Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location
Athens, GA
Job Type
Full Time
Department
State Court
Job Number
2023-U019
Closing date and time
3/19/2023 at 12:00 AM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Purpose & Job Related Requirements REPORTS TO: Judge
FLSA STATUS: Exempt - Professional
CLASSIFICATION : Non-Personnel System; serves at the discretion of the Judge
PAY GRADE: 121 ($57,266 - $68,217); 122 ($60,129 - $71,628) or 124 ($66,292 - $78,969) depending on qualifications
SAFETY SENSITIVE: No
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to assist the State or Superior Court Judge in providing advisory, transactional, and litigation related legal services, docket and case management, and being a liaison to other county agencies and parties in pending litigation. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, preparing cases for hearings and trial; preparing briefs, reviewing motions and filings, scheduling cases for hearings and trial, drafting orders, evaluating contracts and deeds, and providing legal counsel and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Emergency Position This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the Manager. Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions Attorney I:
Juris Doctorate with at least one year of experience as a practicing attorney, law clerk, or law assistant required, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must be a member of the Georgia State Bar and remain in good standing.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
Attorney II:
Juris Doctorate required, with four years of experience as a practicing attorney with experience in three practice areas.  Practice areas include:  civil litigation, criminal litigation, administrative proceedings, appellate practice, contracts, real estate/probate, corporate, local government (ordinance, zoning, human resources, etc), environmental, and/or taxation.
Must be a member of the Georgia Bar Association and obtain a minimum of twelve (12) hours of accredited continuing education annually.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
Attorney III:
Juris Doctorate with at least six years of experience as a practicing attorney is required with experience in four practice areas, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must be a member of the Georgia State Bar and obtain a minimum of twelve (12) hours of accredited continuing education annually.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this job.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.
Reviews all civil and criminal filings to determine appropriate courses of action. Typical civil actions include breach of contract, suits on account, dispossessory, garnishment, personal property foreclosure, personal injury, property damage, products liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, appeals from magistrate court, and other general civil matters. Typical civil filings include motions for private process servers, motion to compel, motions for contempt, motions for default judgment, motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss, motions for writs of possession, garnishment disbursement requests, motions for new trial, motions for post-judgment relief, and other general civil motions. Typical criminal filings would include demurrers, motions in limine, motions to suppress, motions to reduce, modify, or revoke bond, requests for competency evaluation, special pleas of mental incompetency, motions for immunity, motions to dismiss, speedy trial demands, probation violations, and motions for new trial.
Ensures that matters are promptly calendared by scheduling hearings, case status calendars, default hearings, and bench trials. For cases seeking a jury trial, prepares scheduling orders that set discovery dates, motion deadlines, calendar calls, and jury trials. Monitors case progression to ensure efficient resolution in every case.
Ensures notices of hearings and trials are electronically filed with the Clerk of Court and provided to all attorneys and parties. Creates invitations and hosts WebEx meetings that provide remote courtroom access for attendees as requested or needed.
Refers all appropriate civil cases to the Tenth District Office of Dispute Resolution for mediation.
Prepares cases for hearings, reviews all motions, researches relevant legal issues by reviewing case law, statutes, and court rules, prepares briefs and memoranda, attends hearings and trials, evaluates oral arguments, provides legal opinions, and drafts orders. Prepares cases for trial, reviews motions in limine, reviews proposed pretrial orders, reviews deposition designations, prepares voir dire questions, assists with trial management, researches issues that arise at trial, prepares jury charge, and prepares verdict forms and judgments.
Reviews proposed orders, default judgments, and settlement agreements. Electronically files hearing notices and orders entered, serves all relevant attorneys and parties, checks docket from Clerk of Superior/State Court, Georgia Court of Appeals, and Georgia Supreme Court. Reviews other court dockets as needed through PeachCourt, PACER, or other case management system.
Knowledge of and adherence to the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct and the Georgia Code of Judicial Conduct.
Serves as a liaison between Judges and Clerk of Court’s office, other courts, other county departments, law enforcement agencies, state agencies, attorneys and members of the public; coordinates with these entities to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Court.
Provide supervisory oversight including: handling employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and providing input for employee performance appraisals and evaluations.
Reviews applications, selects, and supervises law student externs from the UGA externship program and other programs.
Provides administrative support to the office and judge when needed.
Reads legal journals and case law to maintain knowledge of the legal profession.
Performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the Unified Government and the operations and functions of the Courts.
Knowledge of legal practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
Knowledge of the development and administration of operations and staff plans and objectives for the efficient and effective execution of the specific duties of the position.
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
Knowledge of resources for keeping informed of any changes in policy, methods, operations, and budgetary and equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
Knowledge of and proficiency with computers, office equipment, software, and technology.
Knowledge of federal and state laws relevant to local government and rules of court.
Ability to deal effectively with organizational, management, human relations and technical subjects.
Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans, and activities and to monitor the performance of subordinates against measured, established goals.
Ability to develop and implement long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency.
Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Unified Government as they relate to the Superior or State Court.
Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
Ability to handle the required mathematical and statistical calculations.
Ability to read, understand, and interpret federal and state laws, local ordinances and codes, tax maps and digests, plats, case law, legal handbooks, financial reports, real estate appraisals, and other materials.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in preparing and presenting court cases.
Ability to use standard word processing and/or data base management software programs in performing administrative duties.
Supplemental Information (ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including standard office equipment, a computer terminal, and a printer. Must be able to use body members to work, move, or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, bending, stooping, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for sedentary work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of legal and administrative documents and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare legal motions and briefs, memorandums, legal opinions, ordinances, resolutions, deeds, contracts, audit letters, policy proposals, legal advertisements, and other documents using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical, or professional languages including legal, accounting, and real estate terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; to utilize and determine percentages and decimals; and to perform special computations such as discount, interest, and proportion.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using computers and office equipment. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as computers and office equipment. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating the other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under moderate stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com .