Under general supervision, this technical level position assists attorneys and judges in research, analysis, and other duties as assigned.
Incumbents are required to fluently read, write and speak another language other than English and provide translation services for non-English speaking individuals with court business at least forty percent of their work time.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED An attorney, commissioner or judge provides supervision; administrative direction can be provided by a court manager I, or higher-level manager.
Essential Functions
- (Essential duties may vary from position to position within this classification.
- Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law.)
- Provide education materials to parents concerning the process of establishing paternity and establishing modifying and enforcing child and spousal support in the courts Provide assistance to judges, attorneys and general public in completing forms and other documents Review documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions and other legal authorities Assist attorneys in legal research utilizing a computer and gathering information from the internet, legal research software, legal books and publications Attend staff and other work-related meetings, workshops, seminars, and other continuing education opportunities Distribute necessary court forms and voluntary declarations of paternity Review files to ensure that documentation is procedurally correct and in compliance with appropriate laws and local rules and note deficiencies Prepare accurate summary documentation, sets forth facts of each matter before court, summarizes the legal factors and any issues and makes recommendations for action Monitor changes to civil law; recommends policy and procedural changes required for compliance, and institutes such modifications after approval Prepare child support schedules based upon statutory guidelines Meet with litigants to mediate issues of child support, spousal support, and maintenance of health insurance Draft stipulations to include all issues agreed to by the parties Prepare formal orders consistent with the court’s announced order in cases where both parties are unrepresented Maintain effective working relationships with Judicial Officers, court staff, staff from other courts and the District Attorney Prepare child support calculations Assist with case file and management; prepare judgments Provide referral to the District Attorney, Family Court Services, and other community resources that provide services for parents and children Maintain a cooperative relationship and effective referral base with legal and domestic violence resources Mediate issues of child support with parties to case to reach resolution as possible; work with TCDCSS to resolve child support issues and avoid court hearings Provide translation services for non-English speaking people with court business at least forty percent of work time.
- 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
- Marginal Functions Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge of: Legal procedures Legal research, techniques and methods Drafting legal documents, and opinion writing Filing procedures and legal terminology Court policies Legal ethics related to civil or criminal procedures
- Skill/Ability To Demonstrate effective grammar/writing skills: proofread for correct grammar, citations, codes, etc Analyze legal documents accurately Correctly summarize the law in any given area by written memoranda Understand and apply legal principles and precedents Research legal references Present verbal statements of fact and law Perform computerized legal research Establish effective working relations with attorneys, officials, clients, co-workers, and he general public Follow verbal and written instructions Operate a personal computer and related software with efficiency Have excellent phone skills and a clear and concise manner of speaking Keyboard ability at a minimum of 50 words per minute Learn and apply the practices and procedures of the work unit to which assigned Punctually arrive at workstation Work independently to prioritize work and meet departmental deadlines
Education And Experience
- Education: Minimum requirement is completion of an approved legal paraprofessional training program, with possession of a paralegal certificate
- Experience: Three years experience researching and drafting a variety of legal documents, preferably supplemented by course work in legal office practices and business law; preferably including one year of journey level paralegal experience
- DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDSKnowledge Of Civil litigation procedures Bail Bond law Trial Court Act Public employee discipline process Administrative law Family law Child welfare law Public nuisance enforcement actions Civil rights Probate law Criminal law
- License Or Certificate Possession of paralegal certificate
Additional Information
WORKING CONDITIONS
The demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met or are encountered by an employee while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Regularly Required Sit at a desk and/or in front of a computer terminal Twist and bend neck Repetitive hand movement while performing computer data entry as well as writing Stand Travel to various court divisions Bend at waist in retrieving materials Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 10 lbs.
- Reach above and/or below shoulder height Tolerate mild exposure to dust Potential exposure to individuals with illnesses
- Frequently Required Push and/or pull drawers of desk and/or file cabinets Crouch, stoop, and kneel while retrieving materials from shelves and cabinets Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 25 lbs Drive to and from various court locations in own vehicle
- Occasionally Required Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 50 lb
- Tulare County Superior Court offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Benefit options available may differ between bargaining units and select management positions are granted additional 5 days of vacation. The information listed below is a general summary of benefits.
Vacation: 11 days initially; 16 days after 3 years; 20 days after 8 years; 25 days after 11 years (300 hours accrual limitation).
Holidays: 14 holidays + 2 floating holidays per year.
Sick Leave: 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation.
Insurance: A medical PPO plan, dental and vision coverage are available. Dependent coverage is also available. Life insurance coverage of $10,000 is provided. All positions are eligible for long-term and/or State disability insurance. Additional supplemental life and long-term disability insurance may be purchased by the employee.
Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the Tulare County Superior Court and the employee.
The Tulare County Superior Court has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, State Teachers’ Retirement System, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.
Other
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program, Employee Recognition Program, IRS Section 125 Program (provides tax savings for insurance costs, dependent care costs and unreimbursed medical expenses), and Deferred Compensation plans are available.01Check the legal documents you have reviewed, analyzed, interpreted, or prepared as part of your coursework or while assisting attorneys with case evaluation.
- Child Support Orders
- Court Orders
- Court Order Modifications
- Interlocutory Judgments
- Summons & Complaints
- Notices of Hearing
- Exhibits
- Contracts
- Interrogatories
- Liens
- Transcripts
- Points & Authorities
- Writs
- Notice of Disciplinary Action
- Small Claims Complaint forms
- Resolutions
- Ordinances
- Notice of Default
- Appellate Briefs
- Depositions
- Court Reports
- Leases
- Petitions
- Judgments & Orders After Hearing
- Others
- List below02Describe the types of legal research you have performed, the resource materials used and how the research was used overall.03Describe the legal documents you have prepared for attorneys.
- Include in your response your experience in preparing opinions, petitions, appellate briefs and motions.04Describe your experience in collecting and analyzing factual data in connection with initiating or defending legal action.05Check All You Are Familiar With
- Calculation of Guideline Child Support
- Conservatorships
- Domestic Violence Prevention Act
- Guardianships
- Service of Process
- Small Claims
- Uniform Parentage Act
- Unlawful Detainer Required Question
