Judicial Assistant - SUPERIOR COURT

Thurston County•Olympia, WA

3d•$4,902 - $6,521•Onsite

About The Position

Thurston County is hiring a Judicial Assistant in Superior Court. The position implements and manages complex case-tracking, differential case-management, and Unified Family Court programs. It coordinates and schedules criminal, civil, family-law, and juvenile cases from initial filing through trial and case completion, maintains the master calendar, and reassigns cases when recusals, disqualifications, or other conflicts arise. The role provides confidential administrative support to Superior Court judges, court commissioners, visiting and retired judges, the Criminal Master Calendar, Drug Court Program, Court Administrator, and Unified Family Court Program. The position is based in a courthouse in Olympia, Washington, with work in offices, courtrooms, and other areas of the building. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional travel may be required for meetings or training, and the role involves daily phone and in-person interactions with county staff and the public. The position currently has an end date of June 30, 2027, but may be extended.

Requirements

Associate of Arts degree in paralegal studies or another related field.
Six years of progressively responsible clerical or secretarial experience, including four years in a legal or court environment.
Two years of experience managing a major project, demonstrating the ability to work independently and make responsible decisions.
Background in legal terminology, trial calendar terminology, and judicial procedures.
Demonstrated experience with modern office methods and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with superiors, subordinates, other organizations, attorneys, and the public.
Ability to assist coworkers with case-processing procedures and policies.
Typing speed of at least 65–70 words per minute.
Strong computer-operation and multiple-software skills, knowledge and experience with computer equipment and database programs, and ability to transcribe from recorded systems.
Licensed as a Notary Public.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing calendars in the Odyssey Case Management System.
Knowledge of the organization and operation of the Washington State Court System.
Knowledge of procedures and practices in courts of general jurisdiction.
Knowledge of effective program-management techniques.
Effective communication skills and methods.
Knowledge of correspondence and report-writing techniques.
Ability to work independently with minimal instruction.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to prepare reports and correspondence independently.
Ability to plan and coordinate numerous program activities and special projects.
Ability to learn, apply, and interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to maintain effective public relations and obtain cooperation from others.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and schedule trials, prioritize cases, manage trial calendars, respond to inquiries, maintain judges’ departmental calendars, schedule special hearings, and reassign cases when conflicts arise.
Assist judges with trial confirmations, analyze complex cases, initiate actions to move cases to completion, prepare Case Schedule Orders, and prepare jury instructions.
Prepare, maintain, and update weekly master calendars; reproduce and distribute docket calendars; and coordinate to resolve docket conflicts.
Manage the Unified Family Court model by scheduling related cases and hearings before a single judicial officer, helping parties access court-ordered services, and monitoring completion of those services.
Supervise the Court’s civil Arbitration Program and Family Law Mediation Program, make case-management decisions with arbitrators and mediators, and refer appropriate high-conflict cases to non-adversarial processes.
Review and interpret petitions, orders, and proposed court documents to verify accuracy and completeness before judicial submission.
Develop and maintain research projects and statistical information, conduct studies, evaluate procedures, prepare database reports, assist with grant writing, and propose changes to court procedures and rules.
Train temporary and permanent court employees and other court staff in Judicial Assistant duties, and potentially lead or coordinate volunteers and interns.
Maintain working relationships and serve as liaison with judges, court reporters, court staff, courtroom clerks, counsel, community agencies, and the public.
Coordinate visiting judges, information and referral services, courthouse facilitators, guardians ad litem, community resources, and telephonic and video appearances.
Maintain and distribute Local Court Rules and create, revise, and provide local court forms and special-program materials.
Coordinate judge-led meetings and conferences and provide administrative support to court and County committees.
Prepare and organize confidential information on memorandum and letter opinions, maintain judges’ opinion banks, and prepare confidential correspondence.
Receive and analyze ex parte communications, including constituent inquiries and complaints, and take appropriate action.
May assume supervisory duties in a supervisor’s absence and provide backup coverage for other court staff.

Benefits

Retirement plan
Pre-tax savings accounts
Comprehensive health care
Dental and vision care for employees and their families
Paid vacation for full-time regular employees
Paid holidays for full-time regular employees
County-paid training and opportunities to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences
Flexible work schedule options, including alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working
Three voluntary deferred compensation plans
Flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness for qualifying full-time public service employees