District Court Clerk

Gallatin County•Bozeman, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The District Court Deputy Clerk is the official keeper of all District Court records for the County and is responsible for performing a multitude of considerably difficult, wide-ranging clerical duties with accuracy, timeliness and with respect to confidentiality. This position is a public facing clerk for the District Court and is responsible for performing a variety of clerical and technical duties within the district court system. The work involves observing protocol and assisting the public by providing information about the documentation, methods and procedures associated with the district court system. Each type of case requires different documents and the application of different processes, and the position is expected to use judgment to determine the appropriate methods and procedures to apply in each case.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology
Knowledge of the Montana Code Annotated
Ability to conduct research
Ability to manage records
Knowledge of modern office machinery, methods, practices and procedures
Knowledge of business English, spelling and grammar
Ability to type accurately
Ability to write legibly
Ability to learn, understand and apply the various and multifaceted laws, rules and regulations governing the District Court system
Ability to exercise courtesy and tact in receiving the public and in giving and obtaining information
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
Ability to follow written and oral instructions
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Ability to prioritize, organize, maintain legal calendars
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Working knowledge and experience using computers
Graduation from high school
One to two (1-2) years related office experience

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of legal terminology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Responds to routine inquiries or referrals from other Department personnel, court representatives, attorneys, and members of the public. Examples of inquiries include questions from attorneys regarding document requirements, legal rights, water rights and ownership, jurisdictional issues, etc.
Maintains confidentiality according to established guidelines and coordinates with involved or affected parties to resolve problematic issues.
Receives, analyzes, and processes various court and legal filings, including proposed orders, motions to the court, and other documents.
Collects and records fees, if required.
Determines the appropriate course of action for filings based on the Montana Code Annotated.
Examines filed court documents for completeness and appropriateness according to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), Local rules, and office procedure.
Coordinates mail processing to ensure timely delivery of correspondence and materials to appropriate staff, including express shipments, registered mailings, electronic messaging, and other specialized delivery services.
Prioritizes and processes or distributes filings and documents according to upcoming trial dates, legally mandated response times, individual judicial preferences, established office procedures and policies, and other factors.
Maintains electronic and manual records management and docketing systems with new and updated case and file information.
Researches, processes, issues, and records marriage license and collects appropriate fees.
Interprets requirements to determine appropriate fees.
Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by supervisor. This includes participating in special projects, occasionally filling in for other employees, participating in ongoing training, and a variety of other functions as needed.
If the County Commission proclaims a local emergency due to an actual or threatening disaster such as an earthquake, fire, riot, flood, etc., County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.