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Posted 2d ago

JUDICIAL STAFF COUNSEL III

@ Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino
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San Bernardino, California, United States
$5k-$6k/bi-wkHybridFull Time
Responsibilities:Research issues, Draft opinions, Advise judges
Requirements Summary:J.D. in law; active California Bar; 5 years in legal practice including 3 years in litigation; strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
Technical Tools Mentioned:Westlaw, LexisNexis, Microsoft Office
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Job Description

About the Department


NOW HIRING: JUDICIAL STAFF COUNSEL III - CIVIL LITIGATION EXPERT

The Superior Court is seeking an experienced attorney with a strong background in Civil Litigation to provide trusted legal counsel and support to our judges. 

Telework/On-Site Opportunity 
After completing the probationary period, this position is eligible for a full-time telework schedule. During the probationary period, telework may be available at the Court’s discretion. Telework must be completed from a pre-designated home-based location within the State of California, and employees may be required to report on-site to address business needs. Telework is at the sole discretion of the Court and may be rescinded immediately, without prior notice, based on the needs of the San Bernardino Superior Court.

RECRUITMENT DEADLINE: 

Now accepting applications for a current vacancy and future openings. First review date: May 11, 2026. Applicants must complete all required supplemental questions and provide documentation of education and relevant experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered and will not move forward in the selection process.


A resume will not be accepted in place of the required application or the responses to the supplemental questions.

Résumés will not be accepted in place of the required application or the responses to the supplemental questions.
About the Position
Under minimal direction, performs general and specialized legal research and analysis, reviewing cases and making recommendations to the Court, advising the Court on complex matters of law, preparing drafts of legal opinions, legal memoranda and other documents; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Incumbents in the Judicial Staff Counsel classification perform difficult and complex legal research activities and must exercise a high degree of independent judgment with accurate and neutral legal research and analysis of substantive and procedural issues on matters pending before the court and provide recommendations for rulings to assist the judicial officers with their decisions.

Judicial Staff Counsel is distinguished from Staff Attorney in that the latter provides legal assistance to self-represented litigants in the Self-Help and Family Law Facilitator Programs.

For additional details about the role, please review the full job description: JUDICIAL STAFF COUNSEL III

Position Duties

  1. Researches, identifies and analyzes legal and factual issues in matters set for hearing in the court; reviews case files including motions, writs and other pleadings, prepares legal memoranda and summary of findings and provides research used in rendering decisions.
  2. Confers with judicial officers regarding questions resulting from the memorandum, general legal issues regarding matters pending before the Court, and changes in the law or emerging issues impact­ing a pending case.
  3. Stays abreast of developments in  statutory and case law to anticipate the effect of changes that would impact judicial recommendations.
As Assigned:
  1. May research legal issues in specialized areas of probate law, including decedents' estates, wills, trusts, conservatorships and guardianships; analyzes legal issues;  reviews case files, including motions and other pleadings; prepares memoranda and makes recommendations for disposition of matters before the Court.
  2. May review, evaluate and analyze appellate briefs, trial records, writ petitions, motions and other pertinent documents to determine factual accuracy, legal issues on appeal, and scope and complexity of issues raised; performs legal research and analysis of the merits of the parties' appellate arguments; drafts proposed appellate decisions; confers with judicial officers regarding issues; prepares final opinions as directed.
  3. May provide judicial support for specialized and emerging areas of the law including CEQA and complex litigation such as preparing comprehensive memoranda, analyzing developments in statutes and regulations, and coordinating with court staff and other courts on processes and procedures.
  4. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, active membership in good standing in the State Bar of California, and five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, includ­ing three (3) years of experience in litigation, performing legal research and drafting legal opinions and/or briefs; or an equivalent combination of educa­tion, training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
  • A California Class C driver's license will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regu­lations.
Knowledge of: 
  • Principles and practices of  California and federal law and procedure with special emphasis on California Civil Law and Procedure;
  • California judicial system and local court operations and procedures;
  • Advanced principles, methods and techniques of legal research and investigation, including methods and procedures for conducting efficient online legal research;
  • Judicial ethics, responsibilities and the context in which they are carried out;
  • Principles and practices of sound business and legal communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation and the requirements of the California Style Manual.
Knowledge of As Assigned:
  • Appellate Division processes and Rules of Court, statutes, and case law applicable to traffic, misdemeanor, and limited civil appeals;
  • Probate court processes and  California probate law and procedure;
  • Federal and state law, codes and regulations applicable to CEQA and land use;
  • Federal and state law, codes and regulations applicable to complex litigation in California.

Selection Process

  1. Human resources will evaluate all applications to identify those who meet the minimum qualifications, as well as any desirable qualifications listed. Only candidates who fulfill these requirements will proceed in the process.

  2. Your responses to the supplemental questions may be scored and ranked. Depending on the number of applicants, you might also need to complete an online assessment or a screening interview.

  3. If you successfully pass step 2 and meet the minimum qualifications, your name will be added to the eligible list. From this list, you may be considered for an interview. Please note that being on the eligible list does not guarantee an interview or a job offer.