Managing Attorney - Bakersfield - 036

$6,215 - $7,588/Yr

Superior Court of California, County of Kern - Bakersfield, CA

Full-time - Senior

Bakersfield, CA

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

The Managing Attorney position is a professional level role under the limited direction of the Presiding Judge and the Court Executive Officer. The incumbent conducts comprehensive research and analysis, provides legal advice on various issues, represents the court in employment relations, and supervises legal research attorneys, Family Court Services Manager, Family Law Facilitator, and Kern County Law Librarian. This role involves performing complex legal work, providing technical legal research assistance, and acting as a liaison with Judicial Officers while participating in strategic planning and advising on organizational matters.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Presiding Judge and Court Executive Officer in the development of Court Policies and Procedures, standing orders and local rules of the Court.
• Provide legal advice to the Presiding Judge and Executive Leadership on a wide range of legal issues including new legislation, employment law and government tort liability.
• Conduct research and analysis on duties, powers and obligations of the Court.
• Review and provide advice and prepare responses to California Rules of the Court, 10.500 requests.
• Provide legal guidance and support to Judicial Officers as directed by the Presiding Judge.
• Serve as staff to judicial committees in the development and review of court goals, strategy, and policy.
• Confer with the Court Executive Officer, Executive Leadership, and Judicial Officers on fiscal, personnel, court technology, and operational issues.
• Review legal claims against the Court and coordinate legal representation for Judicial Officers and court staff.
• Direct research and write or review opinions regarding duties, powers and obligations of the Court.
• Oversee court compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Review, analyze, and draft contracts and 'Memorandum of Understanding' for the Court.
• Negotiate with union leadership for union contracts, side letter agreements, and grievances.
• Represent the Court before California Public Employment Relations Board for unfair practice charges and arbitrations.
• Provide general supervision to Family Court Services Manager, Family Law Facilitator, and Librarian of Kern County Law Library.
• Oversee and direct all legal services, including legal research, alternative dispute resolution, family law facilitator, and the self-help division of the Court.
• Plan, organize, assign, monitor, review and evaluate the work of subordinate attorneys.
• Perform advanced legal research and conduct research on special projects.
• Supervise the training of newly assigned staff regarding sources and methods of legal research.
• Confer with Judicial Officers to gain information regarding work unit performance and operational problems.
• Evaluate the performance of subordinates and provide guidance and counseling on research methods and development.
• Work closely with the Court's Human Resources staff on issues relating to personnel matters.
• Prepare written responses to complaints about court personnel, facilities and operations.
• Establish extern programs for individual Judicial Officers and the Kern County Law Library.
• Prepare and coordinate a variety of work reports and records.

Requirements

• Active member in good standing with the State Bar of California required at the time of appointment and at all times thereafter.
• Graduation from an accredited school of law.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law in California.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License.

Benefits

• $6,215.74 - $7,588.15 bi-weekly, plus an additional 10% KernFlex.