Assistant Clerk Magistrate - Hampden Superior Court

Massachusetts Trial Court•Springfield, MO

About The Position

The Assistant Clerk Magistrate performs responsible legal work and supervisory duties in the Hampden 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 ensuring cases move efficiently toward resolution. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through 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, and 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 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.

Responsibilities

Assist the judge with the general management and operation of court sessions and maintain continuity in case management.
Calendar cases and regulate their movement in accordance with 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 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, including collecting materials in advance of hearings, trials, and conferences.
Monitor and maintain electronic recording of court proceedings as required.
Receive and examine filings, exhibits, briefs, and transcripts for suitability and compliance with court rules.
Assist at the counter by answering questions from the public and attorneys about court procedures.
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 certain hearings in hospitals.
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.