Court Assistant

City of Grand Rapids•Kent County Courthouse 61st District Court 180 Ottawa Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Court Assistant provides administrative, procedural, legal, and technical support to a Judge who is blind, ensuring seamless courtroom operations and effective case management. This role serves as a resource coordinator and requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, discretion, and the ability to work collaboratively while accommodating the accessibility needs of the judge. A part-time work schedule will be determined. The schedule may vary Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
At least two (2) years of progressively responsible clerical/administrative experience, knowledge of office practices, and understanding of court procedures.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, including legal terminology.
Knowledge of computer systems and applications, including word processing software.
Knowledge of data entry systems and email management platforms.
Knowledge of professional office practices and procedures.
Knowledge of proper oral reading techniques and practices.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to read aloud clearly with excellent diction and pronunciation.
Ability to describe visual information clearly and objectively.
Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail in all tasks.
Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities effectively.
Ability to work professionally in a fast-paced court environment.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to anticipate and respond to informational needs proactively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to adjust priorities as circumstances require.

Nice To Haves

Experience that involved duties as the principal office assistant to a supervisor who was dealing with law-related matters is preferred.
Education in a college or university may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of experience on the basis of 30 semester (45 quarter) hours equals nine months of experience.
Education in a legal or paralegal curriculum may be substituted for a maximum of two years of experience on the basis of one full academic year (30 semester or 45 quarter hours) equals one year of experience.

Responsibilities

Organize case files and records, ensuring all documents are accessible and properly formatted according to the Judge’s directive.
Assist the Judge with navigating court files and non-court file documents, including providing verbal descriptions or summaries of visual content as needed.
Assist the Judge in screening and responding to in-person, telephone, electronic (Outlook) and mail inquiries from attorneys, litigants, and law enforcement agencies.
Summarize and read written legal material.
Communicate and provide information, verbally and in writing, to other judges, court staff, law enforcement, attorneys, parties to the case, and the public to ensure smooth proceedings.
Assist the Judge during hearings. This includes acting as a scribe during courtroom proceedings.
Prepare, proofread, and process memorandums, orders, opinions, and other court-related documents for signature as directed.
Utilize adaptive technology and software to ensure the Judge has access to electronic documents and records in accessible formats.
Provide real-time assistance with reading printed documents, diagrams, or exhibits during court proceedings, when required.
Collaborate with IT and court administration to ensure accessibility tools and accommodations are functioning properly.
Make Judge's revisions on orders and assist with proofreading marks.
Assist with electronic legal research under the Judge's direction, including Westlaw searches.
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance, including attendance at required meetings.
Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Court’s services to its customers by participating as an active member of a team.
Performs other related work as assigned.