Sessions Clerk I - Barnstable Probate & Family Court

Massachusetts Trial Court•Barnstable, MA

5d•$68,037 - $100,276•Onsite

About The Position

The Probate and Family Court Department's mission is to deliver timely justice to the public by providing equal access to a fair, equitable and efficient forum to resolve family and probate legal matters and to assist and protect all individuals, families and children in an impartial and respectful manner. The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related matters, such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, and abuse prevention. In addition to equity jurisdiction, the Probate and Family Court also has jurisdiction over wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name. This position facilitates hearings and provides support to an assigned judge in a courtroom setting. It manages court sessions, calls lists, and handles technical issues in the courtroom, such as setting up virtual meeting calls, hybrid calls, and operating court recording software. The role involves scheduling the assigned judge, attorneys, and appropriate parties, preparing case lists, and potentially pulling files for the next day’s session. The Sessions Clerk reviews documents for compliance with law and judicial approval, summarizes files and case history for a judge ahead of hearings, and reviews filings from attorneys and pro se litigants, informing them on court procedure and compliance. The position coordinates and assists attorneys, litigants, court users, and other agencies with court procedures, administers oaths and bail warnings, and ensures that all court and case files and court decisions are appropriately documented and distributed. Case processing may be done using an electronic filing and/or case management system.

Requirements

High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalency
Five (5) years of related work experience
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications.
Knowledge of modern office equipment and technology, including computers and applicable software.
Knowledge of Departmental and court policies and procedures.
Knowledge of MassCourts, videoconfering software.
Knowledge of Judge and Court schedules.
Knowledge of State statutes, regulations, court rules, and civil/criminal procedure.
Knowledge of Recording system (For the Record).
Knowledge of Legal documents and terminology.
Skill in organization and time management.
Skill in attention to detail.
Skill in data entry.
Skill in maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Skill in Conflict Resolution
Skill in Multi-tasking
Ability to establish effective working relationships with others.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports.
Ability to maintain appropriate records.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to maintain trial or hearing exhibits in an orderly manner.
Ability to handle multiple issues simultaneously.
Ability to perform work and communicate in a highly visible and public setting.
Ability to exercise sound judgment

Nice To Haves

This position may serve as a supervisor to others.

Responsibilities

Prepares for and facilitates court hearings. Manages the court session for assigned judge.
Receives, marks, and maintains all exhibits, pleadings, and other court documents offered at any court proceeding.
Works with the Judge and parties, attorneys or pro se, other agencies, in scheduling all matters before the Court.
Organizes and reviews all files chronologically.
Reviews the electronic docket for compliance with the physical file ahead of hearing.
Acts as an point of contact between attorneys, the public, other agencies, and the Court.
Assists the public, litigants, and attorneys concerning court schedules or court functions, rules, or practices.
Administers oaths and bail warnings.
Accurately records all event results and dispositions in MassCourts and manages next events, including but not limited to mittimus, habeas corpus, summonses, publications, and warrants.
Researches information requested by the Judge.
Pulls and prepares case lists and files for next day’s session.
Reviews documents for compliance with law and judicial approval.
Schedules appointments, enters data and requests, and refers and transfers cases.
Acts as the interpreter liaison for the assigned court and requests interpreters through the OLA interface or Mass Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Manages and responds to telephone and email inquiries from the public, attorneys, and other agencies on current/future hearings, court procedures, and clarification on orders.
Conferences with judge, AJCM, Clerk, Register, and Probation Staff on administrative issues, pleadings, maintenance of records and documents, including preparing and drafting orders and judgments.
Performs independent administrative review of pleadings, as necessary.
Ensures compliance with court orders regarding submission of documents after the hearing.
Coordinates with the Security Department/Court Officers concerning security issues, detainees, restrain and harassment orders, and facilitates the restricting of access to the courtroom for confidential proceedings.
Participates in training of other staff.
May be required to travel to different courts.
Distributes case files to the appropriate personnel for further processing.
Performs other duties as required.