Post Bar Legal Clerk (Paralegal II)

About the Opportunity

ABOUT THE POSITION

Post Bar Legal Clerks play a vital and hands-on role in advancing our mission to provide exceptional representation to Public Defender Clients. In this position, you will work closely with experienced attorneys, conducting meaningful research, drafting motions, assisting with trial preparation, and participating in ongoing training designed to strengthen your courtroom skills and deepen your understanding of criminal law. Under the guidance and mentorship of Public Defender Attorneys, Post Bar Legal Clerks gain immediate courtroom experience by appearing at arraignment and bail hearings and actively participating in misdemeanor cases from start to finish. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence in the courtroom and engage directly in all aspects of criminal practice.

To learn more about the Public Defender's Office, click here.

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. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). 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

• 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 II
In 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 II
In 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/EXPERIENCE
PARALEGAL 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.

• Applicants must take and pass the BAR exam within one (1) year of graduating from law school.

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.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• 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 scheduled approximately every 2 weeks

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

• 

• Stanislaus County

• (209) 525-6341

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