In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
1. The requirements for legal service of process.
2. The principles and practices for properly conducting legal research.
3. The general principles of jurisprudence.
4. The English language.
5. The appellate process.
6. Techniques and strategies for conducting trials, including determining what evidence needs to be collected and presented, whether experts are needed, and which particular individuals should be called as witnesses.
7. State and federal constitutional law and principles (e.g., equal protection, due process, search and seizure, right to privacy, sovereign immunity).
8. State and federal civil law and principles (e.g., torts, contracts, property, and agency) found in constitutions, case law, and statutes.
9. Rules regarding the preparation of legal documents.
10. Rules and techniques that apply to the various means of formal examination (e.g., direct and cross-examination, voir dire, depositions).
11. Risk management issues.
12. Legal and equitable remedies found in case law and statutes.
13. Interview techniques.
14. How to prepare written documents in a clear, concise manner and in a logical format.
15. How to prepare the most common types of legal documents in an effective, clear, and persuasive manner (e.g., briefs, motions, pleadings).
16. How to examine and cross-examine witnesses in adversary proceedings (e.g., trials, evidentiary hearings).
17. How to conduct legal analysis (e.g., issue-spotting, rule analysis, applying law to facts).
18. How to conduct a deposition or other adversary fact-finding process.
19. How to communicate orally using appropriate tone, pace, volume, clarity, etc.
20. Criminal law elements and principles (e.g., mens rea, general defenses, theories of culpability, self-incrimination) found in constitutions, case law, and statutes.
21. Available research sources, both printed and electronic, to complete legal research.
22. Appropriate methods of factual investigation (e.g., interviewing witnesses, investigative subpoenas) and their relative advantages and disadvantages.
23. Supervisory principles, practices, and techniques.
ABILITY TO:
1. Apply knowledge and judgment.
SKILL IN:
1. Weighing the relative advantages and disadvantages of a potential action.
2. Summarize facts relevant to a case/project.
3. Orally communicate complex principles, facts, laws, and positions in a logical, persuasive, respectful, and articulate manner in a trial courtroom setting.
4. Listen carefully and objectively to information and ideas presented orally.
5. Identify issues relevant to a case given the available information and applicable law.
6. Identify and evaluate the full range of strategies that can be used to research/investigate.
7. Efficiently locate relevant or useful information from a large volume of documents.
8. Edit written documents written by oneself, as well as those produced by others, for accuracy and effectiveness.
9. Develop the "settling point" (or "bottom line") that is appropriate in negotiating on behalf of the client and a list of outcomes in order of preference.
10. Develop case/project plans and strategies based on a review of pleadings, evidence, and the law, and conferring with clients and/or colleagues.
11. Determine whether an ongoing research/investigation strategy is effective or whether it should be modified.
12. Analyze opposing parties' arguments.
13. Prioritize work assignments and demands.
14. Plan, organize, supervise, direct, and oversee the work activities of subordinate employees.
15. Monitor the work of subordinate employees.
16. Include subordinate employees in the planning of work unit operations and activities, determining project deadlines, identifying project resources, and establishing timelines.
17. Establish project schedules and milestones.
18. Determine and establish priorities and service levels in the work unit or section.
19. Follow up on the results of staff work assignments and projects.
20. Work productively with colleagues and staff with different backgrounds and capabilities.
21. Provide on-the-job training to subordinate staff.
22. Identify training needs of the subordinate employees.
23. Communicate effectively with individuals who are reluctant, afraid, and/or anxious and whose input and/or participation may be needed to complete a work assignment (e.g., eyewitnesses).
24. Coach and mentor subordinate employees.
25. Clearly communicate information and ideas orally on a one-on-one basis, using tone, volume, vocabulary, grammar, and non-verbal cues appropriate to the circumstances.
26. Document employee performance and complete employee performance evaluations and probationary reports.
