What are the responsibilities and job description for the Courtroom Deputy to U.S. Magistrate Judge position at U.S. Courts - Western District of Texas?
Title: Courtroom Deputy to U.S. Magistrate Judge
Job number: USDC 25-01
Closing date: Open until filled, priority consideration given to application received by February 19, 2025.
Starting Salary: Up to $76,017 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)
[Current judiciary employees will be considered for a salary match up to CL 27]
Location: Austin, Texas
The United States District Court is currently accepting applications for a Courtroom Deputy for U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan J. Hightower in Austin, Texas. The Courtroom Deputy manages the judge's caseload, attends and logs court proceedings, and processes orders. In addition, as a Clerk's Office staff member, the Courtroom Deputy serves as a liaison with the judge, the Clerk's Office, chambers staff, attorneys, federal agencies, and the public.
- Manage judge's cases by calendaring, including distributing and monitoring deadlines, reviewing filings of pertinent documents, and responding timely to judicial orders.
- Examine all papers assigned to a district judge to ensure conformity with the federal rules, policies, and procedures of the Clerk's Office and district judge's chambers.
- Serve as the primary source of information on scheduling conferences, hearings, trials, and other case processes.
- Attend court sessions and conferences - Assist with the orderly flow of proceedings, which includes administering oaths, setting up the courtroom, assuring the presence of all necessary participants, managing exhibits, and assisting with electronic evidence presentation systems. Take notes of proceedings, rulings, notices, and prepare minute entries electronically.
- Draft form orders and judgments for the judge's approval, prepare and docket orders, pleadings, judgments, and minutes utilizing the Court's electronic filing system (CM/ECF).
- Review the quality of electronically filed documents, ensuring that all orders and automated entries are appropriately and accurately docketed.
- Provide information to attorneys on the judge's special procedures, answer procedural questions, and assist with compliance.
- Assist the Clerk's Office as needed, and all other duties as assigned.
- To qualify for the CL-26, candidates must have a minimum of one-year specialized experience. To qualify for appointment at CL-27 the candidate must have a minimum of two years’ specialized experience. If appointed at CL-26, the incumbent is eligible for noncompetitive promotion to CL-27 after one year, pending acceptable job performance.
- Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of clerical procedures. Such experience is commonly encountered in law firms, legal counsel offices, banking and credit firms, educational institutions, social service organizations, insurance companies, real estate and title offices, and corporate headquarters or human resources/payroll operations
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Understand legal terminology.
- Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
- Interact effectively and appropriately with others as a team.
- Exhibit excellent judgment, temperament, integrity, trustworthiness, resilience, and character required of a judiciary employee.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, handle sensitive information, and exercise discretion at all times.
- Self-motivated, professional demeanor even in a stressful, fast-paced environment, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient skill with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
- Prior experience with the Court's case management system (CM/ECF) is preferred.
- Availability for overtime and occasional overnight travel is required.
Qualified candidates may apply by submitting a cover letter (include job title/number listed above), detailed resume, e-mail address, and a daytime phone number to: www.txwd.uscourts.gov > Court Info > Jobs > Current Employment Opportunities & Online Application. Local candidates will receive priority consideration.
The United States Courts reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice. More than one position may be filled from this posting. In the event that a position becomes vacant in a similar classification, within a reasonable time of the original announcement, the Court Unit Executive may elect to select a candidate from the applicants who responded to the original announcement without posting the position. The Court is not authorized to reimburse travel expenses for interviews or relocation. This position is subject to mandatory electronic direct deposit of salary payments. All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or must be a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) and seeking U.S. citizenship. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed. Employees of the U.S. Courts serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at-will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees (available for review upon request). Applicants scheduled to interview should advise the Human Resources staff if any accommodation is needed.
Salary : $76,017
