Sessions Clerk II
About The Position
Facilitates hearings and provides support to an assigned judge in a courtroom setting. Manages court sessions, calls lists, and manages technical issues in the courtroom, such as setting up virtual meeting calls, hybrid calls, and operating court recording software. Schedules assigned judge, attorneys, and appropriate parties. Organizes, documents, and delivers files to a judge ahead of hearings. Ensures that all court and case files and court decisions are appropriately documented and distributed. Prepares case lists and may pull files for next day’s session. Reviews documents for compliance with law and judicial approval, and summarizes files and case history for a judge ahead of hearings. Reviews filings from attorneys and pro se litigants and informs on court procedure and compliance. Coordinates and assists attorneys, litigants, court users, and other agencies with court procedures. Administers oaths and bail warnings. Participates in staff development and training opportunities for other staff. Establishes quality control procedures. May empanel juries and facilitate jury trials. May facilitate adoption proceedings, including all related documentation and filings with accuracy. May review and distribute court recordings. Participates as needed in the case processing business process. This position serves as a supervisor to others.
Requirements
- Associate degree from an accredited college or university
- Four (4) 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 Code of Ethics.
- Knowledge of Principles and practices of employee supervision.
- Knowledge of MassCourts, videoconferencing 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.
- Knowledge of procedures related to the processing of all types in assigned court.
- Skill in organization and time management.
- Skill in attention to detail.
- Skill in data entry.
- Skill in customer service.
- 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 and perform research.
- 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 identify problems and develop creative solutions.
- Ability to perform work and communicate in a highly visible and public setting.
- Ability to handle multiple issues simultaneously.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to assign, supervise and review the work of subordinate employees.
- Ability to perform research and to prepare reports
Responsibilities
- Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, and providing guidance.
- Facilitates court session and performs court functions such as calling the court list and recording dispositions.
- Records and maintains accurate orders, judgments, or directions of the court.
- Assists the public, litigants, and attorneys concerning court schedules or court functions, rules, or practices.
- Prepares trial lists and all required files, forms, and exhibits in anticipation of court sessions.
- Meets with court personnel and other individuals to discuss ways to improve the efficiencies of court sessions and related work within established guidelines.
- Performs advanced case processing functions using MassCourts when court is not in session.
- Ensures compliance with court orders regarding submission of documents after a hearing.
- Receives, marks, and maintains custody of papers and exhibits offered at trial and ensures their security.
- 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.
- Accurately records all event results and dispositions in MassCourts and manages next events, including but not limited to mittimus, habeus corpus, summonses, publications, and warrants.
- Coordinates with the Security Department/Court Officers concerning security issues, detainees, restrain and harassment orders, and restricting access to the courtroom for confidential proceedings.
- Participates in training of other staff.
- 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.
- Administers oaths and bail warnings.
- 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.
- Performs the duties of the Sessions Clerk and may perform court monitor duties as needed.
- Trains and provides ongoing guidance to Sessions Clerk I position.
- May empanel juries and facilitate jury trials.
- Performs other duties as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
