Courtroom Clerk

Superior Court, County of Santa Clara • Santa Clara, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, the Courtroom Clerk performs complex legal and administrative duties related to court hearings and courtroom proceedings and creates the permanent record of proceedings. This journey/advanced journey-level position works independently in courtroom settings to support Judicial Officers and facilitate court operations. It requires specialized, thorough, and advanced knowledge of office skills, legal terminology, legal procedures and processes, court operations, and court policies and procedures. The classification differs from Legal Process Clerk because its duties are performed primarily in the courtroom, and from Legal Process Supervisor because it has no supervisory authority.

The recruitment may establish an eligibility list for future Regular Full-time and Limited Term opportunities. Limited Term employees are hired for a specific term, which may be extended at the Court’s discretion. The position is non-exempt (hourly).

Requirements

• Education equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.
• At least three years of increasingly responsible clerical experience in a court or legal setting; two years of college may substitute for one year of court or legal work experience, and a BA or BS may substitute for two years of court or legal work experience.
• Knowledge of Rules of Court; California laws, codes, and statutes applicable to the Courts; Court functions, procedures, services, and jurisdiction; legal terminology, forms, and related Superior Court documents; court operations, policies, procedures, statutes, and office procedures; standard English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and format; standard office equipment and systems; and basic arithmetic.
• Ability to maintain sensitive confidential information and document it according to statutory protocol and procedure.
• Ability to use independent judgment to resolve problems and make appropriate decisions; organize work to meet Court and statutory deadlines; work under difficult and stressful conditions; use discretion in organizing activities and setting priorities; and manage several tasks simultaneously under time constraints.
• Ability to understand legal documents and follow written and oral instructions; interact appropriately with judges, court staff, attorneys, and the public; and professionally represent the Court as a liaison.
• Ability to use a variety of computer programs and type with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to adapt to changes within the court system and independently coordinate assigned functions within a large facility or operational unit.
• Ability to converse with the public and court staff and respond appropriately to verbal requests and inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Attend court sessions, take minutes of actions and proceedings, and request clarification as needed to ensure an accurate official court record.
• Communicate with judges, attorneys, and courtroom staff in processing orders.
• Schedule court appearances, hearings, and special hearings, and maintain the court calendar.
• Locate and review files for calendars to ensure readiness and completeness.
• Conduct jury empanelment; record juror excuses and counsel challenges; maintain juror attendance records; provide records and statistical information to the Jury Commissioner; poll juries; calculate jury costs; and calculate, collect, and record jury and per diem fees.
• Administer oaths and accept, mark, and record exhibits.
• Work with the court and counsel to prepare verdict forms and maintain statutory time limits for rulings on submitted matters.
• Prepare orders for a judge’s signature, execute proof of service for mailing orders and rulings, and review written orders for content and format before presentation for signature.
• Coordinate services and tracking of defendants with other departments and agencies.
• Prepare bench warrants, body attachments, and other legal process documents as instructed by a judge.
• Prepare DMV abstracts.
• Provide secretarial support to Judicial Officers as needed.
• Retrieve information from the court’s automated system as needed.
• Maintain records, files, and basic statistics.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information and documents according to statutory protocol and procedure.

Benefits

• Choice of health plan
• Dental plan
• Vision plan
• California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) membership, as permitted by law
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Sick leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED