Superior Court Judicial Assistant

Spokane County • Village of Fonda, NY

2d • $57,658 - $80,704 • Onsite

About The Position

This at-will position serves at the pleasure of Judge Tony Hazel in Department 6 of Spokane County Superior Court. The Judicial Assistant provides confidential, specialized administrative support under the general direction of a Superior Court Judge or designee. The role manages calendaring and case flow for assigned cases and performs related administrative, clerical, legal secretarial, and paralegal duties. The position requires coordinating complex confidential tasks with minimal supervision and maintaining a close working relationship with the assigned Judge.

The Judicial Assistant coordinates court proceedings and participants; manages cases across multiple court calendars and dockets; maintains case information and tracking reports; and serves as a primary liaison among the Court, attorneys, litigants, jurors, agencies, law enforcement, media, and the public. The role reviews case materials, prepares and edits legal documents, applies court rules and procedures, assists with trial and pretrial requirements, oversees jurors and electronic systems for official proceedings, and helps coordinate security and in-custody defendant transport. The position regularly uses technology platforms and equipment such as Zoom, Webex, and audiovisual equipment. Judicial Assistants are entitled to the same paid six weeks off as the Judge.

The work environment is primarily indoors, with moderate noise and temperature levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions. Employees may also be assigned related duties not specifically listed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
• One year of experience as a legal secretary, paralegal, executive secretary, or confidential administrative assistant; an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered.
• Enter into a confidentiality agreement at hire and maintain compliance throughout employment.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license if required by the position.
• Knowledge of calendaring, case-flow management, and jury-management practices, procedures, and policies.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, laws, codes, and court rules governing relevant judicial-system functions.
• Working knowledge of local and state court rules, administrative policies, and court procedures, and ability to implement changes to laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of computer applications and video equipment used in a court environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to exchange information and give and receive work direction.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, agencies, media, County employees, and the public.
• Ability to interpret and implement court policy in daily court operations and determine when inquiries require court intervention or can be handled independently.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Ability to prioritize and carry out court directions reliably, accurately, and promptly.
• Ability to conduct independent research and analysis.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment and work independently with little or no direction.
• Ability to maintain a close working relationship with the assigned Judge.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under stressful circumstances and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including copy machines, recording equipment, computer equipment, and related software used in a court environment.
• Contribute to a safe and positive work environment and demonstrate the County values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Innovation.

Responsibilities

• Provide complex paralegal, legal secretarial, and office administrative assistance to Superior Court Judges.
• Coordinate court proceedings and participants, including defendants, attorneys, judges, clerks, jurors, witnesses, interpreters, law enforcement, and jail transport.
• Manage and coordinate cases on the Individual Court Calendar, Unlawful Detainer, Therapeutic Court, Juvenile, Family Law, and Chief Criminal dockets.
• Coordinate and manage database applications and programs used for court calendaring and case flow.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Superior Court and government agencies, attorneys, litigants, jurors, law enforcement, victims, and the public; review, prioritize, and respond to requests for court assistance.
• Provide attorneys and self-represented litigants with information regarding case status and disposition.
• Review incoming case materials for potential conflicts of interest, ex parte communications, and other confidential matters.
• Prepare, proofread, and edit legal documents, court orders, correspondence, and jury instructions for the judicial officer.
• Research and interpret policies, procedures, state and local court rules, and statutes.
• Track pending caseloads, prepare reports, evaluate case status, and recommend or implement appropriate actions.
• Review cases to help the Judge prioritize trials and coordinate overflow matters with Superior Court Administration.
• Review case files for accuracy, compliance with court rules, and completeness; manage pretrial and trial requirements.
• Update case statuses in the case management system based on information received from parties.
• Oversee departmental security and administrative issues in coordination with court administration, law enforcement, and Jury Management.
• Follow up on caseloads to ensure timely completion and resolution of assigned cases.
• Serve as liaison with the media and public on matters of media interest and direct activities to ensure compliance with court media protocols.
• Supervise jurors and support their comfort and conduct; direct and assist jurors during trials, address related needs, and act as liaison between the Judge and jurors.
• Oversee, administer, and control electronic systems for official court proceedings.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive reports, correspondence, conversations, inquiries, closed proceedings, and other confidential matters.
• Assess and coordinate security measures and transport for in-custody defendants with courthouse security, court administration, the Sheriff's Department, and/or the Department of Corrections.
• Coordinate with facilities and maintenance to repair and track County equipment as needed.
• Use technology platforms and equipment, including Zoom, Webex, and audiovisual equipment.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

• Judicial Assistants are entitled to the same paid six weeks off as the Judge.
• Total compensation estimate includes employer-paid medical, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and leave contributions; actual compensation varies with employee enrollment choices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level