Law Clerk - Division 41

Circuit Court of Jackson County•Kansas City, MO

23h

About The Position

The Law Clerk provides legal analysis and support to the judge or commissioner to help ensure efficient operation of the judicial division. The role conducts legal research and supports management of pending motions and the division’s open case inventory, while assisting with timely rulings and case dispositions. It also provides courtroom and administrative support, including preparing the courtroom, monitoring proceedings, managing juries, and performing clerical duties. The Law Clerk serves as a liaison for internal and external contacts with the division. The judge or commissioner is the appointing authority and directly supervises this position. The Law Clerk may provide supervision or instruction to law school interns at the judge or commissioner’s discretion and may share responsibility for their direct supervision. Duties may also include serving on teams and committees, cross-training, and working on assigned special projects.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Considerable knowledge of court procedures and policies, legal documents, and laws and legal factors pertaining to the court.
Knowledge of business and legal technical English, spelling, and punctuation.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing, in a tactful and courteous manner with diverse parties.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to produce clear, complete, and logical reports, letters, memoranda, and legal documents.
Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge to individual cases and problems.
Ability to analyze, appraise, and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and prepare written recommendations or opinions.
Ability to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions in accordance with general policy and objectives.
Ability to deal effectively with the public and create a helpful atmosphere.
All candidates selected for employment are subject to background screenings; certain positions may also require additional checks, including education verification, child abuse and neglect clearances, drug screenings, or physical assessments, as applicable.
A high school diploma or GED is required if education and experience are combined as a substitute for the stated minimum qualifications; relevant education and experience may be substituted year for year.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal research and analysis and prepare memoranda, orders, and legal correspondence relating to motions, pleadings, and summary judgments.
Assist the judge or commissioner by providing facts, applicable law, legal conclusions, and recommendations to resolve issues in pending cases.
Monitor work queues, run statistical reports, track pending motions and filings, and identify new cases assigned to the division and cases without future hearings.
Track responsive-pleading deadlines and determine whether issues are ready for judicial ruling.
Help enforce attorney and party compliance with state and local court rules through written or oral communications or court rulings as directed.
Keep the division’s legal publications and materials current and review relevant training resources and court policies as required.
Inform the judge or commissioner about case activity and scheduling concerns.
Set hearings, conferences, reviews, meetings, and trials; docket judicial actions; and complete work needed to move cases toward timely disposition.
Contact attorneys to request proposed orders, judgments, or supplemental documents.
Prepare the courtroom, monitor security during proceedings as needed, check courtroom electronic equipment, and arrange repairs or adjustments.
Ensure proceedings are recorded as required, record appearances, and open and close court sessions.
Administer and take oaths.
Instruct jurors and monitor their activities during trials; report unusual activities or information to the judge; arrange meals and provide information to jurors; and contact employers regarding jury service.
Supervise sequestered juries, which may involve overnight stays and irregular work hours.
Arrange interpreter services and facilitate chambers hearings, conferences, meetings, and telephone conferences.
Perform clerical and recordkeeping tasks, including filing and copying documents, creating requisitions, obtaining supplies, scanning and preserving materials, entering data, and maintaining electronic case records and docket entries.
Run errands for the judge or commissioner and other division staff.
Communicate with attorneys, parties, agency representatives, and court departments and staff as directed by the judge, commissioner, or division staff.
Consult with the judge or commissioner and the court public information officer concerning media requests.
Perform other related duties as required, including assigned committee work, cross-training, and special projects.