Definition: Under general direction of the Probate Supervising Attorney, provides technical, procedural and paralegal review of probate matters to ensure that all case files are complete, accurate, and incompliance with statues, local rules and policies.

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Probate Examiner series performs the full range of probate case evaluations. Duties emphasize standard or routine assignments performed with some independence. Incumbents must maintain confidentiality and must use sound judgment in performing assigned duties. Errors in judgment or failure to complete assignments could have a negative result on the outcome of a hearing and result in the expenditure of resources of the Court. Incumbents are not responsible for leading or supervising the work of others. The Probate Examiner I is the entry level classification in the series. Incumbents receive training, and close supervision, review, and direction in the completion of assignments. The Probate Examiner II classification has sufficient experience to complete assignments with minimum supervision, and exercise greater judgment in the performance duties.

Essential Functions

The Court reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as required to achieve business and operational objectives. When assigned, all of the essential functions and duties listed below must be accomplished effectively, are standard, and may not be inclusive of all functions and duties that may be assigned. Depending on assignment, essential functions and duties may include but are not limited to those listed below.

• Examines, reviews, and analyzes for compliance with procedural requirements with statutes, codes, court rules and policies, less complex motions, petitions, and other documents contained in probate, guardianship, mental health and conservatorship case files which are set for hearing in Superior Court;
• Evaluates, abstracts, summarizes, and notes defects and discrepancies regarding the completeness and validity of probate petitions and documents for the attention of the Court;
• Consults with and reviews reports from Court Investigators, attorneys, the Public Guardian, and appropriate agencies;
• Confers with the Probate Judge and Supervising Attorney and reviews petitions, and filed documents to present and discuss recommendations;
• Answers questions from court customers, both internal and external, regarding procedural requirements of routine probate matters and cases pending or set for hearing;
• Reviews legal documents for completeness and procedural accuracy before filing by self-represented litigants;
• Reviews changes in legislation and case law pertaining to probate matters;
• Maintains regular and predictable attendance; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Probate Court Examiner I/II must qualify under one (1) of the three (3) options listed below per Rule 10.777(c) of the California Rules of Court.

Option 1:

Education: A Juris Doctorate degree from an educational institution approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California; and

Experience: A minimum of six (6) months', full-time, paid, employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.

Option 2:

Education: A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited educational institution; and

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years', full-time, paid, employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.

Option 3:

Education: A Paralegal Certificate or an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited educational institution; and

Experience: A minimum of four (4) years' employment experience with one or more of the following employers: (a) a court; (b) a public or private law office; or (c) a public administrator, public guardian, public conservator, or private professional fiduciary.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of:

• Legal principles and practices, and legal terminology;
• Effective organizational, time management, and record keeping practices;
• Court policies and procedures; pertinent laws, rules, and goals; awareness of the objectives of the Court; and
• Modern office practices and procedures and filing systems, computer applications including Odyssey, Excel, Word and Outlook.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate advanced analytical and critical thinking;
• Demonstrate excellent and effective oral and written communication;
• Formulate and present sound recommendations to the Court;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the organization;
• Exercise initiative and accomplish job assignments independently;
• Learn new work processes and procedures and deal effectively with other departments and the public;
• Interpret and apply complex laws and rules to the cases being reviewed;
• Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in legal research and writing methods;
• Manage projects with changing priority; and
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and various software programs.

Other Requirements:

• Citizenship in the United States.
• Residency in the State of California.
• Incumbents cannot engage in the active practice of law either for compensation or on a pro bono basis while employed in this position by the Superior Court.
• Pass pre-employment fingerprint and professional background checks.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
The physical demands of this primarily sedentary indoor office job are: sustained periods of close computer screen work, finger/hand/arm/upper body dexterity, repetitive hand/arm movement, pushing, pulling, lifting 25 pounds, mobility (indoors and outdoors), typing, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, and prolonged sitting. The working environment includes repetitive tasks, reliance on office machinery, continuous interaction with judicial officers, attorneys, litigants, other staff and the general public, and limited exposure to dust, odors, fumes, and noise. Mental functions include reading, writing/composition, math computations, problem-solving, decision-making, and multi-tasking. The ability to work independently as well as closely with others is required. Incumbents will be working under sometimes difficult and stressful conditions with frequent deadlines and expectations to produce high quality work under limited time constraints.

Selection Procedures