Assistant Clerk - Massachusetts Appeals Court

Position Summary

Working within the Appeals Court clerk's office, an assistant clerk assists the clerk in performing the legal and administrative duties set forth in G. L. c. 211A, 6 and 8, and the Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure. An assistant clerk works closely with the single justice and three-justice panels, analyzing and discussing complex legal issues and recommending appropriate action by the court when required, and serving as a contact between the court and the parties or counsel. An assistant clerk prepares and maintains all court papers and records and performs administrative tasks to ensure that cases move rapidly and smoothly to a determination by the court.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives and reviews filings from attorneys and self-represented litigants and provides oral and written responses to inquiries regarding court procedure and compliance with the Massachusetts Rules of Court.
• Acts on behalf of the Appeals Court to independently enter actions and orders on procedural motions and matters.
• Reviews, analyzes, and presents daily motions and petitions to the single justice.
• Reviews, analyzes, and presents motions filed in appeals which have been assigned to three-justice panels.
• Drafts and issues orders at the direction of the justices.
• Provides legal guidance to clerk's office team members, Appeals Court personnel in other departments, and trial court staff.
• Provides courteous and expert customer service to court users, including attorneys and self-represented litigants.
• Schedules hearings, notifies counsel, and attends sessions of the court as required.
• Maintains the docket of all materials submitted to the court.
• Prepares, accepts, and preserves all files.
• Reviews filings for compliance with the court rules and orders.
• Maintains the index of all cases entered.
• Accepts and records all fees and other monies received.
• Supervises clerk's office team members.
• Represents the clerk's office on various committees, in continuing legal education programs, and other public events and duties.
• Affords assistance in the development, preparation and review of informational handouts and materials included on the court's public website for the purpose of guiding lawyers and self-represented litigants through the appellate process and keeping the public informed of the latest rule changes and orders.

Job Competencies

• Communication: Clearly conveys information and complex ideas, in both oral and written form, in an engaging manner that promotes mutual understanding and also permits response and feedback.
• Critical Thinking/Analytical Skills: Collects, organizes and reviews available data and applies correct legal standards and concepts to come to a reasoned, logical, and appropriate conclusion and recommendation under pressure and within the allotted time.
• Professional Knowledge: Possesses and develops knowledge base and understanding of current legal issues, all aspects of the Massachusetts court system, and civil and criminal law and related appellate practice and procedure; and is proficient in the use of electronic legal research and electronic document management.
• Customer Service: Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner toward co-workers, counsel, and the public, and commits to continuous improvement of such services.
• Adaptability: Understands the need to occasionally alter one’s duties to appropriately address changing court conditions at any moment.
• Collaboration/Teamwork: Effectively works toward common goals of the organization by supporting, encouraging, and sharing information with colleagues.
• Integrity: Acts ethically and honestly in all interactions, maintains confidentiality, and builds professional relationships by promoting mutual trust.

Minimum Requirements

• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice before the Courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a member of the Massachusetts Bar in good standing.
• At least seven (7) years' experience as a practicing attorney, preferably at the appellate level, and preferably in Massachusetts; or equivalent experience in the Massachusetts judicial system.
• Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related software including Microsoft Office, Adobe, electronic filing system, and case and document management systems.
• Commitment to high standards of work product and attention to detail.
• Ability to establish work priorities, take initiative, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependability and appreciation for the importance of being on time and prepared to work.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.