Law Clerk - Division 19

Circuit Court of Jackson County•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

The Law Clerk provides legal analysis, research, and administrative support to the judge or commissioner to help ensure efficient division operations and timely judicial rulings and case dispositions. The role supports management of pending motions and open-case inventory, helps resolve issues arising during conferences, hearings, and trials, and performs courtroom and clerical duties as needed. The judge or commissioner is the appointing authority and provides direct supervision. The Law Clerk may provide supervision or instruction to law school interns as assigned and may share responsibility for their direct supervision.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
Considerable knowledge of court procedures and policies, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the court.
Knowledge of business and legal technical English, spelling, punctuation, and 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.
Selected candidates are subject to background screenings; additional checks may apply depending on the position and its responsibilities.
A high school diploma or GED is required when education and experience are combined as an equivalent substitute for the stated qualifications.

Responsibilities

Research legal issues and prepare memoranda, orders, and other materials concerning motions, pleadings, summary judgments, and legal correspondence.
Assist the judge or commissioner by presenting relevant facts and law, legal conclusions, and recommendations for resolving issues in pending cases.
Review work queues and statistical reports to identify pending motions and filings; track response deadlines and assess whether issues are ready for ruling.
Help enforce attorney and party compliance with state and local court rules through 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 actions; and complete work needed to move cases toward timely resolution.
Contact attorneys to request proposed orders, judgments, or supplemental documents; track newly assigned cases and cases without future hearings.
Prepare the courtroom and, as needed, monitor courtroom security during proceedings.
Check courtroom electronic equipment and arrange necessary repairs or adjustments; ensure proceedings are recorded as required.
Record appearances, open and close court sessions, and administer oaths.
Instruct jurors and monitor their activities during trials; report unusual activities or information to the judge or commissioner.
Arrange jury meals, including picking up food when delivery is unavailable; provide information to jurors and contact their employers about jury service.
Supervise sequestered juries, which may involve overnight stays and irregular work hours.
Arrange interpreter services.
Maintain electronic case records through filing, scanning, data entry, and docketing pleadings, orders, and judgments.
Communicate with attorneys, parties, agency representatives, court departments, and staff as directed by the judge or division staff.
Facilitate chambers hearings, conferences, meetings, and telephone conferences.
Consult with the judge or commissioner and the court public information officer regarding media requests.
Perform clerical and administrative duties, including copying, creating requisitions, obtaining supplies, running errands, and other related work.
Serve on assigned teams and committees, cross-train for other jobs, and work on special projects as assigned.
May share responsibility with the judge or commissioner for directly supervising law school interns.