Courtroom Clerk

Courtroom Clerk

To prepare the official record of court proceedings; to maintain documents and exhibits introduced in courts; and to check points of legal procedures. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Positions in this class are entry/journey level Courtroom Clerks. Incumbents independently perform clerical and administrative courtroom support work. This class is distinguished from the higher level Senior Courtroom Clerk class in that the latter performs courtroom work and has responsibility for mentoring, training, and assigning work of courtroom clerks. The Courtroom Clerk functions as the primary judicial support person in court and is responsible for the smooth and timely processing of documents and records relevant to the court's proceedings. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Supervising Clerk, Court Manager I or II, or higher-level department manager provides general supervision.

Essential duties may vary from position to position within this classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the Court to be appropriate under applicable law.

1. Prepare necessary legal papers, case files, documents and records for court sessions;
2. Attend court sessions and takes minutes of actions and proceedings, operate electronic recording device, request clarifications of instructions and order of actions to properly note the official court record;
3. Prepare and review for format and content a variety of court documents;
4. Prepare court calendars and/or cases for hearing, conferring with the appropriate individuals according to established procedures; distribute calendars and related case files for review;
5. Maintain court records and files;
6. Prepare minute orders, bench warrants, bail forfeitures, and other legal documents as may be required by specific proceedings, or as directed by the bench officer;
7. Advise attorneys, public agencies, and the public on the status of cases and provides procedural information;
8. Impanel and poll jurors, record challenges, administer oath or affirmations to witnesses and jurors, record jury service, and calculate jury billing on Civil/Family Law cases and present bill to attorneys.
9. Receive, record, secure and store evidence and exhibits;
10. Perform various clerical tasks such as typing legal documents, operating office equipment and supplying courtrooms with needed forms;
11. Maintain, mark and secure written instructions to the jury;
12. Provide case status information to jurors and other pertinent parties and, by request, to public, county departments and other agencies in person, by telephone or in writing;
13. Assist in court by acting as clerk of court to administer oaths to witnesses and jurors; and
14. Serve as a representative of the Court, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the Court community and with the public.

MARGInal FUNCTIONS

1. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• State, Federal and local laws, statutes and terminology pertaining to civil, criminal, probate, traffic, small claims, and family cases and vehicle codes;
• Math sufficient to prepare financial reports, calculate fines, prepare jail/prison commitments and civil judgments;
• Correct English usage including spelling and grammar;
• General clerical procedures to maintain a variety of court files and records; and
• Note-taking forms and methodologies.

Skill/Ability to:

• Take and transcribe accurate notes of court proceedings;
• Be patient, tactful and courteous when dealing with co-workers and the public;
• Communicate verbally with people of various educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to convey information;
• Read, understand and interpret legal documents;
• Retain and recall details of conversations and oral work assignments;
• Give and follow written and verbal instructions;
• Prioritize and complete tasks according to departmental deadlines;
• Keyboard 50 wpm accurately;
• Adjust to changes in workloads under stressful conditions;
• Speak publicly and make effective presentations;
• Maintain confidentiality and sound judgment;
• Lead and train new employees;
• Punctually arrive at workstation; and
• Operate a computer, electronic recording device and other office related equipment.

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

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school; and
• Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible clerical experience including two years preparing, processing or working with a wide variety of legal documents for court action, with extensive public contact.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met or are encountered by an employee while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly Required :

• Sit at a desk and/or in front of a computer video display terminal;
• Twist and bend neck;
• Repetitive hand movement while performing computer data entry as well as writing;
• Push and/or pull drawers of desk and/or file cabinets;
• Traverse to various court divisions;
• Bend at waist while reaching below shoulder height;
• Stand, kneel, crouch, stoop, and reach while retrieving materials from shelves and cabinets;
• Potential exposure to people with illnesses.

Frequently Required :

• Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 25 lbs.;
• Reach above and below shoulder height; and
• Tolerate a moderate noise level.

Occasionally Required:

• Climb on stool while retrieving materials;
• Grasp, lift and move items weighing up to 50 lbs.; and
• Tolerate mild exposure to dust.