JOB SUMMARY
Under general direction, the Legal Research Attorney classification assists the Superior Court Judicial Officers by
researching legal issues before the Court and providing assistance, advice, and counsel to the Court Executive
Officer and the management team on legal aspects of administrative and operational issues.
EMPLOYMENT AT WILL
The Legal Research Attorney classification is established as an "at will" position. As such, the incumbent serves
at the pleasure of the Court Executive Officer, who has the right to terminate the employment of anyone in this
classification at any time, with or without advance notice, and with or without cause.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a professional classification. Most duties and responsibilities are performed within established policies,
procedures, standards, rules, and laws. However, incumbents most often work independently and make decisions
in the absence of easily applied rules. This class typically reports to the Court Executive Officer. Legal Research Attorney 1 positions are flexibly staffed to the Senior Legal Research level.
Legal Research Attorney 1: is the first working level in the Legal Research Attorney class series. Initially, the
incumbent works under close supervision in performing research and drafting legal opinions for Judicial and
Executive staff. Supervision may be provided by other Legal Research Attorney 2, Senior, or those acting in a
lead or supervisory capacity for this purpose. As experience is gained, there is a greater independence of action.
Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency, which meet
the qualifications at the higher level.
Legal Research Attorney 2: is the experienced working level in the Legal Research Attorney class series.
Incumbents work independently in performing legal research and drafting legal opinions for Judicial and
Executive staff and must be able to respond within short time frames to Judicial Officers’ queries on procedural
and substantive issues during trials and retrial hearings.
Senior Legal Research Attorney: is the expert working level in the series. At this level, the incumbent is
independent in performing the full range of complex Legal Research Attorney assignments and tasks.
JUDGMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY
Incumbents work under general direction to perform most duties independently based on general policies,
procedures, and standards. However, incumbents frequently make decisions that may have multiple alternative
solutions and may involve the occasional development of new techniques and procedures. Priorities are
established by court needs and can change frequently. Errors can have significant consequences to the legal rights
of litigants and on the trust and confidence in the court system and its judges. Incumbents do not typically
supervise other employees in the court but may have lead responsibility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Court reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as required to achieve business and operational
objectives. Essential functions and tasks must be accomplished effectively, if assigned, and may include, but are
not limited to, those listed below.
Research, analyze, and interpret existing laws and ordinances, court decisions, pending legislation, and other
legal authorities utilizing legal resources from computerized electronic and print media, including internet
resources.
Write proposed decisions for Superior Court Judicial Officers on matters currently before the court using
computer word processing programs and manual methods.
Advise Superior Court Judicial Officers on a variety of civil, criminal, and juvenile issues and proceedings;
review and advise judges regarding petitions for Writs of Habeas Corpus and Writs of Mandate.
Assist in drafting local Rules of Court as determined by operational needs and legal and regulatory
requirements.
Review appeals pending in the Appellate Division of the Placer County Superior Court and brief the appellate
judges with thorough memoranda; review daily appellate reports for new developments in case law.
Consult with and advise managers, supervisors, and other personnel regarding a wide variety of programs,
policies, and regulations; review requests for court judgment after default for compliance with requirements.
Cover duties of other Court Legal Research Attorneys during their absences and assist with overflow of work.
Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education
opportunities in order to stay informed of legal updates.
Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and discretion in all
interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public.
Performs other duties as assigned.
