Judicial Assistant (Legal Secretary II)

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself.  Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The Norfolk Circuit Court Judge's Office is an integral part of the judiciary in Norfolk, Virginia, providing essential administrative and legal support for the Circuit Court's operations. The office assists in managing the flow of legal proceedings, ensuring the timely and efficient handling of cases, and maintaining the integrity of judicial processes. The office supports the Chief Judge and other presiding judges in administering justice in a variety of civil, criminal, and family law matters.

Key Functions:

• Case Management: The office plays a crucial role in coordinating the scheduling of hearings, trials, and other proceedings in the Circuit Court. This includes reviewing court dockets, managing continuances, and ensuring all parties are properly notified.
• Judicial Support: Staff within the Judge's Office assist judges in drafting orders, reviewing legal documents, and preparing for hearings and trials. This includes supporting the judicial decision-making process by organizing case files, preparing sentencing documents, and ensuring proper legal citations.
• Public and Legal Liaison: The Judge's Office serves as a liaison between the court and the public, including attorneys, government agencies, and members of the public. The office helps facilitate communication, clarifies court procedures, and answers inquiries related to cases and court services.
• Specialized Dockets: The office assists in managing specialized court programs, such as Drug Court, Re-Entry Court, and Mental Health Court, ensuring that cases are reviewed, monitored, and that participants receive appropriate support services.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Norfolk Circuit Court Judge's Office is to support the judges of the Circuit Court by providing efficient administrative assistance, promoting fairness, transparency, and accessibility in the legal process, and ensuring the smooth and timely progression of cases. The office is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the community and the judicial system.
By working closely with legal professionals, government entities, and the community, the Norfolk Circuit Court Judge's Office strives to contribute to the fair and efficient administration of justice in Norfolk, Virginia.

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

Correspondence Management:

• Oversee the flow of communication between judges, attorneys, government officials, and litigants.
• Draft, proofread, and finalize judicial orders, opinions, and correspondence.
• Respond to inquiries and provide relevant information regarding case status, procedures, and legal requirements.

Court Case Coordination:

• Review court dockets and ensure all cases are properly scheduled and documented.
• Handle continuances beyond six months and facilitate conference calls with attorneys and parties involved in cases.
• Assist with setting cases and reviewing judicial mail to ensure timely responses and actions.
• Review and update specialty dockets, including but not limited to:
  • Recovery Court
  • Re-Entry Court
  • Mental Health Court

Document Review and Preparation:

• Review and manage financial disclosure forms and other relevant documents.
• Draft orders, prisoner letters, and other judicial correspondence.
• Proofread and type judicial opinions, ensuring accuracy in legal terminology and proper citations.
• Review sentencing documents to ensure compliance with applicable laws and guidelines.

Administrative Support:

• Maintain and update jury instruction books, calendars, and other relevant court resources.
• Keep the judge(s) informed of any changes in court calendars or the status of ongoing cases.
• Ensure compliance with State and City Code supplements.

High School graduate or equivalent; specific vocational, administrative, or technical knowledge obtainable through six months to one year of advanced study or training past the high school level (through either city in-house training or an outside educational institution).

At least 2 years of experience in a judicial, legal, or administrative support role, preferably within the court system.

Salary : $46,589 - $76,023