Law Clerk - Division 19

Jackson County, Missouri•Kansas City, MO

10d

About The Position

The Law Clerk provides legal analysis and support to the judge or commissioner to help ensure the efficient operation of the division. The role includes legal research, managing pending motions and case inventory, and providing administrative support to meet court time standards for rulings and case dispositions. The Law Clerk may prepare the courtroom and support proceedings, including monitoring courtroom security, managing juries, and performing other courtroom duties as needed. The position also performs clerical and liaison duties for the judicial division. The judge or commissioner is the appointing authority and exercises direct supervision over the position. At the judge’s or commissioner’s discretion, the Law Clerk may provide supervision or instruction and may share responsibility for directly supervising law school interns. Candidates must have a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. Selected candidates are subject to background screenings; additional checks may apply depending on the responsibilities of the role.

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 role’s responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Perform legal research and analysis and prepare memoranda and orders regarding motions, pleadings, summary judgments, and legal correspondence.
Assist the judge or commissioner by providing facts, applicable law, legal conclusions, and recommendations on issues in pending cases.
Check work queues and run statistical reports to track motions, filings, new cases, and cases without future hearings.
Track deadlines for responsive pleadings and assess whether issues are ready for a ruling.
Communicate with attorneys and parties and enforce compliance with state and local court rules as directed by the judge.
Keep the division’s legal publications and materials current and review relevant training resources and court policies.
Inform the judge or commissioner of case activity and scheduling concerns.
Set hearings, conferences, reviews, meetings, and trials; docket actions; and complete work needed to move cases to timely conclusion.
Contact attorneys to request proposed orders, judgments, or supplemental documents.
Prepare the courtroom and, as needed, monitor courtroom security and check that courtroom electronic equipment is functioning and repaired or adjusted when necessary.
Ensure proceedings are recorded as required, record appearances, open and close court sessions, and administer and take oaths.
Instruct jurors and monitor their activities during trials; communicate unusual jury activity or information to the judge; arrange jury meals and contact jurors or employers about jury service.
Supervise sequestered juries, which may involve overnight stays and irregular work hours.
Arrange interpreter services.
File documents, make copies, create requisitions, obtain supplies, run errands, and perform other clerical duties for the division.
Preserve or scan documents and complete data entry needed to maintain electronic case records and docket pleadings, orders, and judgments.
Communicate with attorneys, parties, agency representatives, court departments, and court staff as directed by the judge or division staff.
Facilitate chambers hearings, conferences, meetings, and telephone conferences.
Consult with the judge or commissioner and court public information officer concerning media requests.
Perform related work, including serving on assigned teams and committees, cross-training, and special projects.
Perform other duties as required.