Judicial Assistant (Project Position) Superior Court

Clark County, Washington•Arlington, VA

2d•$30 - $40

About The Position

Clark County Superior Court is seeking a Judicial Assistant to support Superior Court Commissioners and help ensure the smooth operation of the court. The position also provides backup coverage for Judicial Assistants during leave, assisting Judicial Officers when their assigned assistant is absent. The work includes varied clerical and technical tasks requiring independent judgment within established policy guidelines, and calls for a strong understanding of legal terminology, processes, and procedures, along with reliability, accuracy, communication, and prioritization skills. This is a project-based position through 2027, expected to become permanent in 2028. The Court states it has consistently secured funding and is committed to advocating for the position’s permanency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or completion of paralegal coursework at an accredited college or business school, and three years minimum to six years desirable of progressively responsible office experience in a court environment performing legal support activities; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication skills.
Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to de-escalate and solve problems in a fluid situation.
Strong computer skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams), Zoom, and databases.
Highly organized and self-directed.
Ability to work well with a diverse population.
Knowledge of legal terminology and the ability to understand local and state court rules necessary to provide legal support to a Judicial Officer.
Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
Ability to communicate with the media as required; exercise tact and mature judgment; handle confidential and sensitive matters; supervise staff and volunteers; compose legal correspondence and statistical information; prepare periodic reports; explain legal procedures and policies; follow complex instructions and extensive guidelines; maintain or supervise complex records; develop effective working relationships; and perform lead-worker duties.
Online application, resume, and cover letter are required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills.
Previous courtroom experience in any area of law.

Responsibilities

Manage the judicial department or commissioner’s office, plan departmental work, and set daily priorities.
Devise and evaluate legal procedures and implement changes as directed by the Judicial Officer.
Stay current on changes in civil, probate, criminal, and domestic relations rules, procedures, and codes.
Draft orders across case types and file orders, forms, warrants, and other court-issued pleadings with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
Coordinate with other Superior Court Judicial Assistants to ensure Judicial Officers receive support and staff coverage.
Research and monitor statutory case deadlines and Judicial Officer obligations across criminal, civil, domestic relations, probate, guardianship, dependency, and termination cases.
Schedule case flow to promote judicial efficiency, including reassignments resulting from recusals, affidavits of prejudice, and other conflicts.
Evaluate incoming communications and draft responses for Judicial Officer approval according to statutory and procedural guidelines; route responses and flag items requiring immediate attention.
Manage court dockets and examine and distribute documents and bench copies for dockets and special settings.
Conduct analytical research independently or at the direction of the Judicial Officer for docket, hearing, or trial preparation.
Maintain official audio and video court records for the required statutory period and archive departmental records annually.
Attend court; keep detailed trial and docket proceeding logs; manage video-conference and document-sharing software for virtual hearings; and coordinate jail transport for matters involving in-custody defendants.
Disseminate court proceeding information to other judicial departments and serve as a liaison to relay vital case information.
Manage jury trials, coordinate and schedule bailiffs and jury panels, and supervise bailiffs and jurors; act as bailiff when none is available.
Arrange juror meals, monitor evidence during deliberations, and draft jury instructions.
Perform related duties as required.