Remote Research Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $79,914.00 - $133,723.00 Annually
Location : Main Courthouse 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: FSC00727
Department: Judicial Staff Attorney's
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Description
Applications must include an attached resume and a writing sample.
Resumes are not acceptable in lieu of a completed application.
Excellent work-life balance: Hours predictably average 40 - 45 per week with flexible work arrangements, including telework available.
State Bar Dues Reimbursed.
DEFINITION: Under general supervision, assists the Superior Court judges by researching legal issues before the Court; prepares written summaries of findings for the judge; and performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Judicial Staff Attorney classification assists judges and commissioners by performing in-depth research and analysis of matters pending before the Court. The Judicial Staff Attorney identifies, researches, summarizes, and analyzes legal issues and controlling facts raised in motions, petitions, and applications; summarizes the background of a case including its procedural history; conducts independent legal research as needed to clarify issues, resolve conflicting legal authorities, and reach sound decisions. The Judicial Staff Attorney must be able to draft comprehensive legal memoranda that detail relevant facts and legal issues, the strengths and weaknesses of the parties' arguments, and make a sound recommendation to the judge.
Incumbents of this classification must be able to review legal documents and case files (both electronic and paper) carefully and accurately; draft concise, well-organized analyses and tentative decisions; possess and be able to apply a thorough knowledge of the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of the legal profession; and work well under pressure.
Judicial Staff Attorney I is the entry level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Incumbents perform a limited scope of professional legal work with direct supervision and guidance, and as experience is gained, incumbents are given a broader scope of assignments with greater responsibility and less supervision.
STEP 1STEP 2STEP 3STEP 4STEP 5Hourly38.4240.3542.3744.4946.72Biweekly3,0743,2283,3903,5593,738Monthly6,6606,9947,3447,7128,098Annually79,91483,92888,13092,53997,178
Judicial Staff Attorney II is the experienced, journey level in the Judicial Staff Attorney classification series. Judicial Staff Attorney II is distinguished from Judicial Staff Attorney I in that incumbents in the former class perform a wide scope of the more complex professional legal work with greater responsibility and minimal supervision.
STEP 1STEP 2STEP 3STEP 4STEP 5Hourly52.8755.5258.3061.2264.29Biweekly4,2304,4424,6644,8985,143Monthly9,1649,62410,10510,61211,144Annually109,970115,482121,264127,338133,723
Typical Tasks
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - TYPICAL TASKS:
Essential functions are the fundamental job duties regularly performed by an incumbent in this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.
All duties are performed in accordance with federal and California law, Rules of Court, and established local rules and procedures.
Typical Tasks:

• Review, research, summarize, and analyze moving, opposing, and reply papers, as well as all supporting documents submitted by counsel relating to matters on the Law and Motion calendars; and prepare detailed memoranda and proposed rulings; review, research, and analyze petitions for writs of habeas corpus; and prepare proposed orders;
• Perform in-depth study of legal issues by researching, reviewing, condensing, and analyzing case and statutory law;
• Research and analyze all cases, statutes, and secondary materials cited by the parties and all other relevant materials necessary to reach decisions on pending matters;
• Prepare comprehensive and concise written memoranda including analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for decisions;
• Prepare orders and tentative rulings; attend law and motion hearings when requested by the Court or as time permits to hear oral argument on issues researched; respond to judges' inquiries on procedural and substantive issues;
• Conduct additional research upon request;
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
For all levels: Possession of a Law Degree and current active membership in good standing with the State Bar of California.
Level II: Two (2) years of full-time, paid work experience as an attorney.
Senior: Five (5) years of full time, paid experience as an attorney including three (3) years' experience equivalent to that gained as a research attorney in a California Court.
OR Any combination of relevant experience which would demonstrate that the individual possesses the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities listed above, as determined by the Court Executive Officer.
Other: Possession of valid Class "C" California Driver's License may be required.
Additional Information
EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
As applicable to assigned areas of responsibility:
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices regarding the practice of law in the State of California including civil and criminal law;
• Court procedures and rules of evidence;
• Statutory and constitutional laws of the State of California;
• Principles, methods, materials and practices of legal research and writing;
• Rules of Court, laws, codes, and statutes applicable to the Court; legal terms, court forms and documents;
• Legal research programs, including, but not limited to, Lexis Nexis and WestLaw.

Skill and Ability to:

• Identify and analyze legal issues;
• Identify and apply relevant law to specific sets of facts; present statements of law, fact and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form;
• Set priorities, schedule and appropriately monitor a large volume of work;
• Prepare clear and concise documents using word processing software within strict time deadlines;
• Review, analyze, and maintain a working knowledge of current changes in the law;
• Review, evaluate, and analyze briefs, petitions, motions and other pertinent documents in matters pending before the court;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with judges, court administrators, staff, and employees; and
• Effectively handle increased workload with limited notice.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The incumbent will primarily work in a climate-controlled office setting under artificial lighting. Incumbent may also be required to travel and occasionally may be exposed to a variety of altering weather conditions (extreme cold or hot weather).
Physical Demands:

• Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use a keyboard, computer monitor, and other office equipment on a daily basis and for extended periods of time;
• Fine finger manipulation, dexterity, and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper;
• Forceful and repetitive gripping, grasping, and pinching;
• Occasional lifting and carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. such as files, stacks of paper, and other materials;
• Frequent reaching for items on shelves, above, at, and below desk/shoulder level;
• Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move, torque, twist, push, and pull objects;
• Frequently sit for extended periods; frequently stand for extended periods; and frequently walk, move, bend, stoop, lift, and stretch;
• Able to traverse inside and outside over uneven ground and pavement;
• Employees are regularly required to verbally communicate both in person and by telephone;
• Corrected hearing and vision to normal range.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Convictions, depending on the type, number and date, may be disqualifying. Court employees shall be subject to a modified background investigation and fingerprinting. False statements or omission of facts regarding background or employment history may result in disqualification or dismissal.
This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated, if necessary, should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.
Request for Reasonable Accommodations: The Superior Court of California, County of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process may contact the Human Resources Department at (559) 457-2050 or via email at . Individuals with hearing and/or speech impairments may also contact Human Resources for this position through the use of the California Relay Service by dialing 711.
Click to view 2026 Benefits at a Glance
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription health benefits:
Choice of Blue Shield (HMO, PPO, HDHP) or Kaiser (HMO, HDHP) health plans effective on your first day of employment. Choice of Delta Dental DPPO or Metlife Dental DHMO plans effective on your first day of employment. Vision coverage through VSP Vision or Kaiser Vision is also available effective on your first day of employment. The Court pays towards employee coverage plus an additional amount per year for family health benefit premiums.
Flexible Spending Account(s):
Medical and dependent care reimbursement accounts available. Set pre-tax dollars aside to pay for eligible medical and dependent care.
Health Savings Account:
Employees who enroll in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), have the option to open a savings account and set aside pre-tax dollars for reimbursement of qualified medical expenses.
Basic Life/AD&D Insurance:
$15,000 Basic Life/AD&D insurance provided by the Court.
Short Term Disability Insurance (STD):
Optional enrollment of STD administered through California State Disability Insurance (SDI).
Retirement:
The Fresno Superior Court participates in the Fresno County Employees Retirement Association (FCERA). Placement in Benefit Tier I or Tier V is contingent upon a candidate's recent employment circumstances. Additionally, FCERA has reciprocity with several California public retirement systems. More information about FCERA can be found at Retirement benefits are integrated with Social Security.
Vacation/Sick:
Paid Time Off (PTO) is initially accrued at the rate of approximately 20 days per year based on being on a continuous paid status; pro-rated for hours worked. Accrual rate increases based on length of service.
Paid Holidays:
The following is a schedule of Court recognized paid holidays for Court employees:
January 1 - New Year's Day
Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
Third Monday in February - President's Day
March 31 - Farm Worker's Day
Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
June 19- Juneteenth
July 4 - Independence Day
First Monday in September - Labor Day
November 11 - Veteran's Day
Last Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day
Friday following Thanksgiving
December 25 - Christmas Day
Additional Benefits Available:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation (457b, 457 Roth)
• Group Universal Life Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance
• Cancer Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement

01
Have you attached your resume and one writing sample of the following?Submit points and authorities of your choice.

• Yes
• No

Required Question