Description
Role Description
Under general supervision, incumbents in this class perform professional legal attorney work for the Public Guardian and the Public Administrator in their roles as probate conservators, personal representatives of decedents’ estates, and trustees. This position may be given responsibility for supervising a clerk, secretary, paralegal, and/or attorney.
Essential Duties and Functions:
According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job class and are not intended to be an inclusive list; may include additional duties as assigned.
- Performs professional legal work in all phases of estate administration in the Public Administrator's office, including drafting legal pleadings, performing legal research, evaluating heirship claims, providing legal advice to support fiduciary responsibilities under state and federal law, representing the Public Administrator in court (primarily San Francisco Probate Court), and litigating contested matters.
- Manages professional legal matters involving probate conservatorships for the Public Guardian by preparing legal pleadings, performing legal research, assessing familial relationships, advising the Public Guardian on fiduciary duties and statutory compliance, representing the Public Guardian in court, and litigating contested conservatorship issues.
- Represents the Public Administrator and the Public Guardian in transaction matters including negotiating and drafting professional service agreements; purchasing and sales of real estate and other contracts.
- Prepares and files petitions, reports, and other legal pleadings for the Public Administrator and Public Guardian that are complete, accurate, and timely; manages a high-volume caseload subject to multiple statutory and internal deadlines.
- Supervises assigned legal support staff by delegating, reviewing, and monitoring work; provides training and coaching to assigned legal support staff with a focus on supporting professional growth and managing performance.
Requirements
How to Qualify
1. Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school;
AND
2. License: Requires active membership in good standing of California State Bar
Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.
Desirable Qualifications:
At least two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney handling probate estates (decedent’s estates), probate conservatorships, and/or trust matters.
Experience preparing clear, wellorganized legal documents, including pleadings, petitions, reports, and legal correspondence.
Experience communicating legal concepts clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a variety of audiences (e.g., courts, internal staff, external partners).
Experience drafting and negotiating contracts.
Experience working with vulnerable adults, families, or fiduciary stakeholders.
The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.
Verification of Education and Experience:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
