Courtroom Clerk
GovernmentJobs.com, Auburn, CA, United States
Job Summary
Under general direction of the assigned Unit Manager, a Courtroom Clerk independently performs complex legal clerical work in support of judges, commissioners and referees; attends hearings, trials and conferences; prepares official minutes of proceedings; and performs related duties as required.
This is a technical and specialized support class within the Court. The Courtroom Clerk classification is intended for individuals who meet established minimum qualifications. This class differs from the classes in the Court Clerk series in that the responsibilities of the Courtroom Clerk are focused upon the provision of support to judicial officers and related pre and post hearing processes. An incumbent's primary function shall be to support courtroom activities and judicial officers. Incumbents assigned to the Courtroom Clerk classification are at an advanced level and are expected to function with a great degree of independence to complete the more complex assignments, applying highly technical knowledge and problem solving skills and have a high level of expertise related to court operations. Courtroom Clerks are expected to work in the processing departments when required and may perform duties normally assigned to Court Clerk classifications. The Courtroom Clerk classification is distinguished from the Court Clerk IV classification, in that incumbents assigned to the Court Clerk IV classification may serve as assistant courtroom staff and provide training and monitoring of work assigned to Court Clerks in levels I-III and other assigned support staff.
Essential Functions
When assigned, all of the essential functions and tasks listed below must be accomplished effectively, are standard, and may not be inclusive of all functions and tasks that may be assigned. The Court reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as required to achieve business and operational objectives. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Serves as a clerk to a Superior Court Judge, Commissioner, Referee or Temporary Judge in the execution of daily court calendars and/or pleadings before trial.
Attends court sessions; accurately takes notes regarding proceedings; prepares minutes, legal notices, court decisions and other legal documents such as abstracts of judgments; commitments to state prisons, mental health facilities or County jail; prepares and distributes or answers correspondence related to court procedures and disposition of cases; prepares brief summaries including but not limited to court attendance, court findings, court orders, continuances and other court documents as may be required by specific proceedings or as directed by the bench officer; prepares, issues and recalls bench warrants and provides information and referral to court services and related prosecution and legal defense operations.
Receives and reviews legal documents for completeness, conformity and compliance with Court procedures; accepts documents or rejects if requirements are not met; receives and prepares legal documents/orders to support court orders; completes and distributes a number of computer-generated orders and documents.
Maintains records of hearing dates and continuances; notifies parties of court matters; prepares written notice to attorneys and others regarding hearing dates, filing dates, court rulings and decisions; consults with attorneys and the court regarding changes in court calendar dates as ordered by the Court; calendars cases from one session to another.
Enters specified information and summaries of proceedings into various automated systems, utilizing a variety of criminal, civil and related database and word processing formats.
Distributes and posts court calendars; prepares and distributes court orders, decisions, judgments, abstracts of judgment, other legal documents and court-related forms.
May provide a variety of clerical and technical support to bench officers; acts as a liaison with attorneys and representatives of county departments and local law enforcement agencies.
Attend hearings regarding confidential legal matters and assumes the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality of records and information.
Impanels juries; records juror excuses and challenges by counsel; compiles record of jury selection process and attendance and provides information timely to the Jury Commissioner's Office; polls jury; reads, records and files jury verdicts; administers oath to jury, witnesses, interpreters and bailiffs.
Manages the courtroom to ensure that it is run efficiently and effectively such as coordinating courtroom activity and needs with the various processing units, jury services and other Court divisions as well as legal counsel, law enforcement representatives and others involved with court operations and execution of orders; assures all parties are present, including jurors, counsel and litigants, before proceeding.
Ensures files and documents are forwarded to appropriate personnel for completion in a timely manner consistent with time standards or as set by law when applicable.
Takes custody of, marks and keeps written records of all physical exhibits presented to the court as evidence.
Keeps abreast of legislative changes regarding court rules and procedures; statutes, codes, laws, regulations, policies and procedures
Understand and adhere to the high standard of ethical behavior as defined in the Code of Ethics for the Court Employees of California.
Provide detailed and accurate information to judicial officers, Court personnel, personnel from justice partners and other governmental agencies, and the general public in a courteous, tactful and professional manner.
Complies with state and local rules, statutes, procedures and policies regarding release of court-related information.
May assist in training other clerks in the procedures and processes of a specific courtroom.
Assists in the maintenance of forms and Courtroom Clerk manuals.
Travels to and works in other facilities as needed.
Assist the processing units when services are not required in the courtroom.
Provide vacation and temporary relief as required.
Be prepared and punctual for court proceedings.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years of experience preparing or processing legal documents, forms, and/or records AND Minimum of high school diploma or possession of General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) AND Typing speed of not less than 35 words per minute. Substitution: Completion of course work from a law school or major course work from an accredited college, university, business school or training school in a field that is related to the knowledge and abilities specified for this classification (30 semester units or 45 quarter units equals one year of experience); or completion of a legal assistant certification program from an accredited business school, college, or university may be substituted for the required experience up to one (1) year. Desirable Qualifications: Bilingual skills are desirable.
The Placer County Superior Court values its employees and offers full-time employees the following benefits (part-time employees will be pro-rated according to FTE, where applicable):
Vacation Leave: Accruals start at ten (10) days per year (accrual rate and vacation caps are based on years of service.)
Sick Leave: Twelve (12) days per year.
Wellness Leave: Two (2) days per year.
Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays per year.
Affordable Medical Benefits: The Court offers two (2) Blue Shield PPO medical plans, one (1) Blue Shield EPO medical plan and one (1) Kaiser medical plan. The Court pays 100% of the premium for one Blue Shield PPO plan and the Kaiser plan, regardless of coverage level.
Dental Insurance: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
Vision Insurance: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
CalPERS Retirement: Classic = 2% @ 55 PEPRA = 2% @ 62 Specific benefit formula will be determined per California Public Employees Retirement System regulations. Employees pay 100% employee contribution and the Court pays 100% of employer contribution.
Life and AD&D Insurance: $10,000 of life insurance and accident insurance is paid by the Court. Voluntary plans are also available, for employees to purchase additional coverage for themselves and their dependents.
Social Security and Medicare: The Court and the employee both contribute 7.65% of wages toward Social Security and Medicare.
State Disability and Paid Family Leave Insurances: Partial wage-replacement insurance plans are funded through employee payroll deductions.
Employee Assistance Program: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
CalPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (Both traditional and Roth plans are available for voluntary employee contributions)
Long-term Disability Plan (Voluntary)
Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax benefits for qualifying medical and/or dependent expenses. (Voluntary)
Online Privacy Protection (Voluntary & paid by employer)
Flexible Work Schedules (available dependent upon classification)
Free Parking (onsite parking in designated areas)
Public
Under general direction of the assigned Unit Manager, a Courtroom Clerk independently performs complex legal clerical work in support of judges, commissioners and referees; attends hearings, trials and conferences; prepares official minutes of proceedings; and performs related duties as required.
This is a technical and specialized support class within the Court. The Courtroom Clerk classification is intended for individuals who meet established minimum qualifications. This class differs from the classes in the Court Clerk series in that the responsibilities of the Courtroom Clerk are focused upon the provision of support to judicial officers and related pre and post hearing processes. An incumbent's primary function shall be to support courtroom activities and judicial officers. Incumbents assigned to the Courtroom Clerk classification are at an advanced level and are expected to function with a great degree of independence to complete the more complex assignments, applying highly technical knowledge and problem solving skills and have a high level of expertise related to court operations. Courtroom Clerks are expected to work in the processing departments when required and may perform duties normally assigned to Court Clerk classifications. The Courtroom Clerk classification is distinguished from the Court Clerk IV classification, in that incumbents assigned to the Court Clerk IV classification may serve as assistant courtroom staff and provide training and monitoring of work assigned to Court Clerks in levels I-III and other assigned support staff.
Essential Functions
When assigned, all of the essential functions and tasks listed below must be accomplished effectively, are standard, and may not be inclusive of all functions and tasks that may be assigned. The Court reserves the right to assign or reassign duties as required to achieve business and operational objectives. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Serves as a clerk to a Superior Court Judge, Commissioner, Referee or Temporary Judge in the execution of daily court calendars and/or pleadings before trial.
Attends court sessions; accurately takes notes regarding proceedings; prepares minutes, legal notices, court decisions and other legal documents such as abstracts of judgments; commitments to state prisons, mental health facilities or County jail; prepares and distributes or answers correspondence related to court procedures and disposition of cases; prepares brief summaries including but not limited to court attendance, court findings, court orders, continuances and other court documents as may be required by specific proceedings or as directed by the bench officer; prepares, issues and recalls bench warrants and provides information and referral to court services and related prosecution and legal defense operations.
Receives and reviews legal documents for completeness, conformity and compliance with Court procedures; accepts documents or rejects if requirements are not met; receives and prepares legal documents/orders to support court orders; completes and distributes a number of computer-generated orders and documents.
Maintains records of hearing dates and continuances; notifies parties of court matters; prepares written notice to attorneys and others regarding hearing dates, filing dates, court rulings and decisions; consults with attorneys and the court regarding changes in court calendar dates as ordered by the Court; calendars cases from one session to another.
Enters specified information and summaries of proceedings into various automated systems, utilizing a variety of criminal, civil and related database and word processing formats.
Distributes and posts court calendars; prepares and distributes court orders, decisions, judgments, abstracts of judgment, other legal documents and court-related forms.
May provide a variety of clerical and technical support to bench officers; acts as a liaison with attorneys and representatives of county departments and local law enforcement agencies.
Attend hearings regarding confidential legal matters and assumes the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality of records and information.
Impanels juries; records juror excuses and challenges by counsel; compiles record of jury selection process and attendance and provides information timely to the Jury Commissioner's Office; polls jury; reads, records and files jury verdicts; administers oath to jury, witnesses, interpreters and bailiffs.
Manages the courtroom to ensure that it is run efficiently and effectively such as coordinating courtroom activity and needs with the various processing units, jury services and other Court divisions as well as legal counsel, law enforcement representatives and others involved with court operations and execution of orders; assures all parties are present, including jurors, counsel and litigants, before proceeding.
Ensures files and documents are forwarded to appropriate personnel for completion in a timely manner consistent with time standards or as set by law when applicable.
Takes custody of, marks and keeps written records of all physical exhibits presented to the court as evidence.
Keeps abreast of legislative changes regarding court rules and procedures; statutes, codes, laws, regulations, policies and procedures
Understand and adhere to the high standard of ethical behavior as defined in the Code of Ethics for the Court Employees of California.
Provide detailed and accurate information to judicial officers, Court personnel, personnel from justice partners and other governmental agencies, and the general public in a courteous, tactful and professional manner.
Complies with state and local rules, statutes, procedures and policies regarding release of court-related information.
May assist in training other clerks in the procedures and processes of a specific courtroom.
Assists in the maintenance of forms and Courtroom Clerk manuals.
Travels to and works in other facilities as needed.
Assist the processing units when services are not required in the courtroom.
Provide vacation and temporary relief as required.
Be prepared and punctual for court proceedings.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Three (3) years of experience preparing or processing legal documents, forms, and/or records AND Minimum of high school diploma or possession of General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) AND Typing speed of not less than 35 words per minute. Substitution: Completion of course work from a law school or major course work from an accredited college, university, business school or training school in a field that is related to the knowledge and abilities specified for this classification (30 semester units or 45 quarter units equals one year of experience); or completion of a legal assistant certification program from an accredited business school, college, or university may be substituted for the required experience up to one (1) year. Desirable Qualifications: Bilingual skills are desirable.
The Placer County Superior Court values its employees and offers full-time employees the following benefits (part-time employees will be pro-rated according to FTE, where applicable):
Vacation Leave: Accruals start at ten (10) days per year (accrual rate and vacation caps are based on years of service.)
Sick Leave: Twelve (12) days per year.
Wellness Leave: Two (2) days per year.
Holidays: Fourteen paid holidays per year.
Affordable Medical Benefits: The Court offers two (2) Blue Shield PPO medical plans, one (1) Blue Shield EPO medical plan and one (1) Kaiser medical plan. The Court pays 100% of the premium for one Blue Shield PPO plan and the Kaiser plan, regardless of coverage level.
Dental Insurance: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
Vision Insurance: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
CalPERS Retirement: Classic = 2% @ 55 PEPRA = 2% @ 62 Specific benefit formula will be determined per California Public Employees Retirement System regulations. Employees pay 100% employee contribution and the Court pays 100% of employer contribution.
Life and AD&D Insurance: $10,000 of life insurance and accident insurance is paid by the Court. Voluntary plans are also available, for employees to purchase additional coverage for themselves and their dependents.
Social Security and Medicare: The Court and the employee both contribute 7.65% of wages toward Social Security and Medicare.
State Disability and Paid Family Leave Insurances: Partial wage-replacement insurance plans are funded through employee payroll deductions.
Employee Assistance Program: The Court pays 100% of premium for employee and dependents.
CalPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (Both traditional and Roth plans are available for voluntary employee contributions)
Long-term Disability Plan (Voluntary)
Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax benefits for qualifying medical and/or dependent expenses. (Voluntary)
Online Privacy Protection (Voluntary & paid by employer)
Flexible Work Schedules (available dependent upon classification)
Free Parking (onsite parking in designated areas)
Public