Child Support Attorney III

Closing Date: 12th October, 2026

Description:

Definition:
This is a County of Humboldt job position, however the job application is submitted through Merit System Services. To apply for this position, click on this link to the Merit System Services website. If the link is not working for you, go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/MSS and search for positions in Humboldt County to submit your application for this job.

Performs a variety of professional legal work in child support civil and criminal cases; provides legal advice and assistance in child support issues to Department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures regarding child support; may be the attorney of record in all legal actions and proceedings filed on behalf of the Department with the courts and administrative law agencies; and performs related work as required.

Child Support Attorney III
Working under general direction, Child Support Attorney III is the advanced journey level in the Child Support Attorney series. Employees at this level are expected to perform assignments that cover the entire range of child support litigation and advice activities, and may provide lead supervision over other attorneys, and may assist in training less experienced attorneys. Positions may be permanently allocated to level III due to the nature of the work. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level of Child Support Attorney II, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

Examples of Duties:

• Investigates, researches, and prepares child support cases for litigation or prosecution.
• Interviews and advises complainants, law enforcement personnel, and the public in regard to prosecuting child support cases.
• Litigates or prosecutes cases in all courts of the county.
• Negotiates with attorneys regarding the disposition of civil matters and/or modification of charges in specific cases.
• Assists other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases.
• Advises Department staff on questions of law and procedure in particular cases.
• Prepares briefs and opinions concerning the law as applied to matters within the department.
• Assists in preparing filings and prosecuting cases before Appellate Courts.
• May give presentations to law enforcement agencies and public groups on child support legal issues and processes.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• May exercise lead supervision over other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases.
• May assist in training less experienced attorneys.

Qualifications:
Knowledge of:

• California civil and criminal codes related to child law.
• Principles of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law.
• Trial and courtroom procedures and practices.
• Administrative law procedures.
• Legal research methods.
• Rules of evidence.
• Standard legal office practices and procedures.
• Negotiating techniques relative to child law, criminal law, and child support issues.
• Ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Ability to:

• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to child law and child support issues.
• Prepare and present statements of law and fact.
• Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form on child law and child support issues.
• Prepare and present cases in Municipal and Superior courts.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Manage an assigned caseload and perform quality legal work under pressure of deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise and comprehensive records, reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Train and mentor less experienced attorneys.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Child Support Attorney I: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited law school.
• Child Support Attorney II: One (1) year of experience as a general practicing attorney.
• Child Support Attorney III: Two (2) years of experience as a general practicing attorney.

Special Requirement For All Levels
Active membership in the State Bar of California.

Driver License Requirement

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