About the Opportunity
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Post Bar Legal Clerks will be expected to work zealously on behalf of our clients, conduct legal research, write motions, assist attorneys in trial preparation, participate in training, make courtroom appearances, and gain experience in various aspects of criminal law and procedure. More specifically, Legal Clerks, under attorney supervision, will appear at arraignment hearings and bail hearings and will handle all aspects of criminal practice; particularly in proceedings in which the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor.
To learn more about the Public Defenders Office,
click here.
ABOUT THE POSITION The Post Bar Legal Clerk will be hired as a Paralegal II which is a part-time extra-help position with Stanislaus County. Part-time extra-help is a provisional classification where permanent status may not be obtained. This position is subject to overtime, standby, shift, and callback assignments and will perform related duties as assigned. This position is non-benefited except for participation in a 401a program with Nationwide. The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at
http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.
Typical Tasks
PARALEGAL II - Research, interpret, apply laws, court decisions and other legal authorities for use in preparation of case opinions and briefs, with minimum instruction;
- Review documents to determine compliance with statutes, court decisions, and other applicable laws;
- Prepare and/or assist in the preparation of pleadings, points and authorities and related legal documents;
- Maintain legal case files;
- Conduct interviews;
- Inventory evidence;
- Accept service of process; and
- Retrieve and respond to requests for information and/or inquiries from interested parties.
- Interview clients;
- Review and evaluate discovery, applying legal principles and analysis;
- Negotiate dispositions consistent with client’s expressed wishes and goals;
- Compile information and data necessary for the preparation of various departmental reports;
- Answer the telephone, take messages, and meet and assist the public;
- Monitor files for completeness and propriety;
- Legal research and writing; and
- Oral advocacy in courtroom proceedings.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)
KNOWLEDGE
PARALEGAL IIIn addition to a demonstrated knowledge of all Level I requirements:
- Criminal, family law and civil legal procedures, trial and hearing procedures, and rules of evidence;
- General County government functions, practices, procedures and legal responsibility,
- Working knowledge of legal research techniques; and
- Basic accounting principles and practices.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
PARALEGAL IIIn addition to a demonstrated ability with all Level I requirements:
- Independently research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems;
- Present statements of law and fact clearly, accurately and logically in written/oral form;
- Independently perform legal research;
- Understand and explain provisions of the law and applicable procedures;
- Read and understand statutes, court decisions and legal documents;
- Prioritize and manage a caseload;
- Analyze complex information relating to criminal, civil or family law cases; and
- Understand and adhere to rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCEPARALEGAL II One (1) year experience equivalent to a Paralegal I in Stanislaus County;
AND PATTERN I - Certificate of completion from a recognized paralegal program or Associate's degree in paralegal studies.
PATTERN II - Successful completion of two (2) years from a recognized law school.
Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-4209.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "duties" section of the online application.
- Must have taken the California Bar Exam and be awaiting results at the time of commencing employment; AND
- Be eligible for the Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program.
Application and Selection Procedures
APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.
EXAMINATION PROCESS Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.
- Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
- Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
- Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE Application Deadline:
Continuous - but may be closed at any time Oral Examination:
Will be schedule approximately every 2 weeks Application Deadline Oral Exam Date Apply by April 25, 2024 Interview week of April 29, 2024 Apply by May 10, 2024 Interview week of May 13, 2024 Apply by May 31, 2024 Interview week of June 3, 2024
Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County .
GENERAL INFORMATION Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.
Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver's license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.
Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at
http://myclubwellness.org Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.
Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary .
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
