Legal Clerk I/II/III

Stanislaus County Superior Court•Modesto, CA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Superior Court of Stanislaus County, California is seeking to fill Legal Clerk positions at the I, II, and III levels. The Court intends to hire at the entry-level (Legal Clerk I). This role involves learning and performing legal and clerical office procedures to assist judicial officers, court personnel, attorneys, and the public in facilitating courtroom operations. As experience is gained, incumbents will be required to perform tasks with greater independence within established guidelines. Advancement to higher levels (II and III) is based on gaining experience and achieving proficiency that meets the qualifications for those levels. The Legal Clerk I performs routine tasks such as preparing, gathering, sorting, and distributing files, duplicating documents, data entry, providing customer service, and preparing/processing legal documents. The Legal Clerk II performs more proficient clerical tasks with greater independence. The Legal Clerk III performs difficult and complex clerical tasks, including record imaging services, quality control of imaging, and maintaining calendar information.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
One year of full-time clerical experience involving typing/data entry (for Legal Clerk I)
Some experience in a legal clerical capacity is preferred (for Legal Clerk I)
One year of relevant college or business school training may be substituted for the one year of clerical experience required (for Legal Clerk I)
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures including filing, basic mathematics, record keeping and standard office equipment operation
Knowledge of basic data processing principles and the use of word processing or personal computer equipment in legal clerical operations/settings
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and proper punctuation
Ability to accurately carry out oral and written instructions
Ability to use a typewriter and computer
Ability to use keyboard for data entry
Ability to research and apply legal codes as they pertain to the processing of legal documents
Ability to remain abreast of new laws, amendments and local rules related to assigned duties and responsibilities
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public
Ability to answer and screen telephone calls
Ability to maintain confidential information according to legal standards and/or Court regulations as required
Ability to read, write, speak and understand English effectively
Ability to operate standard office equipment including computers, cash registers, photocopy, adding and microfilm machines
Ability to lift, bend, stoop, reach overhead; sit and/or stand for long periods of time
Ability to push, pull, squat and twist
Ability to bend, reach and lift files
Ability to lift up to 25lb
Ability to work in a confined work area
Ability to type at a speed of 30 words per minute
One year of full-time experience equivalent to a Legal Clerk I in a court or city/county agency; OR two years of clerical experience of which one year involved work in a law enforcement, legal clerical or legal secretarial capacity and setting (for Legal Clerk II)
One year of relevant college or business school training may be substituted for one year of the clerical experience (for Legal Clerk II)
Knowledge of forms, records, and document processing procedures (for Legal Clerk II)
Knowledge of legal terminology and judicial rules applicable to the areas of assignment (for Legal Clerk II)
Knowledge of records maintenance procedures used in court operations (for Legal Clerk II)
Ability to perform clerical assignments of increasing difficulty with speed and accuracy (for Legal Clerk II)
Ability to prepare and process a variety of legal documents (for Legal Clerk II)
Ability to work independently (for Legal Clerk II)
Ability to exercise common sense and sound judgment in the performance of duties (for Legal Clerk II)
Ability to accurately maintain complex legal records and files and perform routine mathematical functions consistent with areas of assignment (for Legal Clerk II)
Two years of experience equivalent to a Legal Clerk II in a court or city/ county agency; OR four years of clerical experience of which three years involved work in law enforcement, legal clerical or legal secretarial capacity and setting (for Legal Clerk III)
One year of relevant college or business school training may be substituted for one year of clerical experience (for Legal Clerk III)
Knowledge of California codes and local rules of Court pertaining to court operations (for Legal Clerk III)
Knowledge of operations, procedures and jurisdictions of the Court (for Legal Clerk III)
Ability to independently and accurately perform difficult and complex legal document processing (for Legal Clerk III)
Ability to manage various legal projects simultaneously, maintaining order and consistency (for Legal Clerk III)
Ability to exercise independent judgment in decision-making (for Legal Clerk III)

Nice To Haves

Some experience in a legal clerical capacity (for Legal Clerk I)
Knowledge of legal terminology (Desirable for Legal Clerk I)
Experience in legal office clerking operations including basic codes; e.g., Civil Code, Family Code, Penal Code, Code of Civil Procedure and similar codes (Desirable for Legal Clerk I)
Problem-solving ability (Desirable for Legal Clerk II)
All desirable qualifications for Legal Clerk I and II (Desirable for Legal Clerk III)

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of clerical tasks to support the operations of the courtroom.
Types and prepares correspondence.
Prepares, gathers, sorts, and distributes files.
Maintains filing system.
Duplicates documents and reports.
Utilizes basic office equipment.
Takes notes, prepares and completes minute orders for court hearings.
Transcribes information.
Provides customer services to visitors, the general public, attorneys and other groups and individuals.
Receives and responds to questions.
Researches information to provide accurate information.
Receives and responds to incoming calls.
Provides information and assistance to callers.
Researches inquiries to provide accurate response.
Forwards calls to appropriate location.
Takes messages as needed.
Receives, sorts and distributes incoming mail.
Prepares various documents and mailing for delivery.
Prepares, processes, reviews and edits legal documents.
Ensures proper completion of legal documents and related forms.
Assists in delivering and setting up hearing devices and various types of recording equipment in the courtroom.
Ensures equipment is in proper working order.
Assists users with equipment operation.
Assists in updating and maintaining calendar dates.
Receives and enters calendar information.
Reviews calendar changes for accuracy.
Operates basic office equipment including a computer, copier, fax machine, postage machine, scanners, printers and related equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.
May perform routine bookkeeping tasks for the division.
May receive payments for fines and services.
May issue receipts for payments.
May assist in balancing drawers and completing required reports and records.
May assist in providing interpreting services as needed.
Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
Performs other related duties as required.