Judicial Assistant

City of Reno•Municipal Court, NV

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides highly responsible, confidential, and specialized administrative and legal support to a Judicial Officer in the performance of judicial duties. The Judicial Assistant coordinates the Judge’s daily schedule, courtroom activities, calendars, dockets, case-related deadlines, correspondence, orders, and administrative responsibilities. The position prepares, reviews, processes, and maintains legal and administrative documents; researches and compiles information; assists with case preparation and management; records actions taken during court proceedings; and ensures that necessary files, documents, exhibits, and other materials are accurate, complete, and available for court sessions. The position exercises considerable tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment in carrying out responsibilities originating from the bench and in managing sensitive and confidential information. The Judicial Assistant must possess a thorough understanding of court policies, procedures, legal terminology, case processing, and judicial operations and must be able to understand and explain established court procedures. The position also coordinates an assigned specialty court program. Responsibilities include scheduling of review hearings, maintaining timely and accurate program records, monitoring participant requirements, preparing reports, facilitating communication with stakeholders, and adhering to national best practice standards in coordination practices.

Requirements

Court rules, procedures, practices, and functions.
Policies and procedures applicable to the Reno Municipal Court.
Legal terminology, legal concepts, and judicial procedures.
Case processing and docket management practices.
Procedures and practices applicable to courts of limited and general jurisdiction.
Principles and practices of judicial and legal office administration.
Calendar and docket management, including use of the Odyssey Case Management System.
Principles and techniques of effective specialty court program management.
Principles of records management, filing systems, and document retention.
Business correspondence and report preparation.
Legal and business English, including proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Principles and practices of professional communication and public relations.
Computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and other information systems used by the Court.
Provide highly responsible, confidential, and specialized administrative support to a Judicial Officer.
Work independently with minimal direction while exercising sound judgment and personal initiative.
Understand and apply Court policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and applicable laws within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
Understand legal and non-legal documents received from attorneys, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other sources.
Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments, competing demands, and critical deadlines.
Maintain accurate and confidential records and information.
Prepare clear, concise, accurate, and professional correspondence, reports, memoranda, orders, and other documents.
Research, compile, analyze, and summarize information from a variety of sources.
Verify the accuracy and completeness of documents and case information.
Coordinate complex schedules, calendars, dockets, hearings, meetings, and other activities.
Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Operate computers and other office equipment and effectively use word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, case management, and other software applications.
Maintain effective public relations and obtain the cooperation of individuals and organizations.
Work collaboratively with other Court divisions, City departments, Judges, outside agencies, attorneys, and the general public.
Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, discretion, and commitment to public service.
A Bachelor or Associate degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, paralegal studies, legal studies, business administration, public administration, court administration, or a related field.
Four years of progressively responsible clerical, secretarial, administrative, legal, or court-related experience, including experience in a legal or court environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing direct administrative support to a Judicial Officer, senior executive, or other high-level public official is highly desirable.
Experience with legal terminology, court procedures, trial or hearing calendars, case management systems, judicial documents, and courtroom processes is also highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Attends court proceedings as assigned and maintains accurate records of actions taken during court.
Prepares and distributes court calendars and ensures that files, documents, exhibits, and other necessary materials are complete and organized prior to court sessions.
Prepares and organizes case files and materials for judicial review and court proceedings.
Marks and maintains exhibits and records case disposition information on appropriate docket sheets and case management systems.
Operates courtroom audio and video equipment as required.
Administers the scheduling and setting of cases for hearings while considering availability, statutory or procedural requirements, and applicable deadlines.
Monitors scheduled matters and follows up on outstanding actions or requirements to facilitate timely case processing.
Coordinates the day-to-day administrative operations of a specialty court program, supporting workflows, staffing, calendars, participant processes, and stakeholder communication.
Assists with the preparation and processing of arrest warrant requests, bench warrants, and other judicial documents as directed by the Judge and in accordance with established Court procedures.
Receives, reviews, and processes motions, briefs, exhibits, pleadings, correspondence, and other documents submitted to the Court.
Reviews documents for accuracy, completeness, required signatures, and compliance with established Court policies and procedures.
Ensures documents are properly routed, distributed, filed, and maintained.
Prepares documents based on the Judge’s instructions and established procedures.
Maintains accurate and organized records and filing systems, including confidential files.
Organizes and maintains the administrative operations of the assigned judicial office.
Provides backup support to other Court positions and functions as assigned.