Attorney I/II/III/IV

Description

For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule, County website.

General Statement of Duties:

Under general direction, to perform professional criminal or civil legal work and legal research; to represent the District Attorney's, Public Defender's, or Siskiyou Modoc Regional Child Support Services on legal assignments; and to do related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the entry and training level in the professional attorney class series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research with guidance and supervision from more experienced staff. This class differs from Attorney II in that Attorney II is the first experienced working level with incumbents performing a broader range of legal work under less supervision. Attorney I incumbents will be expected to increasingly perform more complex work with less guidance. When an incumbent has demonstrated sufficient legal knowledge and skills and sound work habits, they may be promoted to the Attorney II level when meeting requisite experience requirements.

Reports to:

District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Public Defender, or Chief Child Support Attorney. Some positions may receive administrative direction from the District Attorney Administrator.

Classifications Supervised:

This is not a supervisory class.

Under general direction, to perform a variety of professional criminal or civil legal work and legal research; to represent the Siskiyou Modoc Regional Child Support Services department, District Attorney's, or Public Defender's office on a variety of legal assignments; to plan and coordinate investigation for the persecution or defense of legal cases, as necessary; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the first experienced working level in the professional attorney class series. Incumbents are expected to perform professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision. This class differs from Attorney I in that Attorney I is the entry and training level with incumbents performing a narrower range of legal work under closer supervision. This class differs from Attorney III in that Attorney III is the advanced journey level with incumbents performing a broader range of the more complex legal and trial work, including specialized legal work. Attorney III may also provide administrative coordination and support for the work area in which they are assigned.

REPORTS TO

District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Chief Child Support Attorney, or Public Defender. Some positions may receive administrative direction from the District Attorney Administrator.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Incumbents may provide work direction and coordination for legal support staff.

Under general direction, to perform a variety of complex professional legal work and legal research; to represent the District Attorney's or Public Defender's, or the Siskiyou Modoc Regional Child Support Services' offices on assigned cases; to plan and coordinate investigation for the persecution or defense of legal cases; and do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level in the professional attorney class series. Incumbents are expected to perform the more complex professional legal work and research with minimal guidance and supervision. In addition, they may have administrative responsibility for coordinating legal services for an assigned area or work unit. This class differs from Attorney II in that Attorney III is the advanced journey level with incumbents performing a broader range of the more complex legal and trial work. Attorney III's should perform the full range of legal services in an assigned department or unit.

REPORTS TO

District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Public Defender or Chief Child Support Attorney. Some positions may receive administrative direction from the District Attorney Administrator.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

Incumbents may provide work direction and coordination for professional legal staff and legal support staff.

Examples of Duties

Attorney I

Essential Functions:

Performs professional legal assignments and research; performs criminal prosecutions for both misdemeanors and felonies; receives and reviews complaints, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, investigating crime scenes, and reviewing police reports to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted; authorizes and drafts criminal complaints, information, and other legal documents to support criminal prosecutions; conducts pleadings, arraignments, pre-trial agreements, and other aspects of trial work; appears in court, preparing and presenting cases at preliminary hearings, trials, and Grand Jury proceedings; reviews and analyzes complaints to prepare criminal defense; analyzes the facts of cases and legal precedents for preliminary hearing motions, stipulations, or waivers; confers with judges and/or opposition attorneys regarding modifications, withdrawing charges, and changing charges; negotiates case settlements; provides briefings and oral arguments; anticipates and prepares for legal reasoning of opposition attorneys; drafts jury instructions; presents opening statements; interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law; presents final arguments and summations; reviews court records, analyzes evidence, and prepares appellate briefs; works with local law enforcement agencies on cases; may be responsible for preparation of family support legal cases; may serve as legal advisor for assigned county departments, special districts, boards, or commissions.

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.

Desired Skills:

• Perform professional legal and legal research work.
• Analyze facts and apply legal precedents and principles to assigned cases.
• Prepare and present cases at all levels of the court system.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Prepare and present a variety of special reports.
• Operate a computer and use appropriate software in the performance of professional legal work.
• Effectively represent the District Attorney's or Public Defender's Office or Siskiyou Modoc Child Support Services Department with the public, courts, law enforcement agencies, and other government jurisdictions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Typical Qualifications

Attorney I

Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying.

A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

• Completion of requisite legal training and eligibility for membership in the state Bar of California.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a current and appropriate driver's license.
• Current membership in the State Bar of California must be achieved within six months of employment or appointment in this job class will be terminated.

Two years of professional work experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of an Attorney I with Siskiyou County.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a current and appropriate driver's license.

Current membership in the State Bar of California.

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Two years of professional work experience in performing criminal law work comparable to that of an Attorney II with the County of Siskiyou.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a current and appropriate driver's license.
• Current membership in the State Bar of California.

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Eight years of full time, or its equivalent, trial professional work experience in the relevant area of law, including one year of experience as an Attorney III, Step 5, in the Siskiyou County District Attorney's , Public Defender's office or Child Support Services.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a current and appropriate drivers license.

Current membership in the California State Bar.

Supplemental Information

Typical Physical Requirements:

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; ability to operate a motor vehicle over a variety of road surfaces and in a variety of weather conditions; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Typical Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff.