Courtroom Clerk

About the Role

The Courtroom Clerk performs experienced clerical work within the courtroom, including assisting the judges and magistrates with the docket, managing CourtSmart recording system, administering oaths, preparing paperwork for signatures, and entering the Judge's findings in the court's case management system for Montgomery County Circuit Court. Performs other duties as needed to support the court's goals and aid in the improvement and success of the court.

Responsibilities

• Prepares for court by ensuring dockets are in order and necessary forms are available; takes simultaneous notes of court proceedings across all case types to include civil, criminal, family, juvenile, paternity, and District Court appeals.
• Manages the courtroom recording system for proper operation.
• Assists with the management and efficiency of the jury process to include roll call of jurors, tracking of excused jurors, communicating with the jury office, swearing in the jury and taking the verdict.
• Provides administrative assistance to Judges and Magistrates, as appropriate.
• Assists with other clerical functions when not assigned to the courtroom.
• Enters all case information into the Court's Case management system, to include, but not limited to case dispositions and rulings.
• Prioritizes time sensitive matters and completes courtroom work within appropriate time standards.
• Documents and preserves all exhibits identified and admitted during hearings and trials in accordance with the chain of custody.
• Scans exhibits and documents accurately. Complete peer review exhibits to ensure accuracy and proper case security.
• Administers oaths clearly to jurors, witnesses, and interpreters; takes notes and generates necessary paperwork in accordance with the rulings of the courts.
• Communicates with various departments within the courthouse and outside agencies to ensure the accuracy of all case information.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School diploma (or GED equivalent).

Experience: Two (2) years of work experience, to include one (1) year in court operations or in the fields of criminal justice, parole and probation, legal, or financial services.

Note: A Bachelor's Degree may substitute the required work experience. A Paralegal/Associates Degree or 60 college credits may substitute the required work experience. A Paralegal Certificate may substitute the required work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of court forms, practices, procedures, protocols, systems, and equipment required to support the specialized work of the assigned unit(s).
• Legal terminology and court procedures.
• Judicial policies, procedures, and forms.
• Basic English and arithmetic to include, but not limited to, spelling, punctuation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Skill in operation of recording equipment, computer terminals, and related software.
• Typing on a personal computer.
• Managing priorities to meet critical deadlines while multitasking.
• Ability to acquire knowledge of Maryland Judiciary procedures, rules, practices, regulations, and jurisdictional courts.
• Make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and Judiciary policies and procedures.
• Apply job-related terminology, policies, procedures, regulations, and laws to define problems, collect data, establish facts, record data, appropriately complete forms, and provide information to customers.
• Communicate clearly, tactfully, and effectively with judges, the public, police agencies, attorneys, and other court officials and personnel, both verbally and in writing.
• Follow procedures, verbal and written instructions, and protocols for any given assignment.
• Multitask, adjust to situations quickly, set priorities, and handle pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Work within time constraints, meet fixed deadlines, and demonstrate good organizational skills.
• Handle sensitive or difficult situations requiring discretion and confidentiality.
• Understand and carry out complex verbal and written instructions.
• Pay attention to detail.
• Exercise tact, diplomacy, and impartiality in dealing with the public, law enforcement personnel, and attorneys.
• Use and maintain alphabetical and numerical filing systems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, superiors, and/or the general public.
• Use a strong, clear voice when administering oaths, taking roll calls, calling the docket, and receiving the verdict in jury trials.
• Perform Courtroom Clerk duties for multiple case types.

Benefits

The Maryland Judiciary offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans.

Pay & Schedule

Salary: $58,398

Schedule: Full Time

Location: Montgomery County Circuit Court, 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850

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