Court Assistant

The Court Assistant provides vital administrative, procedural, legal and technical support to a Judge who is blind ensuring seamless courtroom operations and effective case management. This role acts as a resources coordinator and requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, discretion, and the ability to work collaboratively while accommodating the accessibility needs of the Judge.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. 

• Organize case files and records, ensuring all documents are accessible and properly formatted to the Judge’s directive. 
• Assist the Judge with navigating court files and non-court file documents, including providing verbal descriptions or summaries of visual content as needed. 
• Assist the Judge in screening and responding to in-person, telephone, electronic (Outlook) and mail inquiries from attorneys, litigants, and law enforcement agencies.
• Summarize and read written legal material. Communicate and provide information, verbally and in writing to other judges, court staff, law enforcement, attorneys, case parties, and the public to ensure smooth proceedings.
• Assist the Judge during hearings. This includes acting as scribe during courtroom proceedings. 
• Prepare, proofread, and process memorandums, orders, opinions and other court related documents for signature as directed. 
• Utilize adaptive technology and software to ensure the Judge has access to electronic documents and records in accessible formats. 
• Provide real-time assistance with reading printed documents, diagrams, or exhibits during court proceedings, when required. 
• Collaborate with IT and court administration to ensure accessibility tools and accommodations are functioning properly. 
• Make judge's revisions on orders and assist with proofreading marks. 
• Assist with electronic legal research under Judge's direction, including Westlaw searches. 
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings. 
• Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Court’s services to its customers by participating as an active member of a team. 
• Performs other related work as assigned.  

Required Education and Experience

Education:              High school graduate or equivalent. 

Experience:           At least two (2) years of progressively responsible clerical/administrative experience, knowledge of office practices, and understanding of court procedures. Experience that involved duties as the principal office assistant to a supervisor who was dealing with law-related matters is preferred.

Education Substitutions 

Education in a college or university may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of experience on the basis of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours equals nine months of experience. Education in a legal or paralegal curriculum may be substituted for a maximum of two years of experience on the basis of one full academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) equals one year of experience. 

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, punctuation including legal terminology
• Computer systems and applications, including word processing software
• Data entry systems and email management platforms
• Professional office practices and procedures
• Proper oral reading techniques and practices

Ability to:

• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Read aloud clearly with excellent diction and pronunciation
• Describe visual information clearly and objectively
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail in all tasks
• Organize and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Work professionally in a fast-paced court environment
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Anticipate and respond to informational needs proactively
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Adjust priorities as circumstances require

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the 61st District Court and the employee and is subject to change by the Court as the needs of the Court and requirements of the position change.

Salary : $22 - $24