Description
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.
This 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.
JOB SUMMARY
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 of a Staff Attorney (Legal Research) 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- The San Diego Superior Court offers generous benefits, including:
- Holidays – Fourteen (14) paid holidays plus one (1) Birthday Holiday
- New employees in this classification accrue vacation at an initial rate of seventeen (17) days per year.
- Employees in this classification 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.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be current active members in good standing with the State Bar of California.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- 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.
HOW TO APPLY
An online San Diego Superior Court job application is required. Please visit the court's website at http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov. From the General Info tab, click on the "Employment" link. At 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.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Please include the following REQUIRED materials in the "Attachments" section of your online application:
1. Your résumé (attached as a Word or PDF file) describing your education and experience pertinent to the position;
2. Two writing samples;
3. References; AND
4. 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.
FILING DEADLINE
Online applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION
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 approved to be filled occur, names of candidates from the eligible list will be forwarded to the department hiring manager. Work location preferences selected on the application may be taken into consideration when referring names to the department hiring manager. Only candidates whose qualifications best meet the needs of the position will be invited to participate in selection interviews.
Placement on the Staff Attorney (Legal Research) eligible list does NOT guarantee that all candidates will be contacted by the department hiring manager for interviews.
The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an implied or expressed contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked at any time. The requirements stated represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed requirements does not guarantee an applicant will qualify.
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Employer Address
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego (CA) San Diego Superior Court Human Resources
500 Third Avenue
Chula Vista, California, 91910
Phone Website
(619) 746-6000 http://www.sdcourt.ca.gov
Staff Attorney (Legal Research) - Criminal Law Supplemental Questionnaire
*QUESTION 1
Are you a current active member in good standing with the State Bar of California?
Yes
No
*QUESTION 2
To be considered for this position, you must satisfy all the following requirements:
1. Attach your résumé (as Word or PDF file in the "Attachments" section of your application) describing youreducation and experience pertinent to the position;
2. Attach two writing samples (as Word or PDF file in the "Attachments" section of your application);
3. Attach your list of references (as Word or PDF file in the "Attachments" section of your application); AND
4. Attach a copy of your current California State Bar card (as a JPEG or PDF file in the "Attachments" section of your application) showing active status.
Your application will not be considered if you do not meet ALL four of the above requirements.
Wherever specific information is requested, it MUST be stated. Statements such as "See Resume" are not acceptable responses. Sections which are not applicable to your particular qualifications should be marked "N/A" to indicate that they have not been overlooked.
Do you understand the instruction stated above?
Yes
No
*QUESTION 3
Describe your experience in legal research and writing. If you do not have any experience in legal research and writing, please indicate "N/A".
*QUESTION 4
Describe your specific work experience in the area of criminal law. If you do not have any work experience in criminal law, please indicate "N/A".
*QUESTION 5
Describe your specific work experience in civil law. If you do not have any work experience in civil law, please indicate "N/A".
*QUESTION 6
Describe your specific work experience in family law . If you do not have any work experience in family law, please indicate "N/A".
*QUESTION 7
Describe your specific work experience in juvenile law. If you do not have any work experience in juvenile law, please indicate "N/A".
*QUESTION 8
Describe your specific work experience in probate law. If you do not have any work experience in probate law, please indicate "N/A".
*QUESTION 9
Describe your specific work experience in appellate law. If you do not have any work experience in appellate law, please indicate "N/A".
*QUESTION 10
Describe your specific work experience in any other types of law not already indicated above. If you do not have any work experience in any additional types of law, please indicate "N/A".
* Required Question
