Sessions Clerk - Middlesex Probate & Family Court

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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. 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. Ensures that all court and case files and court decisions are appropriately documented and distributed. May review and distribute court recordings. 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.
Departmental and court policies and procedures.
MassCourts, videoconfering software, .
Judge and Court schedules.
State statutes, regulations, court rules, and civil/criminal procedure.
Recording system (For the Record).
Legal documents and terminology.
Skill in:
Organization and time management.
Attention to detail.
Data entry.
Maintaining interpersonal relationships.
Conflict Resolution
Multi-tasking
Ability to:
Establish effective working relationships with others.
Prepare clear and accurate reports.
Maintain appropriate records.
Maintain confidentiality of information.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Work independently and follow oral and written instructions.
Maintain trial or hearing exhibits in an orderly manner.
handle multiple issues simultaneously.
perform work and communicate in a highly visible and public setting.
Exercise sound judgment

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. Pull and prepare 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.