Legal Research Attorney
Apply NowCompany: Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara
Location: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Description:
Salary : $129,789.92 - $173,536.48 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time, Regular Status (benefitted)
Job Number: 2503LRASC
Department: South County Operations
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
The position is located in Santa Barbara.
In this position you will have an active role in providing public service to the Santa Barbara community in the administration of justice. Your commitment to providing the highest standard of legal research will also make a difference to an already outstanding team of legal research attorneys. If you are looking for a stimulating and rewarding career as a Legal Research Attorney working at the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County, we invite you to apply now.
ADDITIONAL MONETARY/BENEFIT VALUE:
In addition to the base wage listed, employees in this classification receive:
- Time and service credit towards vacation accrual rate
Under the general direction of the Legal Research Attorney Supervisor, the Legal Research Attorney classification assists judges with legal research, analysis and preparation of Court orders and judgments in Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, Family Law, Probate, and Appellate Division cases; and performs related duties and administrative functions as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey- and advanced-level of the Legal Research Attorney series. A Legal Research Attorney Senior is distinguished from the journey-level Legal Research Attorney, in that he or she has demonstrated a high degree of legal knowledge and expertise, is able to handle complex matters without supervision, and has a proven ability to use discretion and sound judgment in advising judicial officers and court administration in matters that come before the court. A Legal Research Attorney Senior is expected to act as a mentor to other attorneys and staff, to assist in the training of subordinate attorneys, and may assign the work of subordinate attorneys. However, the Legal Research Attorney Senior does not have the full supervisory responsibilities of the Legal Research Attorney Supervisor, who retains full supervisory responsibility for both the journey- and advanced-level attorneys. The court intends the Legal Research Attorney Senior classification to be limited to no more than two positions. Advancement to the Legal Research Attorney Senior classification is not automatic, even if one or both of the positions remains vacant.
Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES of Legal Research Attorney: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Reviews and critically analyzes filed documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, and evidence. Performs research and prepares comprehensive legal analyses of complex factual and legal issues. Prepares advisory memoranda and recommendations for consideration by the judicial officers, as well as proposed orders, opinions, and judgments, as required. Consults directly with and advises judicial officers, as needed, on a wide variety of legal issues. Performs any other duties which may be assigned. Assigned duties may encompass civil, criminal, probate, family, juvenile, appellate, or administrative issues. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES of Legal Research Attorney Senior: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
All duties as discussed above. Routinely and independently performs review, research, and analysis of more difficult and complex legal issues and evidence, without the need for supervision. Acts as coach or mentor to other attorneys and staff, providing input and guidance in interpreting laws, cases, rules, policies, and procedures, including counseling subordinate attorneys on the practical impacts their analyses and recommendations may have on the parties and on the case as a whole going forward Provides administrative and professional oversight of the department when the supervisor is unavailable, which may include administering supervisory policies, making work assignments, managing the overall departmental caseload, and any other administrative matters that may be required.
Employment Standards
Admission to, and active current status in good standing as a member of, the California State Bar, is a mandatory requirement for appointment to this classification. Additional requirements:
Legal Research Attorney
One (1) year of full-time paid experience as a legal research attorney or law clerk for a California trial or appellate court; OR Five (5) years of full-time experience in the active and licensed practice of law in California; OR Legal Research Attorney Senior
Three (3) years of full-time paid experience as a legal research attorney or law clerk for a California trial or appellate court; OR Eight (8) years of full-time experience in the active and licensed practice of law in California; OR Any combination of training, education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities required, as determined by the Court.
Knowledge of: the principles of criminal and civil law and the application of such principles; knowledge of California statutory and case law and their application. Knowledge of the methods of legal research and analysis, and of the preparation of court orders and judgments.
Ability to: work with limited direction or supervision, and often under time constraints, performing complex legal research, analyzing pleadings and evidence in court cases, and applying California statutory and case law to legal issues. Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically, and to prepare concise and reasoned legal memoranda, proposed orders and opinions, and court judgments. Ability to maintain flexible and cooperative attitude and harmonious relationships when working with judges, management and staff of the court and outside agencies.
There are a variety of benefits available to regular status employees of the Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Barbara. These benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance programs, retirement program, flexible spending account (health care, dependent care, transportation and parking), employee assistance program, and deferred compensation program.
General Benefits
Paid Holidays - Full-time Court employees receive 14 paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday
Paid Sick Leave - Full-time Court employees accrue 12 paid sick days each year
Paid Vacation - Full-time Court employees accrue paid vacation time based on their years of service as follows:
Vacation Accrual
0-2 years - 12 days per year
2-4 years - 16 days per year
4-10 years - 19 days per year
10-14 years - 22 days per year
14+ years - 25 days per year
NOTE: Individuals from other federal, state and/or local public agencies who are entering employment with the Court may receive service credit towards vacation accrual.
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
The Court pays:
100% of employee health premium
100% of the premium for Employee + dependent and Employee + Family
100% of employee dental premium, this amount is applied to all levels of coverage
Coverage for spouse, children and domestic partner are also available. For more information regarding the cost of the medical, dental and vision plans, and the Court's contribution please see the following links (amounts are based on full-time employment, or 40 hours per week):
NOTE: All Court health plans for part-time employees are the same, but the Court's contribution towards the premiums, and the biweekly cash allowance are provided on a pro-rated basis.
Alternative Transportation Benefit
Regular employees using alternative transportation (i.e. walking, biking, public transportation, carpool, vanpool, etc) may be eligible to earn an additional .62 hours of paid vacation time biweekly. This may result in an overall benefit equivalent to 2 additional vacation days per year (based on full-time employment).
Retirement
2% at age 62, 3 year final average salary. The Court makes a considerable biweekly contribution to the retirement plan on behalf of employees. All regular employees of the Court are required enroll in the General Retirement Plan administered by the Santa Barbara County Employee's Retirement System (SBCERS). More information regarding the rates of contribution by the employee and employer, vesting, and retirement options may be found at the following link: If you have previous public employment, you may qualify for a different retirement plan.
The Court also offers a Deferred Compensation plan administered by Empower. This is a voluntary program which allows the employee to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to an investment account to supplement retirement income. The Court also offers a Roth option.
Flexible Spending Account
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) are among the most significant tax shelters allowed by the IRS. Employees may choose to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to this account to be used throughout the benefit plan year to cover out of pocket health care, dependent care and transportation and parking costs. More information regarding Flexible Spending Accounts can be found at the following link:
Life, Disability & Accident Insurances
The Court provides Basic Life Insurance coverage to the employee in the amount $50,000 at no cost to the employee. Additional, Supplemental Life Insurance coverage for the employee, spouse and/or children may be purchased by the employee.This includes a life insurance plan with a long-term care provision.
All benefit eligible employees working over 20 hours per week are enrolled in Long Term Disability Insurance at no cost to the employee. The monthly benefit percentage is 60% of monthly earnings.
Critical Illness insurance coverage may be purchased by the employee. This insurance pays a one-time, lump sum benefit on top of any health insurance benefits that you currently receive upon the diagnosis of a covered disease or illness.
Accident/Specific Injury insurance may be purchased by the employee. This insurance pays you a specific amount on top of any health insurance benefits you currently receive, for specific injuries resulting from a covered accident.
Personal Accident Insurance & Death and Dismemberment Insurance may be purchased by the employee. This insurance pays a one benefit based on death or extent of injury/disability.
Further information regarding the above Life, Disability & Accident Insurances, costs and coverage can be found at the following link:
Employee Assistance Program
This program is available to all employees of the Court at no cost to the employee. This plan is there to ensure Court employees have the support needed to manage the many challenges life may present.
01
Briefly describe your experience in other areas of law, if any including: a. Transactional Law b. Criminal Law C. Probate Law d. Appeals e. Other
02
Briefly describe your experience in other areas of law, if any, including: a. Transactional Law b. Criminal Law c. Probate Law d. Appeals e. Other
03
What aspects of your background do you feel make you especially qualified to be a Legal Research Attorney?
04
Is there any other information that the committee should consider in evaluating your qualifications?
05
Please attach a 3-8 page brief or legal memoranda (partial or complete) that you have personally and solely written.
Required Question
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time, Regular Status (benefitted)
Job Number: 2503LRASC
Department: South County Operations
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 4/1/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
The position is located in Santa Barbara.
In this position you will have an active role in providing public service to the Santa Barbara community in the administration of justice. Your commitment to providing the highest standard of legal research will also make a difference to an already outstanding team of legal research attorneys. If you are looking for a stimulating and rewarding career as a Legal Research Attorney working at the Superior Court of Santa Barbara County, we invite you to apply now.
ADDITIONAL MONETARY/BENEFIT VALUE:
In addition to the base wage listed, employees in this classification receive:
- The Court pays 100% of employee health premium
- 100% of the medical premium for Employee + Dependent
- 100% of the medical premium for Employee + Family
- 14 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
- Paid Vacation and Paid Sick Time
- The Court pays 100% of employee dental premium
- Biweekly Court contribution up to $58.78 towards the cost of the dental premium for dependents
- Biweekly Court contribution of approximately 32.47% of gross wages towards employee's mandatory retirement account. SBCERS Plan 8.Additionally, employees from current public employers (federal, state and/or local government) may qualify for:
- Time and service credit towards vacation accrual rate
Under the general direction of the Legal Research Attorney Supervisor, the Legal Research Attorney classification assists judges with legal research, analysis and preparation of Court orders and judgments in Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, Family Law, Probate, and Appellate Division cases; and performs related duties and administrative functions as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey- and advanced-level of the Legal Research Attorney series. A Legal Research Attorney Senior is distinguished from the journey-level Legal Research Attorney, in that he or she has demonstrated a high degree of legal knowledge and expertise, is able to handle complex matters without supervision, and has a proven ability to use discretion and sound judgment in advising judicial officers and court administration in matters that come before the court. A Legal Research Attorney Senior is expected to act as a mentor to other attorneys and staff, to assist in the training of subordinate attorneys, and may assign the work of subordinate attorneys. However, the Legal Research Attorney Senior does not have the full supervisory responsibilities of the Legal Research Attorney Supervisor, who retains full supervisory responsibility for both the journey- and advanced-level attorneys. The court intends the Legal Research Attorney Senior classification to be limited to no more than two positions. Advancement to the Legal Research Attorney Senior classification is not automatic, even if one or both of the positions remains vacant.
Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES of Legal Research Attorney: Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Employment Standards
Admission to, and active current status in good standing as a member of, the California State Bar, is a mandatory requirement for appointment to this classification. Additional requirements:
Legal Research Attorney
Knowledge of: the principles of criminal and civil law and the application of such principles; knowledge of California statutory and case law and their application. Knowledge of the methods of legal research and analysis, and of the preparation of court orders and judgments.
Ability to: work with limited direction or supervision, and often under time constraints, performing complex legal research, analyzing pleadings and evidence in court cases, and applying California statutory and case law to legal issues. Ability to present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically, and to prepare concise and reasoned legal memoranda, proposed orders and opinions, and court judgments. Ability to maintain flexible and cooperative attitude and harmonious relationships when working with judges, management and staff of the court and outside agencies.
There are a variety of benefits available to regular status employees of the Superior Court of CA, County of Santa Barbara. These benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance programs, retirement program, flexible spending account (health care, dependent care, transportation and parking), employee assistance program, and deferred compensation program.
General Benefits
Paid Holidays - Full-time Court employees receive 14 paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday
Paid Sick Leave - Full-time Court employees accrue 12 paid sick days each year
Paid Vacation - Full-time Court employees accrue paid vacation time based on their years of service as follows:
Vacation Accrual
0-2 years - 12 days per year
2-4 years - 16 days per year
4-10 years - 19 days per year
10-14 years - 22 days per year
14+ years - 25 days per year
NOTE: Individuals from other federal, state and/or local public agencies who are entering employment with the Court may receive service credit towards vacation accrual.
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
The Court pays:
100% of employee health premium
100% of the premium for Employee + dependent and Employee + Family
100% of employee dental premium, this amount is applied to all levels of coverage
Coverage for spouse, children and domestic partner are also available. For more information regarding the cost of the medical, dental and vision plans, and the Court's contribution please see the following links (amounts are based on full-time employment, or 40 hours per week):
NOTE: All Court health plans for part-time employees are the same, but the Court's contribution towards the premiums, and the biweekly cash allowance are provided on a pro-rated basis.
Alternative Transportation Benefit
Regular employees using alternative transportation (i.e. walking, biking, public transportation, carpool, vanpool, etc) may be eligible to earn an additional .62 hours of paid vacation time biweekly. This may result in an overall benefit equivalent to 2 additional vacation days per year (based on full-time employment).
Retirement
2% at age 62, 3 year final average salary. The Court makes a considerable biweekly contribution to the retirement plan on behalf of employees. All regular employees of the Court are required enroll in the General Retirement Plan administered by the Santa Barbara County Employee's Retirement System (SBCERS). More information regarding the rates of contribution by the employee and employer, vesting, and retirement options may be found at the following link: If you have previous public employment, you may qualify for a different retirement plan.
The Court also offers a Deferred Compensation plan administered by Empower. This is a voluntary program which allows the employee to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to an investment account to supplement retirement income. The Court also offers a Roth option.
Flexible Spending Account
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) are among the most significant tax shelters allowed by the IRS. Employees may choose to contribute a portion of their salary, before federal and state taxes, to this account to be used throughout the benefit plan year to cover out of pocket health care, dependent care and transportation and parking costs. More information regarding Flexible Spending Accounts can be found at the following link:
Life, Disability & Accident Insurances
The Court provides Basic Life Insurance coverage to the employee in the amount $50,000 at no cost to the employee. Additional, Supplemental Life Insurance coverage for the employee, spouse and/or children may be purchased by the employee.This includes a life insurance plan with a long-term care provision.
All benefit eligible employees working over 20 hours per week are enrolled in Long Term Disability Insurance at no cost to the employee. The monthly benefit percentage is 60% of monthly earnings.
Critical Illness insurance coverage may be purchased by the employee. This insurance pays a one-time, lump sum benefit on top of any health insurance benefits that you currently receive upon the diagnosis of a covered disease or illness.
Accident/Specific Injury insurance may be purchased by the employee. This insurance pays you a specific amount on top of any health insurance benefits you currently receive, for specific injuries resulting from a covered accident.
Personal Accident Insurance & Death and Dismemberment Insurance may be purchased by the employee. This insurance pays a one benefit based on death or extent of injury/disability.
Further information regarding the above Life, Disability & Accident Insurances, costs and coverage can be found at the following link:
Employee Assistance Program
This program is available to all employees of the Court at no cost to the employee. This plan is there to ensure Court employees have the support needed to manage the many challenges life may present.
01
Briefly describe your experience in other areas of law, if any including: a. Transactional Law b. Criminal Law C. Probate Law d. Appeals e. Other
02
Briefly describe your experience in other areas of law, if any, including: a. Transactional Law b. Criminal Law c. Probate Law d. Appeals e. Other
03
What aspects of your background do you feel make you especially qualified to be a Legal Research Attorney?
04
Is there any other information that the committee should consider in evaluating your qualifications?
05
Please attach a 3-8 page brief or legal memoranda (partial or complete) that you have personally and solely written.
Required Question