Law Clerk/ Judicial Staff Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

About Bannock County

Bannock County serves more than 90,000 residents, employs over 400 employees, and is seated in Pocatello - a regional hub with a major university, regional airport, and high quality of life. The area offers local hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, nearby national parks, and endless outdoor opportunities. The city offers performing arts, concerts, sports complexes, farmers markets, short commute times, and a family-friendly community.

In addition to a strong life-work balance, Bannock County offers great benefits to eligible employees including:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) employer
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision plan
• Pre-tax medical Flex Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Retiree medical, dental and vision plan
• PERSI Pension employer with an employer retirement contribution of over 11%
• Optional Roth and Traditional 401(k) and 457(b) retirement plans
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Generous paid vacation, sick, jury, military, and compensatory time with PTO at start
• Paid group life and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental life, short-term disability, cancer, accident, critical illness and more offered
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness challenges & events
• Paid training and career growth opportunities

Why This Role Matters

The District Court department supports the Sixth District Court judges and court proceedings to ensure equitable and timely justice is delivered and the rule of law is upheld. Candidates will be considered for either level, depending on qualifications.

Position Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform professional legal and administrative duties involving case evaluation, preparation and drafting of a variety of legal documents for the District Court. The work is performed under the general direction of District Court Judges and the supervision of the Clerk, but considerable latitude is granted for the exercise of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. The principal duties of this class are primarily performed in a general office and courtroom environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Performs all work duties and responsibilities professionally and effectively, and in accordance with Federal and Idaho Code and County policies, procedures, and practices.
2. Conducts legal research on matters before the court, and analyzes motions and briefs to advise on appropriate dispositions,
3. Attends court hearings, and provides ongoing legal analysis and interpretation to the court,
4. Prepares bench memoranda that evaluate pending issues and legal precedence in order to provide guidance regarding rulings the court may make,
5. Drafts other memos, orders, and decisions for the court as directed,
6. Edits, reviews, and revises legal documents prepared by the court,
7. Conducts informal case review with counsel on pending cases,
8. Assists in curriculum development and implementation of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses for other staff attorneys in the 5th, 6th, & 7th Judicial Districts,
9. Participates in Bar related activities, Law Day, Citizen's Law Academy,
10. Assists the district judge in the preparation and presentation of law related educational programs,
11. Supervises and makes assignments for paralegals and law students serving internships and externships for the District Court,
12. Coordinates with the University of Idaho, College of Law, Director of Externship and Pro Bono Programs to provide legal research assistants to magistrates, and
13. Performs other duties and responsibilities that may be required to meet department objectives or as directed by the District Judge, Clerk, Chief Deputy Clerk, or Court Supervisor.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge Of:

1. Applicable Federal, Idaho, County and local laws, statutes, codes, case law, and ordinances,
2. Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure, Idaho Criminal Rules, Idaho Rules of Evidence and Idaho Appellate Rules, and Idaho Judicial Code of Conduct, and
3. Verbal and written English language at an exceptional level, and the use of appropriate grammar, spelling, punctuation, and composition necessary to draft clear and concise correspondence, memos, reports, and read required legal documents.

Skill To:

1. Operate standard office equipment, and maintain expertise in the use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Westlaw Next, JI Plus, Court Management System and other required programs or applications,
2. Write succinctly and provide direct written feedback and analysis to questions of Law,
3. Proficient in electronic legal research, Westlaw Next certification is preferred, and
4. Multi-task and prioritize a wide variety of assignments, adjusting to interruptions, with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.

Ability To:

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other State and County employees, staff, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, victims, witnesses, supervisory personnel, state and local elected and appointed officials, and the public,
2. Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful courtroom or situations that may arise,
3. Demonstrate integrity, analyze matters logically, maintain organized files and work in an efficient and thorough manner,
4. Quickly learn and be cross trained in a variety of departments and Judicial functions, along with being able to switch between assignments to meet court and department needs, and
5. Follow written and oral instruction under supervision, work as part of a team, or work on case assignments independently with minimal supervision.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association with a Juris Doctorate Degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Any work, internship, externship or educational experience in a court or legal setting, and
• This position is eligible for internal promotion to Judicial Staff Attorney title and salary grade once licensed as an attorney with the Idaho State Bar.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position works primarily in an indoor courtroom and office environment which may require sitting for extended periods, with the following physical requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and to communicate effectively in person, on a telephone, in writing and in a courtroom environment,
• Sufficient visual acuity and mental comprehension which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and to assist in the preparation, monitoring, and litigation of all criminal and civil cases,
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to write notes, operate standard office equipment and a personal computer, and
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, agility, and balance which permits the employee to work in a courtroom or office environment and lift 20 pounds.

How to Apply

Submit a completed Bannock County application, resume, and optional cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role at: https://bannockcounty.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Application Deadline: Until filled.

Bannock County is an equal opportunity employer.

Veteran's Preference eligible position pursuant to Idaho Code.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro