Description
This position is designed to employ those that have graduated law school and are competent to work pending the results of the New York State bar examination. The Law Graduate shall, under the supervision of a licensed attorney, learn the practice of law and its application to work performed within the applicable Livingston County Department (Conflict Defender’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Department of Social Services, District Attorney’s Office, or Public Defender’s Office). The duties will vary based on the work of the specific department where work is performed and will vary within the broad framework of legal skills. Work may be performed in the office and in the field. Supervision of others is not a responsibility of this class. The work is performed under the general supervision of designated attorneys who will assign work and projects. The work is performed under guidelines provided by law, as well as general policies and procedures of the specific department. A Law Graduate does related work as assigned.
Examples of Duties
- Researches federal and state court decisions, court cases and other legal opinions rendered on specific cases, trials or formal proceedings;
- Assists an attorney in preparing for a court appearance involving criminal or civil cases, or other formal proceedings;
- Oversees the security of specific evidentiary papers, documents or other articles obtained during criminal or civil investigation;
- Prepares clear, accurate and informative reports;
- Maintains essential and confidential records and files;
- Assists staff and attorneys interviewing witnesses to obtain highly confidential, accurate and accountable documentation and testimony involving criminal or civil cases before courts of law or other formal proceedings;
- Prepares legal documents and other legal memoranda;
- May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units;
- May appear before courts of law or in other formal proceedings under the supervision of a licensed attorney employed by the County; and
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of New York State law; comprehensive knowledge of court procedure and of the rules of evidence; a high degree of skill in research and legal writing; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to keep accurate, clear, legible records and make reports; ability to analyze, appraise and apply legal principles, facts and precedents to legal problems; good command of language and public speaking; tact; courtesy; professional and administrative judgment; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. Typical Qualifications
Applicants must meet all requirements described in the following table in order to be approved for examination and/or appointment:
| Qualification Option # | 1 |
| Training/Education | - Possession of a Juris Doctor degree[1].
|
| General experience | |
| Supervisory experience | |
| License/ Certification | - Taken the New York State bar exam and be awaiting the results of the bar; OR
- Eligible to take the New York State bar exam; AND
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
|
| Other requirements | - See Special Qualifications below.
|
Law Graduate - C in all divisions[1] Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.
Supplemental Information
- Applicants will be required to pass the New York State bar exam within 12 months of appointment.
- Applicants must be eligible for a practice order from the Appellate Division, if required by appointing authority, to allow the applicant to provide all necessary legal representation.
- An appropriate driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
- A driving record evidencing safe and responsible vehicle operation is required.
- Must authorize and execute any necessary releases to enable the appointing authority to verify licensure and driving history involving violations and/or crimes.
PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT NOTICE:
An individual who receives a provisional appointment must take the examination for the position title on the next occasion it is offered. In order to be eligible for a permanent appointment to the position, the provisional appointee must pass the exam and be ranked 1, 2, 3, or be tied in score with the individual ranked number 3 of those who are willing to accept appointment to the position. It should be understood that even if the provisional appointee is eligible for appointment, the employer may choose another candidate to fill the position on a permanent basis. Questions regarding provisional appointments should be directed to the Livingston County Human Resources Department.
NOTE: Livingston County residency is not a requirement for this position. However, Livingston County residents will be given preference in the hiring process.
Livingston County offers a robust benefits package for our employees.
This includes a variety of health insurance options, dental insurance paid fully by the County, paid vacation leave, paid holidays, ability to participate in a deferred compensation program, wellness offerings, and more.
For full details view the benefits guide here:
Livingston County Benefit Information