Legal Process Clerk I

Legal Clerk

Under general supervision, perform a wide variety of legal clerical duties related to receiving and accurately processing large volumes of legal transactions within legally set time limits; assist the public in legal procedures of legal processes; and perform other duties as required. Incumbents perform clerical duties while learning legal procedures and documentation. Assignments at this level are performed within established guidelines. Incumbents are expected to promote to the next level upon successful completion of the training, and the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities to work independently and accept a broader range of assignments.

Positions in this class are located throughout the Court in various areas, and depending on the assigned area perform a variety of the tasks listed below. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: Accept and examine legal documents for accuracy relative to form, format and conformance with legal procedures for filing; certify documents; directly interact with the public including handling counter duties; answer the telephone, take messages, provide information and/or direct callers to the appropriate resource; provide general non-legal information on court policy and procedure; collect fees, fines, and bails; issue receipts; use a variety of computer programs to enter, retrieve, and access information; schedule and calendar cases; issue and recall bench warrants; research various legal codes and rules; prepare copies; issue abstracts of judgment, writs of execution, attachments and judgments by default; enter defaults, dismissals, satisfactions judgments, orders, and decrees; review and prepare case folders and indexes; review orders and judgments for correctness prior to presentation to judges; review case files prior to court date to assure all necessary documents are present and that proper legal procedures have been followed; securely receive, maintain and distribute exhibits and other material introduced at trials; destroy, or execute order for destruction of exhibits or evidence; complete forms according to Department of Justice reporting regulations; maintain jury records; summon and provide information to jurors; speak in front of a large group of people; exercise discretion in granting deferments to prospective jurors; prepare and process appeals in accordance with all applicable statutes; review automated and hard copy case files to determine if a defendant has fulfilled the terms of sentencing and take appropriate action for non-completion; prepare necessary court orders and forms for court action on delinquent accounts; grant allowable extensions to comply; act as a liaison with community service based agencies; track defendant's fulfillment of community service obligations; prepare correspondence and forms; prepare statistical reports; answer telephone inquiries; provide technical assistance to staff; perform other legal clerical assignments as directed; may act as backup to a Courtroom Clerk or other classes on an irregular basis.

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledges and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledges and abilities would be one year of journey level clerical experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid California class C driver license, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority, is required for some positions.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Fingerprinting is required.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Exposure to individuals who may be hostile and abusive; allergens such as dust and perfume; and unpleasant odors such as unwashed clothing or body odors. For some positions, evidence and testimony which may be disturbing, such as photographs of murder scenes and victims; evidence which may include syringes, drugs, weapons, and blood.

Working knowledge of:

• Vocabulary, grammar, spelling and punctuation, for some positions.
• Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Basic office principles and practices.
• Computers for data entry