Judicial Assistant

County of Mason•Mason County, WA

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as an Official Court Recorder to produce verbatim, accurate and timely reports of proceedings of Superior Court cases on appeal, or as ordered by the Judges or the public. Assists Chief Court Administrator with case flow management and budget management as required. May serve as arbitration supervisor, handling cases transferred to arbitration and associated paperwork. Provides confidential administrative support to the Judges and Court Commissioner as required.

Requirements

Knowledge of English language and legal and medical terminology.
Knowledge of Computers and other electronic equipment Word processing systems
Knowledge of Legal requirements, regulations, and laws applicable to area of assignment
Knowledge of Bookkeeping
Ability to use tact, discretion and courtesy in interdepartmental and public contacts and establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, co-workers, and diverse members of the public.
Ability to exert a calming influence on and gain the cooperation of people in crisis.
Ability to listen well, be attentive to detail, and ask pertinent questions in order to provide and obtain necessary information.
Ability to show initiative and work with minimal supervision within assigned area and established guidelines.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in clear, concise language appropriate for the purpose and parties addressed.
Ability to set up and maintain a variety of files.
Ability to keep accurate statistical information.
Ability to use Word, Excel and other computer programs.
Ability to research for accuracy the spelling of all forms of expert testimony and legal citations.
Ability to type accurately and proficiently.
Ability to maintain confidentiality when required.
Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Requires an Associates degree in paralegal studies.
OR High school diploma or G.E.D. and five years’ experience as a paralegal/legal secretary.
OR Any combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
Valid Washington State driver’s license

Responsibilities

Coordinate all cases transferred to arbitration by keeping detailed records and statistical data.
Prepares a variety of forms and documents for counsel, pro se litigants and arbitrators.
Registers and maintains information related to arbitrators to ensure an accurate resource.
Ensures all case decisions for cases remanded back to Court for trial are sealed in accordance with statutes.
Assist Chief Court Administrator in administrative functions of the court: Develop and maintain court schedules and make adjustments to accommodate judge, attorney, and support staff schedules; monitors cases and adjust caseloads and courtrooms as necessary; schedule trials, conferences and hearings; review files and correspondence to assure readiness for Court; Perform case flow management to monitor trials.
Verify data as necessary and prepare notices for appropriate parties; prepare budget vouchers and spreadsheets; and other duties as required.
Perform a variety of judicial assistant duties for the judges and court commissioners, including maintaining the law library, processing inmate mail, drafting orders, letters memoranda or other correspondence, the preparation of jury instructions for the court, maintaining non-court calendars and office files to ensure a smooth flow of work through the department.
Obtain judges’ signature on all documents requiring court’s review, track files and obtain information and file for review and processing by the judge.
Maintain confidentiality of all sensitive reports, correspondence, conversations, special inquires, closed proceedings or other confidential matters.
Copy original CD’s and tapes for Superior, District and Municipal courts and public, at their request to provide them with quality audio reproductions of Court proceedings.
Assist in arranging appropriate courtroom facilities for various court functions.
Obtains appropriate interpreters and translators for Court appearances and schedules various court appearances to ensure appropriate coverage.
Respond to inquiries, problems, complaints or emergencies affecting the availability or quality of service, ensuring appropriate and timely resolution of a variety of situations.
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Other duties as assigned.
May be required to obtain additional education as required to conduct business functions.