Staff Attorney; Legal Research - Criminal Law

Summary

STAFF ATTORNEY (Legal Research) - Criminal Law

Examination No. 26-015

San Diego Superior Court is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Staff Attorney (Legal Research)
- Criminal Law
.

The position will be located at the downtown Central Courthouse. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in Criminal Law. All well-qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as the resulting eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill future Staff Attorney (Legal Research) vacancies in any of the San Diego Superior Court's locations.

San Diego Superior Court seeks dynamic, well-qualified and highly motivated individuals with Criminal Law experience to work as a Staff Attorney. Under general direction of a Legal Services Supervisor or Manager, typical duties include analyzing motions, pleadings, writs and other documents submitted to the court; preparing comprehensive memoranda detailing relevant legal issues and recommending judicial action; preparing draft orders; responding to substantive and procedural questions from the judicial officers, court management and operations;

and assisting the court with implementing and modifying court procedures and policies to conform with the law. While the current vacancy seeks attorneys with Criminal experience, additional experience in Civil, Family, Juvenile, and/or Probate law is a plus.

• The San Diego Superior Court offers generous benefits, including:
• Holidays – Fourteen (14) paid holidays plus one (1) Birthday Holiday
• New employees accrue vacation at an initial rate of seventeen (17) days per year.
• Employees accrue thirteen (13) days of sick leave per year.
• A robust benefit plan, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.
• Participation in San Diego County’s Employee Retirement Association.
• Optional deferred compensation plans.
• Annual salary step increases until the top of the salary range has been attained.
• Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Applicants must be current active members in good standing with the State Bar of California.

• Ability to analyze difficult and complex legal problems and to quickly identify key issues.
• Ability to perform complex legal research.
• Ability to draft clear and concise memoranda and/or legal opinions and orders.
• Knowledge of law affecting Criminal court proceedings and the ability to use online resources to perform legal research.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines, including the ability to prioritize and allocate resources to meet the needs of the Court in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to discuss complex legal issues.
• Ability to work as a team member on projects with colleagues, judicial officers and court staff.

An online San Diego Superior Court job application is required. Please visit the court's website. From the General Info tab, click on the Employment link. On the Job Opportunities page, click on the position that you are interested in and then click on the "Apply" button.

New users of the NEOGOV online application system will need to set up a job applicant user account.

Please include the following REQUIRED materials in the "Attachments" section of your online application:

• Your résumé (attached as a Word or PDF file) describing your education and experience pertinent to the position;
• Two writing samples;
• References; AND
• A copy of your current California State Bar card (attached as a JPEG or PDF file) showing active status.

Your application will not be considered if your résumé, writing samples, references and Bar card are not included.

Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Qualified applicants will be placed on the Staff Attorney (Legal Research) - Criminal Law eligible list based on an evaluation of information provided in the online application, résumé, and interview. As vacancies occur, names of candidates from the eligible list will be forwarded…