs.

Physical Requirements: Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; lift up to 25 lbs.; normal hearing and vision; operate office equipment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Current membership in the State Bar of California. Two or more years of full-time professional legal work experience as a member of the State Bar of California for the Court Staff Attorney II level.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Specific legal work experience in Civil or Criminal divisions of the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of Criminal, Constitutional, Civil, and Administrative Law
• California codes and statutes applicable to criminal and civil law
• Judicial procedures and the rules of evidence
• Legal research methods
• Interviewing techniques
• Computers and software used in professional legal work

Ability to:

• Perform professional legal and legal research work
• Analyze facts and apply precedents and principles to research tasks
• Provide sound legal advice to judicial officers when requested
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Prepare and present a variety of reports
• Operate a computer and relevant software
• Represent the Court with the public, petitioners, law enforcement, and other jurisdictions
• Maintain confidential information according to legal/ethical standards
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

HOW TO APPLY

Interested individuals must apply online and include a valid email address. Submit the following items:

• Online employment application (fully completed)
• Resume
• One-page cover letter explaining interest and relevant experience
• Writing sample not more than 10 pages

The application process is online and final filing date is March 6, 2026. Information must be accurate and complete; edits after submission are generally not possible.

SELECTION PROCESS

Initial screening will determine…