Courtroom Clerk

About the role

The Court Definition: Under direction is responsible for preparing and processing legal documents and official records of Court proceedings in civil, criminal, family law, probate, juvenile, and small claims cases; exercises initiative and independent judgment in recording courtroom activities; provides technical and often confidential office support to the judge to which assigned, and performs related work as required.

Responsibilities

• Attends court sessions, takes notes regarding proceedings; prepares minute orders and other court documents;
• Prepares or answers correspondence related to court procedures and disposition of cases;
• Prepares and issues bench warrants;
• Maintains records and control of evidence;
• Maintains records of hearing dates and continuances; consults with attorneys and the court regarding changes in court calendar dates; calendars cases from one session to another;
• Impanels juries, maintains records of challenges, administers oaths or affirmations to witnesses and jurors; records jury service;
• Affords assessments of fees due, maintains accounts receivable records and collects jury fees and court reporter fees;
• Reviews written orders from attorneys for proper format and content prior to their presentation for judge's signature;
• Enters specified information and summaries of proceedings into various automated systems, utilizing a variety of criminal, civil and related database and word processing formats;
• Provides technical support to the assigned judge; acts as liaison with attorneys and representatives of Marin County departments and agencies; maintains calendars, prepares correspondence and performs a variety of office administrative support work;
• Works closely and coordinates activities with court processing specialists and other support personnel to ensure effective court operations;
• Maintains court case records and supportive documentation for judges; receives, marks, maintains records and assumes custody of evidence and exhibits;
• Notifies parties of court matters; prepares written notice to attorneys and others regarding hearing dates, filing dates, court rulings, and decisions;
• Provides for court interpreters as required; maintains records of medical examiners and expert witnesses; arranges for payment of fees;
• Prepares and sends abstracts to the Department of Motor Vehicles; prepares State Prison abstracts;
• Aids in the training of court staff that provide courtroom support work.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Equivalent to graduation from high school and two years of responsible legal, court or judicial office support experience, which provided familiarity with a wide variety of legal documents.