Tribal Court Law Clerk-Civil & Juvenile Division

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde•Grand Ronde, OR

11d

About The Position

The Tribal Court Law Clerk for the Civil & Juvenile Division performs a specialized hybrid role combining courtroom administration with substantive judicial law clerk support. The position is responsible for end-to-end operations for the Civil & Juvenile Court, including front counter operations, processing filings, managing in-court proceedings, maintaining official court records, and assisting the Chief Judge with ordinance review and legal research. The clerk drafts, edits, and issues accurate and enforceable court orders under the Chief Judge’s direction. The role requires professional interaction with litigants, attorneys, tribal members, the public, judges, and tribal leaders while maintaining judicial ethics, neutrality, and confidentiality, particularly regarding juvenile and certain civil matters. Employees may be required to drive for work-related purposes, provide documentation of or receive certain health vaccinations, and serve as a Disaster Reservist during emergencies. Local travel is occasionally required; out-of-state travel is infrequent. Candidates are subject to criminal and character background checks and may be fingerprinted.

Requirements

Associate degree in Legal Studies, a Paralegal Certificate, a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; a bachelor’s degree or related field is preferred.
At least five years of specialized experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Specialized experience is deep, practical, and technical experience that enables independent performance of the duties with minimal direct supervision.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a State of Oregon Notary Public Commission within 30 days of hire.
Experience assisting people facing trauma and challenging life circumstances.
Ability to resolve conflict and de-escalate highly stressful situations.
Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly learn, Tribal Ordinances, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Rules of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, civil and juvenile procedures, and tribal sovereignty principles.
Ability to maintain neat, complete, and accurate physical and electronic case files and apply appropriate access controls to confidential or restricted court records.
Proficient legal writing skills to draft clear, enforceable judicial orders and legal notices as directed by the Chief Judge.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for professional interaction with judges, tribal leaders, attorneys, and the tribal community.
Absolute integrity and a strict commitment to judicial ethics, neutrality, and confidentiality regarding juvenile and certain civil matters.
Intermediate word-processing, database, and spreadsheet capabilities.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work and communicate effectively within a team environment.
Ability to prioritize competing tasks, shift rapidly between tasks, and plan, organize, and lead.
Proficiency with modern digital tools or a strong, demonstrated willingness to quickly learn software and technology.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to Native American culture.
Valid Oregon Driver’s License, ability to meet company vehicle insurance requirements, and proof of personal vehicle insurance if driving is required.
Ability to perform the described physical and environmental duties, including occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
Ability to provide documentation of, or receive, certain health vaccinations if required.
Successful completion of required criminal and character background checks; fingerprinting may also be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Tyler Technologies (Incode) Municipal Justice 10, the court’s case management solution.
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Manage front counter operations, including reception, phone calls, emails, notary services, and public inquiries.
Assist litigants, attorneys, tribal members, and the public with informational packets, court forms, notifications, and general inquiries without providing legal advice.
Collect applicable court filing fees and costs.
Accept, review, log, and process Civil and Juvenile Court front counter filings and electronic filings submitted through the court’s case management solution.
Log, enter, and file evidentiary documents as exhibits in case files.
Maintain the Civil and Juvenile Court calendar, coordinate hearing dates, issue hearing notices, and prepare, maintain, and publish court dockets.
Set up and break down the courtroom for hearings, including preparing needed materials and accommodations for litigants.
Record and maintain audio and video recordings of court hearings.
Work directly with the Chief Judge on case preparation and file review before hearings.
Participate in hearings, take notes, ensure transcription accuracy, and manage competing tasks to support smooth courtroom operations.
Draft, edit, and issue accurate and enforceable judicial orders under the Chief Judge’s direction.
Conduct legal research as directed by the Chief Judge.
Maintain complete and accurate physical and electronic case files and ensure appropriate access controls for confidential or restricted court records.
Support team members as needed and perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Perform duties in accordance with Tribal safety policies, procedures, and the Emergency Management Plan.
Maintain a valid Oregon Driver’s License and meet vehicle insurance requirements if required to drive for work-related purposes.
Serve as a Disaster Reservist during emergencies when called upon.