Assistant Clerk Magistrate - Barnstable Superior Court

Massachusetts Trial Court•Barnstable, MA

About The Position

The Assistant Clerk Magistrate performs responsible legal work and supervisory responsibilities 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 work to help cases proceed efficiently to a determination. Work is performed under the direction of the Clerk or First Assistant Clerk, and the position supervises support personnel in the Clerk-Magistrate’s Office. This is a management position covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. Practicing attorney preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 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; or
A law degree or graduate degree in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, public administration, or business administration, and at least 2 years of relevant court work experience.
Thorough knowledge of state statutes, case law, and court rules governing the Clerk-Magistrate’s powers and duties, 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.

Nice To Haves

Practicing attorney preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the judge with general management and operation of sessions and provide continuity in case management.
Calendar cases and regulate their movement according to time standards and 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 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 self-represented party inquiries about scheduling and other matters.
Maintain, prepare, and organize case files and assemble papers and files for hearings, trials, and conferences.
Monitor and maintain electronic recording of court proceedings as required.
Receive and examine papers, exhibits, briefs, and transcripts for suitability for initial filing, including compliance with court rules.
Provide counter assistance and answer public and attorney questions about court procedure.
Assemble, certify, and transmit 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 outside the courtroom when required.
Supervise support personnel in the Clerk’s Office as designated by the Clerk.
Participate in educational seminars and programs.
Receive documents 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.