Law Clerk

Department: Division /Division 42
County or State Funded: County
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt
Pay Grade: C94
Salary: $52,936.00 Annually

POSITION PURPOSE AND EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Perform job duties and responsibilities and provide legal analysis and support to the Judge or Commissioner to ensure the efficient operation of the Division.

MAJOR TASK STATEMENTS & REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITIES (Percentage of Time):

(The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job; other tasks may be assigned. The area to which the job is assigned will govern which duties apply. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities, work shift/schedule, facility, or department to meet business and organizational needs as necessary, including, but not limited to the re-assignment of employees and positions, elimination of positions, and opening, moving, or closing of facilities and units.)

65% - Complete legal research and work required in managing the division’s pending motions list and resolving issues that arise during conferences, hearings, and trials.

• Perform legal research and analysis and prepare memoranda and orders pertaining to motions, pleadings, summary judgments, and legal correspondence.
• Assist and communicate with the Judge or Commissioner and provide facts and law, legal conclusions, and recommendations to resolve legal issues in pending cases.
• Check work queues and run statistical reports to determine motions and filings pending in the division.
• Track time limits for filing of responsive pleadings and determine the ripeness of issues for the Judge or Commissioner’s ruling.
• Enforce attorney and party compliance with the state and local court rules by written or oral communication or court rulings as directed by the judge.
• Ensure the Division’s legal publications and materials are up to date.
• Cross-train job responsibilities and cover for absent Division staff whenever needed.
• Review relevant training resources and court policies as required.
• Perform related work as required including but not limited to serving on teams/committees as assigned, cross-training for other jobs as assigned, and working on special projects as assigned.

15% - Monitor and manage the division’s open case inventory as directed and provide whatever administrative support is necessary to meet court time standards for judicial rulings and case dispositions.

• Inform the Judge or Commissioner of case activity and scheduling concerns.
• Perform necessary duties in setting hearings, conferences, reviews, meetings, and trials, docketing actions taken by the Judge or Commissioner in pending cases, and completing work required to move cases to a timely conclusion.
• Contact attorneys to request proposed orders and judgments or supplemental documents.
• Run reports to track new cases assigned to the division and cases without future hearings.

10% - Prepare courtroom for use and provide courtroom surveillance during proceedings, manage jury during jury trials and serve in the courtroom as otherwise needed.

• May include, monitoring and maintaining security in the courtroom during proceedings.
• Check and confirm electronic equipment in the courtroom is in operating condition and see that necessary repairs and adjustments are made.
• Ensure recording of courtroom proceedings as required, by digital recording or Division court reporter.
• Record appearances of parties and attorneys at hearings, and open and close court sessions.
• Administer and take oaths.
• Instruct jurors and monitor juror activities during jury trials and communicate with the Judge regarding any unusual activities or information received from a jury.
• Order meals for the jury and pick up food from places that do not deliver.
• Collect and provide information to jurors and contact employers regarding a juror’s service.
• Supervise sequestered juries requiring possible overnight stays and irregular work hours.
• Arrange for interpreter services.
• Make calls to adjust courtroom temperature.

5% - Perform general clerical duties relating to the operation of the judicial division and as requested by the Judge or Commissioner.

• File documents, make copies, create requisitions, and pick up supplies.
• Run errands for Judge or Commissioner and other Division staff.
• Preserve or scan and complete data entry required for keeping the electronic case record, docket pleadings, orders and judgments received or generated in Division.

5% - Act as Judge or Commissioner liaison for internal and external contacts with the judicial division.

• Communicate with attorneys, parties, agency representatives, and other Court departments and staff at the instruction of the Judge or the Commissioner, or other members of Division staff.
• Facilitate chambers hearings, conferences and meetings, and telephone conferences.
• Consult with the Judge or Commissioner and the court public information officer concerning media requests.

SUPERVISION OF: May share responsibility for direct supervision over law school interns with the Judge or Commissioner of the Division.

SUPERVISION BY: The Judge or Commissioner of the Division exercises direct supervision over this position. The Judicial Administrative Assistant may provide supervision and/or instruction at the discretion of the Judge or Commissioner. Position works under minimal supervision; results of position are monitored and reviewed by the Division Judge or Commissioner and the Judicial Administrative Assistant with other feedback provided from the Records departments, Director of Division Support and Training, and statistical and tracking reports.

SERVICE RESPONSIBILITY:

Internal: Divisions, Records Departments, and other Court staff. Provide timely and professional response to requests and follow up on case processing demands and responsibilities; Offer clear communication of expectations, needs, and concerns.

External: Jurors, attorneys, pro se parties, court agencies, jail, and sheriff’s department personnel, and the general public. Provide courteous and professional public service in all contacts without giving legal advice; answer questions and address concerns; return telephone calls and emails in a timely manner.

PRIMARY EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, MATERIALS USED:

Computer, telephone, copier/printer/scanner/fax, court orders, and various reports and forms – computer generated or handwritten.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education above the minimum stated may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required general experience; experience above the minimum stated may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.)

EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
EXPERIENCE: No experience required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Employees in this position are subject to random and reasonable suspicion testing for illegal drug use.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: (This job description does not include specific physical requirements necessary to perform the job, such as carrying, standing, and lifting. Such requirements vary from position to position and may be determined by the appointing authority.)

• Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of the law.
• Knowledge of business and legal technical English, spelling, and punctuation; must be micro-computer literate.
• Computer, telephone, copy machine, fax, courtroom electronic equipment and sound system, automobile, paper, and electronic files, legal documents, state Judicial Information System (JIS), e-Filing/e-Bench, and Casenet. (Position NOT authorized to carry a firearm.)
• Ability to communicate ideas and present materials clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to produce clear, complete, and logical reports, letters, memoranda, legal documents, etc.
• Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
• Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and prepare written recommendations and/or opinions.
Ability to make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to deal effectively with the public and to create a helpful atmosphere.

THE COURT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER