Job Details

DEFINITION

Under direction is responsible for preparing and processing legal documents and official records of Court proceedings in civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile, and small claims cases; exercises initiative and independent judgment in recording courtroom activities; provides technical and often confidential office support to the judge to which assigned, and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the technical and specialized support class within the Court. Courtroom Clerks follow work procedures established by the administration of the Court and may provide office support to the assigned judge. This class differs from the classes in the Court Processing Specialist series of classes in that responsibilities of Courtroom Clerks are focused upon the provision of support to judicial staff rather than the preparation and processing of documents through the civil and criminal justice systems. It is further distinguished from Supervising Courtroom Clerk in that the latter is the first full supervisory level in this technical class series and supervises this classification.

TYPICAL TASKS

1. Attends court sessions, takes notes regarding proceedings; prepares minute orders and other court documents; prepares or answers correspondence related to court procedures and disposition of cases; prepares and issues bench warrants; maintains records and control of evidence.
2. Maintains records of hearing dates and continuances; consults with attorneys and the court regarding changes in court calendar dates; calendars cases from one session to another.
3. Impanels juries, maintains records of challenges, administers oaths or affirmations to witnesses and jurors; records jury service.
4. Assesses fees due, maintains accounts receivable records and collects jury fees and court reporter fees.
5. Reviews written orders from attorneys for proper format and content prior to their presentation for judge's signature.
6. Enters specified information and summaries of proceedings into various automated systems, utilizing a variety of criminal, civil and related database and word processing formats.
7. Provides technical support to the assigned judge; acts as liaison with attorneys and representatives of Marin County departments and agencies; maintains calendars, prepares correspondence and performs a variety of office administrative support work.
8. Works closely and coordinates activities with court processing specialists and other support personnel to ensure effective court operations.
9. Maintains court case records and supportive documentation for judges; receives, marks, maintains records and assumes custody of evidence and exhibits.
10. Notifies parties of court matters; prepares written notice to attorneys and others regarding hearing dates, filing dates, court rulings, and decisions.
11. Provides for court interpreters as required; maintains records of medical examiners and expert witnesses; arranges for payment of fees.
12. Prepares and sends abstracts to the Department of Motor Vehicles; prepares State Prison abstracts.
13. Assists in the training of court staff that provide courtroom support work.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be the equivalent of:

Education and Experience: Equivalent to graduation from high school and two years of responsible legal, court or judicial office support experience, which provided familiarity with a wide variety of legal documents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Court proceedings, local rules, Rules of Court, and California statutes; legal forms, documents, procedures and terminology relating to civil, criminal, probate, juvenile and small claims cases; correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; the operation of standard office equipment; record keeping principles and practices.

Skill in: Operating a computer and driving a motor vehicle.

Ability to: Record courtroom minutes of actions taken accurately and follow up with appropriate minute orders as required; provide responsible office support to an assigned judge; read, understand and review for accuracy legal and court documents and extract relevant information; use applicable legal office terminology, forms, documents and procedures in the course of the work; use sound judgment in following and applying appropriate laws, regulations, policies and procedures; maintain accurate office files; make accurate arithmetic calculations; compose correspondence or documents independently or from brief instructions; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines; train staff in work procedures; communicate orally and in written form in a clear and concise manner; speak to the public in group settings; deal with stressful situations and manage upset and difficult members of the public; deal tactfully and courteously with the public; establish and maintain effective work relationships with judicial officers, court personnel, governmental agencies and members of the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

On a continuous basis, stand, walk or sit at a desk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen; intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; strength to lift files weighing up to 25 pounds; use telephone and computer keyboard on a daily basis.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must pass background investigation to access the Criminal Justice Systems.

This is a full-time, non-exempt represented position. The position also includes a one-year probationary period.

The Superior Court of California, County of Marin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.