Courtroom Clerk

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

A courtroom clerk supports judicial proceedings by managing case files, recording official court actions, and assisting judges with administrative tasks. They document proceedings, administer oaths, handle evidence, and read charging documents aloud to juries, sometimes containing graphic details. They interact with attorneys, defendants, and the public while maintaining professionalism in high-pressure environments. Additionally, they oversee scheduling, process court paperwork, and ensure compliance with legal procedures. Through precise record-keeping and procedural support, courtroom clerks help uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The tasks listed below represent essential job functions and exclude the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties. The Clerk may assign additional responsibilities related to the area of work as necessary or during a declared emergency.

• Provide cross-departmental support for case management tasks, including initiating, updating, reopening, and closing cases.
• Manage court events, setting and canceling hearings in the case management system.
• Track and verify case files and court documents, ensuring accuracy in scanning and imaging.
• Deliver customer service via phone, email, and in person, assisting the public with inquiries.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to statutory requirements when handling sealed or confidential records.
• Perform extensive data entry and documentation, including typing correspondence and producing copies for case files.
• Prepare and process court files, tracking documents between judiciary and the Clerk's office.
• Follow evidence handling and storage procedures, ensuring compliance under supervision.
• Oversee jury administration, including summonses, excusals, check-ins, voir dire coordination, lunch orders, juror supervision, and payroll processing.
• Label and document evidence, maintaining adherence to court procedures.
• Take minutes of court proceedings, ensuring accuracy in judicial directives.
• Sort, prioritize, and process post-court paperwork, escalating urgent items for immediate handling.
• Verify and update case information, including addresses, attorney assignments, and scheduling.
• Prepare court documents, marking and sorting files for upcoming proceedings.
• Determine defendant custody status and ensure proper documentation of related records.
• Track disposition history, confirm prior violations, and update case records.
• Process docket changes and scheduling updates in the case management system.
• Print and file fingerprint records, ensuring proper completion of fingerprint cards.
• Verify sentencing requirements for trafficking cases.
• Confirm crimes against minors for appropriate case categorization.
• In the courtroom setting, announce cases and read aloud charging documents to the jury.
• Administer oaths during court proceedings.
• Capture and analyze statistical data for required reports, including case counts, jury hours, and court hours.
• Generate and distribute hearing notices, ensuring accuracy.
• Review and amend dispositions, resolving errors based on OpenCourt records.
• Support training efforts, mentoring new hires and assisting in procedural improvements.
• Conduct quality control checks on scanned documents, correcting errors and ensuring legibility.
• Maintain and reference conflict counsel lists for judiciary assignment and registry rotation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Verifiable, related work experience may be substituted in lieu of postsecondary educational requirements if a candidate is otherwise qualified for the position. Prior experience working in a Clerk's office and with the current programs is preferred and may be given consideration in lieu of on the job experience. Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position. Substitution of postsecondary educational requirements is authorized as follows:

• Graduation from high school or possession of an accredited equivalency diploma.
• Associate's degree in criminal justice, legal studies, public administration, or related field preferred.
• One (1) year of clerical or administrative experience required, preferably in a legal or governmental setting.
• Public speaking experience preferred.
• Must possess a valid drivers' license.