County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction and supervision of the General Counsel, performs a variety of law related functions including some combination of the following: drafts legal documents; conducts legal research and prepares written memoranda; prepares documents for use in pretrial and trial proceedings; creates and maintains legal files, trial notebooks, and indices; supervises case and file management systems; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The position requires the incumbent to perform at the apprentice level with sufficient legal skill and knowledge to carry out assigned tasks efficiently with initiative, independent thought and good judgment. This position reports to the General Counsel, Zone 7.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Under the general supervision of an attorney, conducts legal research and prepares written legal memoranda, summarizes records, depositions and other legal documents and prepares memoranda regarding contacts with clients and third parties for use by attorneys and for file documentation.
2. Under the general supervision of an attorney, drafts complaints, answers, case management statements, interrogatories, answers to interrogatories, and other pleadings related to legal processes.
3. Assists attorneys with trial preparation including, but not limited to, drafting jury instructions, witness and exhibit lists, expert witness disclosure demands and responses, prepare subpoenas, conduct privilege reviews and assist at depositions and document reviews.
4. Creates and maintains documents related to cases and other legal matters, trial notebooks, indices and files.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Completion of one year of study at an accredited law school, which includes course work in Legal Research and Writing and Civil Procedure.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of legal research and legal source materials.
• California Code of Civil Procedure.
• Court regulations, procedures and legal processes.
• Principles of legal writing.
• Methods and techniques for pretrial and trial preparation.

Ability to:

• Comprehend, digest and summarize complex legal documents.
• Identify and analyze legal issues.
• Interpret and apply relevant legal codes, statutory procedures and requirements.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:pf 4/13/05
Newspecs: 4901
CSC Date: 5/11/2005

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.