Assistant Clerk Magistrate - Barnstable Superior Court

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Barnstable, MA

10h

About The Position

The Assistant Clerk Magistrate performs responsible legal and supervisory work in the Barnstable Superior Court. The position assists the Clerk of Court with administrative duties established by state statutes and court rules, including preparing and maintaining court papers and records and carrying out administrative tasks that help cases proceed efficiently to determination. Work is performed under the direction of the Clerk or First Assistant Clerk, and the position supervises support personnel within the Clerk-Magistrate's Office as designated by the Clerk. This is a management position covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. A practicing attorney is preferred.

The role supports the judge and court operations through case management, hearing and trial coordination, recordkeeping, filing and document handling, public and attorney assistance, and related administrative work. Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus at least 6 years of relevant work experience in criminal justice, public administration, or business administration, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of higher education and relevant court experience totaling 10 years.
• Alternatively, a law degree or graduate degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, public administration, or business administration, plus at least 2 years of relevant court work experience.
• Thorough knowledge of state statutes, case law, and court rules governing the powers and duties of the Clerk-Magistrate, and ability to interpret and apply them to office administrative procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of court procedure, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the court.
• Thorough knowledge of the court's organization, functions, jurisdiction, and authority.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software such as MS Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to maintain complex and accurate court records.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Good communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with court officials, attorneys, subordinate employees, government agencies, and the public.
• Pass a criminal record check as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Practicing attorney.

Responsibilities

• Assist the judge with the general management and operation of court sessions and provide continuity in case management.
• Calendar and regulate case movement according to time standards and relevant tracking orders.
• Maintain docket records of events and schedules in the automated case management system.
• Schedule and attend hearings, conferences, and trials, and notify counsel and others.
• Record and maintain complete and accurate minutes of court orders, judgments, and directions.
• Assist the judge with jury empanelment, trials, and the taking and affirmation of verdicts.
• Administer oaths as required.
• Mark, receive, and maintain exhibits in jury and jury-waived proceedings.
• Assist the judge with telephone and video conferences.
• Prepare judgments and other orders at the judge's direction.
• Respond to attorney and pro se inquiries about scheduling and other matters.
• Maintain, prepare, and organize case files; collect and organize papers and files for motion hearings, trials, and conferences.
• Monitor and maintain electronic recording of court proceedings as required.
• Receive and examine papers, exhibits, briefs, and transcripts for court-related matters to determine their suitability for initial filing and compliance with court rules.
• Assist at the counter by answering questions from the public and attorneys about court procedure.
• Assemble, certify, and transmit copies of records when properly requested by other courts and parties.
• Issue process as required by the court.
• Accept and record fees, bail, and other monies received.
• Attend hearings held outside the courtroom, including hearings in hospitals concerning requested medical procedures.
• Supervise support personnel in the Clerk's Office as designated by the Clerk.
• Participate in educational seminars and programs.
• Receive documents such as letters or pro se petitions from prisoners, communicate with them at the court's direction, and prepare orders appointing counsel at the court's direction.
• Perform related work as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager