Courtroom Clerk

About the role

The Courtroom Clerk supports judicial officers in the courtroom, ensuring smooth operations and accurate documentation. This role involves attending court sessions, recording proceedings, and assisting with various administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Attends court sessions and prepares minutes of actions and proceedings.
• Requests clarification of instructions and order of actions to properly note the official court record.
• Participates in court proceedings, reading charges, complaints, and indictments to defendants, administering oaths or affirmations, and recording juror attendance.
• Notifies interpreters, counsel, investigators, psychiatrists, and other professionals when appointed by the court.
• Prepares orders, legal notices, judgments, court decisions, and other legal documents.
• Examines legal documents for proper format and content before review by the judge and for official filing.
• Accepts and receipts jury and reporter fees.
• Assists attorneys, court staff, and the public in person, by phone, or through correspondence; provides procedural and other information regarding status of legal cases; answers inquiries and explains court and legal filing procedures, processes, forms, fees, fines, and basic rules of court.
• Enters and retrieves data from the computer relating to in-custody lists, case status, calendaring, disposition, judgments, and other relevant information.
• Researches various codes and rules such as Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedures, Evidence Code, Probate Code, Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Vehicle Code, Government Code, California Rules of Court and local rules to assist in preparing judicial reports, minutes, and answering questions related to court procedures.
• Assists in training staff for courtroom work.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Two years of responsible legal support experience or one year of Clerk’s Office or Courtroom Clerk experience within the California State Court System. Must have a valid Class C California driver's license.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of legal forms, documents, and terminology; operation, procedures, and jurisdiction of the courts.
• Considerable knowledge of the Rules of Court and court related sections of the Civil Code, Code of Civil Procedures, Evidence Code, Probate Code, Penal Code, Health and Safety Code, Vehicle Code, and Government Code.
• Working knowledge of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, and basic arithmetic; modern office practices, procedures, and office equipment.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in formal courtroom settings; record, prepare and maintain court proceedings quickly and accurately; listen carefully to note pertinent information for court records; understand and interpret written materials and oral directions; explain laws, procedures, and policies involved in processing court cases; speak to/address large groups effectively under pressure and in varied work situations; locate, identify and correct technical inaccuracies; work independently in performing assignments and in resolving problems and deviations; work as a relief clerk rotating between courtrooms and branches; use independent initiative and discretion in organizing work and carrying out instructions within a structured environment; remain calm in a highly demanding environment; operate a variety of office equipment; establish and maintain a professional working relationship and open communication between self, supervisor, manager, judges, attorneys, the general public, and other court employees; work flexible hours and maintain confidentiality.

  Skills

  Strong communication skills; ability to explain complex concepts to unfamiliar audiences; proficiency in using legal forms and terminology; knowledge of court procedures and rules; ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

  Benefits

  N/A

  Pay

  N/A

  Schedule

  N/A