Court Forms & Access Officer - Office of Judicial Administration

Kansas Judicial Branch•Topeka, KS

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kansas Judicial Branch seeks a visionary, detail-oriented Court Forms & Access Officer to lead the evolution of statewide court forms, self-help publications, and digital legal content. The role connects complex legal processes with public understanding through plain-language standards, user-led design, and document automation technology. The officer oversees the lifecycle of court forms and public-facing legal materials, supports digital workflow solutions, and works with judges, court staff, legal aid partners, advisory committees, vendors, and other stakeholders. The position also conducts legal analysis, develops policies and guidance, and provides training to strengthen access to justice across Kansas.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or another relevant advanced degree from an accredited institution.
At least 3 years of professional experience in court administration, legal technology, legal services, or a related field.
Familiarity with Kansas statutes, court rules, and policies.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of direct legal practice, judicial clerkship, or legal research experience.
Demonstrated expertise in plain-language drafting, legal document design, or user experience testing.
Familiarity with document automation platforms and digital accessibility compliance.
Experience supporting or working within legal self-help centers or public-interest legal initiatives.
A proven track record of leading cross-functional teams toward shared goals.

Responsibilities

Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of statewide court forms and public-facing legal materials.
Facilitate a multi-tiered review framework that includes collaborative drafting, user testing, and continuous improvement of forms.
Partner with operational teams to ensure forms, publications, and digital resources meet digital accessibility (WCAG/ADA) and plain-language standards.
Aid in implementing document automation and digital workflow solutions to streamline court filings and simplify procedures for self-represented litigants.
Track form changes to ensure timely systemwide updates.
Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with judges, court clerks, legal aid partners, and advisory committees to build consensus on standardized forms and policies.
Serve as a subject-matter expert and consultant for judicial officers, staff, and court self-help centers.
Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and external partnerships supporting publications and access-to-justice initiatives.
Conduct legal analysis of statutory and rule changes affecting form development.
Draft, edit, and review rules, policy manuals, user guides, and operational guidelines.
Design and facilitate training programs for judges, court managers, and court staff on updated forms and access-based best practices.