STAFF ATTORNEY

Labor Grade: 46

Summary: The Staff Attorney assists the Justices and the Clerk of Court with processing and resolving cases before the Supreme Court. Working under the general supervision of the Justices, the Clerk, and the Senior Staff Attorney, the Staff Attorney conducts a wide range of legal research and writing to support the Justices and Clerk in processing and resolving pending cases and issues arising in those cases. This work includes analyzing legal issues arising in pending appeals and the record of the lower court or administrative tribunal proceedings in those cases, assisting the Justices in identifying cases that are appropriate for oral argument and/or decision by precedential opinion and those that may be resolved by non-precedential final order, and preparing final orders and procedural orders for approval by the Justices. Staff Attorneys may be required to travel as part of their duties and are subject to transfer or reassignment at the discretion of the Chief Justice.

Education and Experience: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; active membership in the New Hampshire Bar and at least three years of experience as a practicing attorney; OR A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school; and any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required For Successful Performance The Staff Attorney shall have: Knowledge of Legal terminology and court procedures. State of New Hampshire Constitution, statutes, court and administrative rules and orders, and policies and procedures. The United States Constitution and applicable Federal rules and statutes. New Hampshire trial and appellate court processes, administrative agency and board procedure, and New Hampshire Supreme Court procedural deadlines and requirements. State and federal constitutional law. Legal research methods, techniques, sources and usage. Skill in Organization and time management. Legal research, writing, and analysis, including review and analysis of complex legal issues, situations, circumstances, documents, and testimony. Ability to Meet schedules and deadlines of the work and manage workflow independently. Perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature. Express ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing. Follow oral and written instructions. Research and prepare legal memoranda. Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with the Justices, Staff Attorneys, and all other court staff, including legal, administrative, and clerical staff. Receive and provide constructive feedback on work product. Recognize and maintain the strictest of confidentiality regarding all work performed for the court, information received or learned in the course of performing obligations to the court, and all communications with the Justices and court staff.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have prior experience both as a law clerk and in litigating cases in New Hampshire courts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional written communication skills with the ability to produce concise, accurate, and well-structured written content promptly and efficiently. Other Job Requirements Successful completion of a background check, including a criminal records check and motor vehicle records check. Active and good-standing membership with the New Hampshire Bar Association.

Responsibilities: Reviews and analyzes the legal briefs and memoranda submitted in pending appeals, the trial court orders or administrative tribunal decisions from which those appeals are taken, and the transcripts, evidentiary exhibits, or other records of the lower courts or administrative tribunals in those cases. Determines and identifies jurisdictional and other procedural requirements or issues arising in pending appeals. Reviews motions filed in pending appeals, assesses those motions, and makes recommendations to the Justices with respect to their resolution. Reviews statutes, case law, constitutional provisions, and other legal authorities, and conducts legal research, pertaining to issues arising in pending appeals. Prepares legal memoranda and draft orders for review and approval of the Justices, provides recommendations regarding issues arising within appeals and whether the appeals are appropriate for oral argument or decision by precedential opinion, and oversees the issuance of Supreme Court orders finalized by the Justices. Assists the Clerk in monitoring and reviewing docketed cases and motions. Prepares research memoranda or otherwise addresses or analyzes legal issues on other matters as directed by the Justices or the Clerk. Reviews, edits, and provides feedback on the work product of other Staff Attorneys and legal staff as directed. Disclaimer Statement The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Employees may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Compensation & Benefit Information Compensation & Benefits | State of New Hampshire Agency Website For further information please contact Jennifer Zdon, Human Resources at Jzdon@courts.state.nh.us. EOE TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964