Closing Date: 21st May, 2024

Description:

Overview:
A Government Entity is accepting applications for the position of Attorney II in the Self Help and Futures Services unit of the Center for Families, Children & the Courts.

This position will serve as legal subject matter expert on technology projects aimed at providing self-represented litigants access to legal and procedural information on the Self Represented Litigant Portal (Portal), ensuring that information is both legally accurate and in terms that are comprehensible to self-represented litigants. The position will be lead staff to a content governance group charged with setting requirements for legally accurate Portal content designed to enable the court user to understand the case process, prepare to proceed, and leave court informed about any decisions made, next steps, and progress toward finalizing the case. Portal content will be available in written, audio, interactive chat, and video forms. The position will provide legal and procedural content of the Portal in all legal areas including civil, family, juvenile, criminal, traffic, and appellate matters. Some projects may require the incumbent to consult with additional legal experts.

The Judicial Council
A Government Entity is the policy setting body for the state court system and has constitutionally conferred statewide rule-making authority. This authority includes developing, advocating for, and allocating the judicial branch budget. A majority of Council members are California state justices and judges; however, the Council also includes lawyers, legislators, and court administrators.

By enhancing its role as a leadership, knowledge, and service resource for the judicial branch, the Judicial Council's staff organization seeks to continue to evolve as one of California's most dynamic public service entities, focused on improving access to justice for all Californians by innovating and responding to the changing needs of the courts and the public. As a government body charged with improving the statewide administration of justice, the Judicial Council has multiple offices with diverse responsibilities relating to court policy and operations. As employees of the council, every member of staff should view and approach their work as one Judicial Council with a public service mission that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Judicial Council strives for work-life balance, including substantial vacation and holiday time. In addition, we offer an excellent benefits package, including pension, medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending, up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs, and retirement savings plans. In San Francisco, the office is only a 7-minute walk from the Civic Center BART station in downtown San Francisco. In Sacramento, the office is minutes from downtown, just north of Discovery Park.

The successful candidate will be expected to work in person at the Judicial Council's San Francisco or Sacramento office and reside in the areas surrounding these locations. The Judicial Council offers hybrid work arrangements for many positions. Beginning in September 2024, employees will work in the office at least one day each week. Beginning in January 2025, employees will work in the office at least two days per week.

Responsibilities:

Legal staff to the Self Represented Litigant Portal (Portal), a Content Governance Group, Ad Hoc Content Advisory Group and liaison to other advisory bodies assigned to provide legally accurate information in terms that are comprehensible to Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) and that enable SRLs to conduct business in the courts. Coordinate schedules, meetings, and other obligations.
Lead Content Governance Group and work with an ad hoc group, charged with setting requirements for legally accurate Portal content designed to enable the court user to understand the case process, prepare to proceed, and leave court informed about any decisions made, next steps, and progress toward finalizing the case.
Ensure that Portal content requirements employ user-centered design standards, adding elements such as checklists and flowcharts.
Responsible for accuracy of legal and procedural content of the Portal in all legal areas including civil, family, juvenile, criminal, traffic, and appellate matters which is available in written, audio, interactive chat, and video forms. All Portal material must meet accessibility requirements and work effectively on mobile devices.
Draft new Portal content as needed and maintain existing Portal content in the area of family law, including dissolutions, child custody and support, and domestic violence; act as liaison to legal subject matter experts developing Portal content in other case.
Ensure completion of the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of California Courts regarding educational material and content for SRLs in traffic and other matters, including CARE Act content, as new topics arise and education for SRLs becomes necessary.
Responsible for accuracy of legal and procedural content of the Portal in emerging legal areas including unlawful detainer, guardianship, conservatorship, domestic and civil harassment restraining orders, consumer debt, and CARE Act matters which is available in written, audio, interactive chat, and video forms. All Portal material must meet accessibility requirements and work effectively on mobile devices.
Act as legal SME for technology projects aimed at providing SRLs easier access to information and on-line services, such as Live/Virtual Chat, and virtual self-help.
Continue to build on the existing framework for delivering legal content consistently across Portal and other online services. Update the framework as needed.
Provide legal subject matter expertise to ensure legal accuracy of Portal content, including oversight of user and design testing efforts.
Oversee the work of and guide design and user testing contractors working for CFCC, reporting on recommended changes and implementing such changes upon approval.
Maintain effective collaborative relationships with researchers working in JCC, in the courts, or with justice partners to collect and share data, as appropriate.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Juris doctor, and three (3) years of relevant post-bar legal experience as a practicing attorney.

After passing a state bar, work experience as a Law Clerk to a federal or state judge prior to formal bar
admission will be considered qualifying experience.

Licensing and Certifications
? Current active membership with the State Bar of California prior to hire.

Desirable Qualifications:

Experience providing legal services to underserved and disadvantaged populations;
Experience representing clients in court;
Bilingual;
Demonstrated success in working collaboratively across disciplines;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
Ability to handle multiple demands and deadlines.

Other Information:
Please note, if you are selected for hire, verification of employment eligibility or authorization to work in the United States will be required.