Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

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Law Clerk

Bargaining Unit: Non-Represented
Salary Code:22
FLSA Designation: Exempt
Revision Date: 08/22/17

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision of the General Counsel, will perform high quality and timely legal research, including examining, analyzing, and interpreting available information and submitting recommendations on a variety of matters to the District’s General Counsel and staff and complete related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The information below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

  1. Reviews and summarizes evidence and procedural history; sets forth legal contentions; identifies and analyzes factual and legal issues; researches and makes recommendations to District’s General Counsel.
  2. Examines pertinent issues and law, and prepares preliminary opinions for the District’s General Counsel’s consideration.
  3. Researches and presents legal authorities, including statutory and case law, appellate court decisions, and legislative history, using both traditional and computerized legal research methods.
  4. Draft rulings for cases, including formal orders, tentative decisions, statements of decision, and judgements for review.
  5. Draft memoranda and correspondence to the General Counsel, District Staff, and other concerned parties regarding matters pending before the court.
  6. Assists with the preparation of cases for trial and/or administrative hearings.
  7. Recommends policies, procedures, and forms related to District proceedings and recurring issues at the request of the District’s General Counsel or other related staff.
  8. Transcribes and obtains discovery from government and private agencies.
  9. Generates and maintains ongoing statistics and prepares periodic reports.
  10. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be: Satisfactory completion of at least two (2) semesters or (3) quarters of law school training in an accredited school of law. OR Two (2) years of responsible paralegal experience working under the supervision of an attorney. OR Possession of a certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.

Knowledge of:

  • Principles, practices, methods and materials of legal research.
  • Legal terms, procedures, forms and documents used in court cases.
  • Preparation and presentation of cases before state and federal trial and appellate courts, and administrative and legislative bodies.
  • Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations applicable to water law.
  • Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
  • Advanced grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Principles and practice of effective customer service.

Skills/Abilities to:

  • Analyze complex legal problems and apply legal principles and practices.
  • Perform the most complex and resourceful legal research.
  • Prepare clear and concise memoranda and/or legal opinions concerning the most important and difficult problems.
  • Exercise exceptional judgment, logic, and analytical skills in the review and analysis of complex motions and other legal research.
  • Set priorities and allocate resources to meet needs in a timely, effective manner.
  • Maintain confidential information when required by legal or ethical standards.
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer and use appropriate software, in the performance of professional legal work.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Interact tactfully and courteously with the public, employees, and other staff.
  • Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all Organizational levels as well as with the public.
  • Display a high degree of maturity, integrity, and good judgement.
  • Operate a District vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Lifting, carrying, and/or moving of materials up to 15 pounds.
  • Frequent sitting for extended periods.
  • Faced with interruptions.
  • Exposure to computer screens.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider is required.