Job Abstract

Under the direction of the Senior Family Law Facilitator, the Managing Attorney and General Counsel, this attorney level position provides legal and procedural assistance, information, and form completion assistance to self-represented litigants in a variety of family law legal matters. In addition, the Self-Help Court attorney assists with the development, planning, implementation and administration of programs that provide services to self-represented litigants. Incumbent is also responsible for assisting the Senior Family Law Facilitator with the supervision of support staff and volunteers and performing other related tasks as required for the position.

The Family Law Self-Help Center assists with all aspects of Family Law proceedings including Domestic Violence. The Civil Self-Help Center assists with a range of Civil Law proceedings including but not limited to Eviction, Step-Parent and Adult Adoption, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, Collection Defense, Judgment Enforcement, Guardianships and Conservatorships, and Name and Gender Change. Successful applicants will be selected for assignment to vacancies in the Family Law Self- Help program but may also work in the Civil Self-Help program, based on the needs of the Court.

• Assists with the planning and implementing of programs for self-represented litigants.
• Assists with the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures.
• Informs and assists self-represented litigants regarding court procedures and provides general direction for completion of court forms and compliance with state and local rules of law.
• Conducts webinars and workshops for self-represented litigants.
• Develops, updates, and provides educational materials to litigants.
• Interviews and assists litigants with selection of appropriate local and state court forms.
• Gathers information from litigants and utilizes computer software to compute guideline child support.
• Oversees support staff and volunteers.
• Reviews for legal accuracy the work performed by self-help assistants and volunteers.
• Identifies community resources related to self-help programs and community-based services for self-represented litigants.
• Provides referrals to other court services and outside agencies.
• Conducts settlement and status conferences for self-represented litigants.
• Assists judicial officers in the preparation of orders, computations of child support, research on legal issues and other tasks as requested by the judicial officers.
• Incumbent receives general direction from the supervising Senior Family Law Facilitator and Managing Attorney.
• Incumbents are expected to work autonomously following general guidelines within a broad range of policies and procedures. Incumbents may supervise other staff, including volunteers. Requires the exercise of good judgment to choose among possible actions often without clear precedent, and to be able to distinguish between providing neutral legal information versus legal advocacy/advice to preserve the impartiality of the court.

Education/Experience

Incumbent must have graduated from an accredited law school or equivalent and be licensed by the State Bar of California.
Any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position. Two (2) years of full-time experience performing legal services as an attorney for self-represented litigants for a court or non-profit organization – OR – Two (2) years of full-time experience as an attorney practicing family law with an emphasis on all aspects of Family Law proceedings including Domestic Violence.

Bilingual speaking and writing skills in English and Spanish are preferred.

Comprehensive knowledge of:

• Family law, including mediation techniques and approaches, and provisions of domestic violence, legal processes, and rules of court, rules of evidence, and trial procedure.
• Litigant assistance programs, including legal aid and legal assistance services.
• State and Federal law pertaining to specific assignments; ethical responsibilities enunciated by the American Bar Association, California Bar Association, and the Code of Ethics for the Court Employees of California.
• Principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research and analysis.
• Legal terms, procedures, forms, and documents.
• Principles and practices of sound business and legal communication.

Comprehensive ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, using both good business English and plain language when appropriate.
• Work with people of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
• Work in a fast paced, high-volume environment with conflicting priorities.
• Use tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive, complex and/or confidential issues, situations and difficult individuals.
• Set priorities and allocate resources to meet needs in a timely, effective manner.
• Establish and maintain staff and work schedules to meet assignment coverage needs, ensuring that all statutory, rule and procedural requirements are met.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, court and County employees, members of the public and others encountered in the course of work.
• Exercise sound, expert independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Review, investigate and analyze case documents that will include complex legal problems.
• Perform legal research, prepare reports and legal documents.
• Train staff as required.
• Deal effectively with public officials, members of the legal profession, self-represented litigants and the general public.
• Recognize and respect limit of authority and responsibility and uphold judicial ethics.

Ideal Special Requirements:

Since special skills, knowledge and abilities are essential to the successful work of the Self-Help Center, applicants with experience representing clients who are (a) inexperienced with legal matters, and (b) have a high emotional investment in their cases, and applicants who have been actively engaged in the preparation of legal forms, are highly desirable and this experience may be used as screening criteria.

• Ability to use a personal computer and its peripherals including keyboard, mouse and monitor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions and simultaneous attention to multiple tasks.
• Ability to grasp and/or manipulate files, binders, pieces of paper or small objects.
• Ability to prepare or inspect court records, documents, or office equipment.
• Frequent hand, fingers and/or wrist motion.
• Reaching at or above shoulder level.
• Ability to communicate effectively, by phone or in person, to understand and/or convey detailed important information or instructions.
• Ability to work alone or closely with others.
• Minimal bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, or working on irregular surfaces.
• May require movement throughout the courthouse delivering and/or retrieving forms, files, materials, and information to and from other departments, including lifting file boxes, files or binders up to 10 lbs.

• Shared office environment with varying degrees of hot and cold air.
• Requires exposure to dust, printer, or fax machine toner.
• Requires ability to travel or be transported to other court locations.
• Must be able to traverse indoors and outdoors, over uneven ground and pavement in all types of weather.
• Constant interruptions, with high volume of telephone and personal interaction.

• A valid California Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.