Sessions Clerk I - Suffolk Probate & Family Court
About The Position
The Sessions Clerk I facilitates hearings and supports an assigned judge in a courtroom setting. The role manages court sessions and call lists, schedules the judge and relevant parties, and handles courtroom technology, including virtual and hybrid meeting setups and court recording software. The clerk prepares case lists and files, reviews documents and filings for legal and procedural compliance, and summarizes case files and histories for the judge before hearings. The position also guides attorneys, litigants, court users, and other agencies on court procedures, administers oaths and bail warnings, and ensures court files and decisions are appropriately documented and distributed. Case processing may use electronic filing and case management systems. The position works under the direction of a Department Head or designee. It may involve travel to different courts and may include supervisory responsibility. Work is frequently performed in an office or similar indoor environment. The physical demands are classified as Light Work, involving exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or negligible force constantly to move objects.
Requirements
- High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalency.
- Five years of related work experience; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Knowledge of modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software.
- Knowledge of departmental and court policies and procedures; MassCourts and videoconferencing software; judge and court schedules; state statutes, regulations, court rules, and civil and criminal procedure; the For the Record recording system; and legal documents and terminology.
- Skills in organization and time management, attention to detail, data entry, maintaining interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, and multitasking.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships; prepare clear and accurate reports; maintain appropriate records and confidentiality; communicate effectively orally and in writing; work independently and follow oral and written instructions; maintain hearing exhibits in an orderly manner; manage multiple issues simultaneously; work and communicate in a highly visible public setting; and exercise sound judgment.
Responsibilities
- Prepare for and facilitate court hearings and manage court sessions for the assigned judge.
- Receive, mark, and maintain exhibits, pleadings, and other documents offered during court proceedings.
- Coordinate with the judge, parties, attorneys, and other agencies to schedule matters before the court.
- Organize and review case files chronologically and compare electronic dockets with physical files before hearings.
- Act as a point of contact between the court, attorneys, the public, and other agencies.
- Assist the public, litigants, and attorneys with court schedules, court functions, rules, and practices.
- Administer oaths and bail warnings.
- Record event results and dispositions in MassCourts and manage subsequent events, including mittimus, habeas corpus, summonses, publications, and warrants.
- Research information requested by the judge; prepare case lists and files for the next day's session; and review documents for compliance with law and judicial approval.
- Schedule appointments, enter data and requests, and refer or transfer cases.
- Serve as interpreter liaison and request interpreters through the OLA interface or the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Respond to telephone and email inquiries about hearings, court procedures, and orders.
- Confer with the judge, AJCM, Clerk, Register, and Probation Staff on administrative matters and records; prepare and draft orders and judgments.
- Perform independent administrative review of pleadings as needed.
- Ensure compliance with court orders requiring document submissions after hearings.
- Coordinate with the Security Department and Court Officers on security issues, detainees, restraining and harassment orders, and restricted courtroom access for confidential proceedings.
- Participate in training other staff.
- Travel to different courts when required.
- Distribute case files to appropriate personnel for further processing.
- Perform other duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
