Description:

Job Summary:
The Staff Attorney position will provide assistance to the Judges in researching issues before the court and in writing opinions. Additionally, this position will be responsible for researching, compiling, comparing, and organizing legal documents for Judges and assisting Judges in court proceedings. The Staff Attorney position may also assist the Judges in making legal determinations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but are not limited to:

Maintaining confidential files
Research issues before the court
Write opinions based on research
Safekeeping of records and files
Interact with chambers staff, court personnel, litigants and the public
Assist the judge with hearings, discovery disputes and trials
Review filings submitted by the parties, and provide concise summaries
Verify cited legal authority
Draft a variety of legal documents, memoranda and orders
Research and analyze legal issues
Educate and advise the judge on the facts and legal issues of a case
Provide education and support as to legal issues affecting State Court
Research and write bench memoranda
Draft concise, well-researched opinions, bench memoranda and other legal documents
Keep abreast of changes in the law
Review dockets and make scheduling recommendations as needed
Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings
Performing other duties as assigned

Qualification Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Education and/or Experience:

Required: Current membership in the State Bar of Georgia
Required: Three years as a licensed attorney
Three years professional and legal experience preferred

Eligibility Requirements:

Must provide a written sample of legal analysis
Must pass a background check

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Possess and maintain a valid United States Driver's License (Class C) and a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to identify and analyze legal issues
Ability to research State, Federal and local statutes, case law and rules of court
Ability to conduct independent research of legal issues
Ability to apply legal principles to case facts and make decisions
Ability to prepare and present legal analyses and recommendations for judicial action, both verbally and in writing
Ability to confer with and advise judicial officers, attorneys, staff and the public on procedural and substantive legal issues
Knowledge of court systems, rules, practices and procedures related to State Court
Ability to handle sensitive/confidential matters
Ability to coordinate work with others
Ability to recognize and respect limit of authority and responsibility
Ability to work in an environment with conflicting priorities
Skill in the use of computer for legal research, word processing and communication by email
Skill in assisting the Judges in anticipating legal issues and evidentiary and procedural problems in cases coming to trial
Skill in preparing orders with findings of fact and conclusions of law
Ability to test legal theories in motions, briefs, memoranda of law, and petitions submitted to the judges
Command of proper spelling, and grammar and legal terminology
Skill in performing tasks which require attention to detail, and completing assigned jobs efficiently and correctly
Skill in planning, prioritizing, and organizing work; ability to handle multiple work assignments and deadlines efficiently, accurately, and professionally
Skill in the use of personal computers, MS Office Suite, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing; typing and entering data into a computer system accurately and efficiently, 35 words per minute minimum
Ability to communicate and interact clearly and effectively with all those contacted in the course of work in a professional and courteous manner, both orally and in writing, establishing and maintaining effective, professional, and cordial working relationships
Ability to handle confidential information professionally and to exercise discretion in performing assigned job duties; inability to maintain confidentiality will be grounds for dismissal
Ability to make sound, independent decisions within policy guidelines by exercising good judgment and intelligent situation-assessment
Ability to read and comprehend a variety of documents, memos, instructions, correspondence, policies, et cetera
Ability to create clear and concise reports, records, correspondence, reports, policies; ability to prepare standard legal documents
Ability to remain composed, professional, and pleasant in a stressful, fast-paced, high-volume environment
Ability to resolve routine and non-routine problems and complaints by applying or adapting established policies and procedures
Ability to work in a team setting
Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions or direct supervision

Salary: Commensurate with experience plus full benefits package

Employment Opportunities (Section 13-50)

“The recruitment, selection, appointment and promotion of employees shall be in such a manner as to promote equal employment for all persons without regard to race, age, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, national origin, physical handicap or political affiliation or sexual preference.”