LAW CLERK, DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under supervision, to assist in legal work involved in the preparation of criminal cases; to perform legal research to assist in the preparation of trial briefs; and to do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class are distinguished from positions in the Attorney I-District Attorney class in that incumbents, not being members of the State bar, primarily provide subprofessional support services for staff attorneys by performing legal research and preparing memoranda for criminal and consumer fraud cases. Incumbents in this class are enrolled in law school and may work while attending school or pending results of the State Bar exam. Incumbents work on a non-permanent, part time basis.

TYPICAL TASKS

Performs legal research and prepares trial briefs and legal memoranda by collecting data on precedents applicable to current cases; prepares legal documents and reports; interviews and advises complainants and witnesses in regard to prospective criminal complaints; investigates consumer fraud complaints and does legal research in preparation for trials; researches and records background information and factual statements; assists investigators in securing and verifying evidence; reviews complaints and law enforcement agency reports; attends staff or other meetings as requested; confers regularly with staff attorneys; assists in maintaining law library; may conduct hearings and trials in municipal courts, under supervision of an attorney, when certified by State Bar.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

  Working knowledge of:

• Legal principles and practices.
• Methods of legal research.
• Trial and hearing procedures and rules of evidence.

Ability to:

• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal problems.
• Present statements of law and fact clearly, accurately and logically in written and oral form.
• Evaluate persons and effectively obtain information through interviewing.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with staff members, departmental representatives and the public.

Training and Experience:

Completion of at least two semesters or three quarters of law school training in a California accredited law school.