Child Support Attorney III

Performs a variety of professional legal work in child support civil and criminal cases; provides legal advice and assistance in child support issues to Department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures regarding child support; may be the attorney of record in all legal actions and proceedings filed on behalf of the Department with the courts and administrative law agencies; and performs related work as required. Child Support Attorney IIIWorking under general direction, Child Support Attorney III is the advanced journey level in the Child Support Attorney series. Employees at this level are expected to perform assignments that cover the entire range of child support litigation and advice activities, and may provide lead supervision over other attorneys, and may assist in training less experienced attorneys. Positions may be permanently allocated to level III due to the nature of the work. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level of Child Support Attorney II, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience. Investigates, researches, and prepares child support cases for litigation or prosecution. Interviews and advises complainants, law enforcement personnel, and the public in regard to prosecuting child support cases. Litigates or prosecutes cases in all courts of the county. Negotiates with attorneys regarding the disposition of civil matters and/or modification of charges in specific cases. Assists other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases. Advises Department staff on questions of law and procedure in particular cases. Prepares briefs and opinions concerning the law as applied to matters within the department. Assists in preparing filings and prosecuting cases before Appellate Courts. May give presentations to law enforcement agencies and public groups on child support legal issues and processes. Performs related duties as assigned. May exercise lead supervision over other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases. May assist in training less experienced attorneys. Knowledge Of: California civil and criminal codes related to child law. Principles of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law. Trial and courtroom procedures and practices. Administrative law procedures. Legal research methods. Rules of evidence. Standard legal office practices and procedures. Negotiating techniques relative to child law, criminal law, and child support issues. Ethical and professional standards of conduct. Ability To: Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to child law and child support issues. Prepare and present statements of law and fact. Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form on child law and child support issues. Prepare and present cases in Municipal and Superior courts. Negotiate settlements. Manage an assigned caseload and perform quality legal work under pressure of deadlines. Maintain confidentiality and objectivity. Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Prepare and maintain clear, concise and comprehensive records, reports and correspondence. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Train and mentor less experienced attorneys.

Child Support Attorney I: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited law school. Child Support Attorney II: One (1) year of experience as a general practicing attorney. Child Support Attorney III: Two (2) years of experience as a general practicing attorney. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ALL LEVELSActive membership in the State Bar of California. DRIVER LICENSE REQUIREMENTSome positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appointing authority. OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSIONResearch indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.