JUDICIAL ASSISTANT - CLERK OF COURTS

La Crosse County • La Crosse, WI

12h

About The Position

This is an administrative position in the Consolidated Court System performing advanced secretarial and administrative duties for the Circuit Court Judge. Employee works under minimal supervision of the Judge, using independent judgment in making decisions, after orientation on the job, within policies and guidelines established by the County Consolidated Court system and County Board.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and ability to use legal terminology.
• Skill in the use of computers and Microsoft Word.
• Skill in good composition, spelling and grammar; good communication, written and oral.
• Ability to take notes rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to draft correspondence and/or other minor documents as directed.
• Ability to accurately record and file court records.
• Ability to use computers and word processing.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, using independent judgment and decision making skills as necessary.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of personal integrity and confidentiality of work related matters.
• Ability to work with interruptions and change task priorities at the Judge's request.
• Ability to assess situations and solve problems.
• Ability to screen callers and prioritize job duties.
• Ability to take initiative in making decisions.
• Ability to deal pleasantly and tactfully with attorneys and coworkers, and with the public sometimes under stressful or threatening circumstances.
• Graduation from an accredited high school with courses in office practice and procedure.
• Advanced legal administrative, paralegal training or equivalent.
• Three (3) years legal secretarial experience or closely related legal work.
• Excellent clerical and computer skills and excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with people on the phone and in person.
• Will consider other relevant combination of experience and training.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with CCAP computer system helpful.

Responsibilities

• Maintains computerized court calendar by scheduling, rescheduling and amending all hearings as necessary. Prepares daily printout for distribution and posting on the afternoon prior to court hearings to keep others informed.
• Receives legal documents and other information from the Clerk of Court's Office relevant to scheduling or for further review by the Judge.
• Generates computer documents after scheduling hearings and prepares for the distribution of those documents to the appropriate attorneys, pro se litigants and Clerk of Court's Office for mailing and inclusion in the court file electronically.
• Obtains necessary legal documents or other information as requested by the Judge.
• Prepares and revises jury instructions and verdict forms as needed for trial. Prepares the appropriate number of copies when instructions are finalized.
• Keeps constant surveillance on all cases to ensure they are moving in a timely fashion as prescribed by law and the judicial standards.
• Prepares bonds in the Bonds Software Program during intake after the Judge has set the bond amount and the conditions for the defendant.
• Coordinates the appointment of attorneys after Judge has reviewed request for court-appointed attorney and granted petition.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of work-related matters.
• Processes all incoming legal documents, briefs, motions, correspondence from attorneys, law firms, pro se litigants and general public both by mail and through the e-filing system.
• Works closely with Clerk of Court's Office, Probate Offices, legal offices, Sheriff Department and District Attorney's Office.
• Serves as receptionist, receiving, screening and placing telephone calls; answers routine requests; greets and directs callers.
• Opens and sorts mail received by the court and, if applicable, will respond to inquiries on own initiative.
• Prepares letters, notices, orders, legal forms, reports and decisions of the court involving financial, legal, technical and other specialized terminology.
• Organizes, maintains and assumes custodial responsibilities for judge's interdepartmental files and records.
• Uses computers and CCAP software programs with multiple window functions including the CCAP e-filing software.
• Composes a variety of correspondence, reports, legal forms on own initiative as well as under general instruction from the judge; types same.
• In this public service position, employee is required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times, with the public and clients. Also establishes and maintains a courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationship with other employees, supervisors and public officials.
• Assists other Judicial Assistants as necessary and Clerk of Court staff when Judge is gone.
• This job description is not intended to encompass every job duty or responsibility but is only illustrative. This position is required to perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Benefits

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS): A top-rated pension program.
• Affordable Insurance Premiums: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick, and 10+ paid holidays annually.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and wellness programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED