Appeals Clerk

Location: Appellate Court of Maryland, 361 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401

Salary: $57,108 • Full Time / Hybrid • Non-Exempt

About the Role

The Recorder’s Office is within the Appellate Court of Maryland’s Clerk’s Office and consists of a Lead Appeals Clerk and two Appeals Clerks - Recorders. The office is responsible for managing Court Sessions, including operating all courtroom technology (timer, livestream, audio recording, remote-appearance two-way video) and ensuring all proceedings are properly recorded. Additionally, the clerks account for receipt of circuit court records, briefs, and other duties. They ensure records, briefs, and related materials are assembled for delivery to the Judges of the Court and, following the conclusion of a case, ensure the return of the case record to the proper court or transfer to the Supreme Court if a writ of certiorari is granted.

Responsibilities

• Courtroom Operations
  • Session Preparation: Create docket sheets; test Polycom for virtual hearings; ensure TriCaster system functions for video recording; verify Lan and Ethernet cables; edit buffers on TriCaster to display case name and numbers on livestream; perform quality control checks for TriCaster (video/audio), Elemental (livestream), and CourtSmart (digital recording); troubleshoot microphone, sound levels, camera adjustments, and other A/V issues; prepare courtroom functions such as gathering robes for panel members; create and host Zoom oral argument sessions for fully virtual proceedings.
  • Session Operation: Conduct oral argument check-in with attorneys, explain courtroom procedures, finalize docket sheets with notes for Judges, call court into session, operate TriCaster, Elemental, LivePanel Web, IBM, and CourtSmart to ensure proceedings are audio/video recorded and livestreamed; operate Limitimer with preset oral argument times.
  • Post-Session Operation: Download and edit recordings from IBM or FTP Client; prepare session videos for posting on the Appellate Court’s oral argument archive; docket attorneys/parties presenting oral argument; ensure Judges correctly docketed.
• Records/Briefs/Exhibits
  • Receive, docket, and store lower court records and briefs, including uploading briefs to Westlaw and Lexis via FTP clients (FileZilla and Content Console).
  • Ensure Chambers receive all materials related to assigned cases.
  • Oversee transfer of records to the Supreme Court if a cert petition is granted and return circuit court records once the appeal is concluded.
  • Review briefs for compliance with Maryland Rules, prepare deficiency notices for non-compliant briefs, calculate brief costs, and docket compliant briefs.
• Communication with Chambers/ACM Personnel
  • Review and respond to questions from Judges’ chambers and staff attorneys regarding records, briefs, and courtroom proceedings.
  • Manage parking for Judges.
  • Assist in preparation for monthly Judges’ Conference, including ensuring Polycom operability for Zoom participation.
  • Manage incoming and outgoing mail.
  • Assist with other clerical functions when not assigned to the courtroom.

Requirements

• Education: High School diploma or GED.
• Experience: Two (2) years of work experience, including one (1) year in court operations or in criminal justice, parole and probation, legal, or financial services.
  • Substitutions:
    • A Bachelor’s Degree may substitute for the required work experience.
    • A Paralegal/Associate’s Degree or 60 college credits may substitute for the required work experience.
    • A Paralegal Certificate may substitute for the required work experience.

Skills

• Knowledge of court and legal terminology, courtroom protocol, and security procedures.
• Basic English and arithmetic (spelling, punctuation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Skill in operating recording equipment, computer terminals, and related software.
• Ability to:
  • Learn Maryland Judiciary procedures, rules, practices, regulations, and jurisdictional courts.
  • Make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and Judiciary policies.
  • Apply court procedures accurately and effectively in accordance with courtroom protocols.
  • Utilize appropriate forms and follow processes, rules, regulations, and laws.
  • Work under significant time constraints and restrictive conditions.
  • Understand and carry out complex instructions.
• Software and Computer Skills:
  • TriCaster & LivePanel Web (video recording)
  • Elemental (livestream)
  • IBM Account
  • CourtSmart system (audio recording)
  • Zoom
  • Limitimer (courtroom timers)
  • Windows Media Player
  • FedEx Shipping application
  • FileZilla
  • Content Console
  • Citrix File Sharing
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • MDEC (Odyssey, File & Serve)

Physical Requirements

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Continuing education programs
• Employee assistance programs
• State Retirement and Pension plans