County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction and supervision of an attorney, perform a variety of specialized support functions, including some combination of the following: Interviewing clients and witnesses and preparing written interview summaries; legal research and writing; performing varied support tasks requiring special knowledge and training for litigation attorneys; and related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Under an attorney's direct supervision, Attorney Assistants may interview clients and witnesses, prepare written interview summaries, and prepare case files for litigation. They may initiate investigation requests, summarize transcripts, perform preliminary case evaluation, contact clients, witnesses, and outside agencies, and perform general file/case management tasks requiring special training and knowledge. Attorney Assistants differ from the class of Legal Assistant in that the latter is an as-needed class utilizing mainly hourly employees to assist investigators and perform research for attorneys, whereas the former requires a law degree and performs a broader scope of defense-related duties, which may include client interviews.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Under the direct supervision of an attorney, interviews clients and witnesses.

2. Under the direct supervision of an attorney, prepares specific legal motions and pleadings.

3. Prepares case files for litigation and court appearances by Deputy and Assistant Public Defenders.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an ABA accredited law school.

License: A valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Ability to:

· Summarize and evaluate factual situations.
· Understand and apply legal principles to factual situations.
· Communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, and outside agencies.
· Perform legal research quickly and with initiative.
· Follow written and oral instructions.
· Work harmoniously with others.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: BG:pb
2/92
RE:lm
Rev./Ret.: 12/96
1184h.doc
New document: Jobspecs/1587
ys/12/00