Colorado Judicial Branch
Legal Research Attorney
Job Title
Legal Research Attorney
Job Code
R45020
Job Series
Legal Research Attorney
FLSA Status
Excluded
OCC Group
Professional Services (PS)
Signature of the State Court Administrator approval available on file in the Human Resources Division.
General Statement Of Duties
Provides highly complex legal service performing legal research for the entire bench in a judicial district.
Distinguishing Factors
Positions in this classification are distinguished from law clerks and other positions due to the concentration on legal research for all district judges in a judicial district and maintenance of the district's law library. Courtroom and bailiff duties are not required of this position. This position reports to the Chief Judge in the designated district. A district can convert Law Clerk positions to Legal Research Attorney positions using a ratio .25 Legal Research Attorneys for every 1.0 District Court Judge, OR convert the funding for Law Clerks to Legal Research Attorneys at a ratio of 4:1. Each district is allowed a minimum of 1.0 Legal Research Attorneys. The Legal Research Attorney is a classified, non-certified position that is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Essential Functions Of the Position
Researches legal issues presented by parties during litigation.
Advises judges on research results and assists the judge in developing an appropriate course of action in the case.
Writes the first draft of opinions issued by the court.
Reviews documents and pleadings filed with the court as assigned by individual judges.
Compiles information gained from research on particular issues in a case.
Maintains all library materials including book, CD-ROM, and electronic research subscription in more than one location.
Recommends library materials for research and reference purposes.
Authorizes the use of research materials or the district's law library to those other than district judges.
Attends meetings and training as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisor Responsibilities
No formal supervisory responsibility. Responsibility for one's own work product and work within a unit performing similar functions. Rarely provides lead function, advice, or explains work instructions to other employees or volunteers.
Minimum Education
Graduation from an accredited law school; possession of a certificate of admission to the Bar of the State of Colorado; and eligibility to practice law before the courts of the State of Colorado.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Occasionally handles emergency or crisis situations; frequently subject to interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.