Overview
POSITION SUMMARY
Under varying levels of supervision, incumbents assigned to the Court Clerk series receive, examine, prepare and process a variety of legal documents in support of court operations, and perform related duties as required. May attend court sessions to record and/or assist in proceedings; prepare official record of court proceedings; prepare and maintain related documents, and perform related duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES The following duties are typical of those performed by the incumbents in this class
- Receives and examines legal documents for accuracy, completeness and conformity to requirements; returns unacceptable documents; affixes seals and stamps to endorse, certify and file documents.
- Receives, reviews, processes, certifies and prepares required legal documents and records for court sessions.
- Prepares and maintains documents and exhibits; files legal documents and related case materials; retrieves and delivers files and documents to court or appropriate parties; maintains court records and files.
- Advises attorneys, agencies and the public on the status of cases in a professional and courteous manner; provides procedural information; answers inquiries and explains filing processes; explains fees and fines; assists individuals in locating material and information.
- Prepares documents in conformance with court orders, issues legal documents, such as warrants, writs, subpoenas, abstracts and other official documents on behalf of the court in accordance with policies and procedures; recalls warrants, exonerates bail, prepares judgments and dismisses or seals cases in accordance with established codes and court procedures.
- Attends court sessions and takes minutes of action and proceedings; requests clarifications of instructions and order of actions to properly note the official court record.
- Impanels and polls jurors, records challenges, administers oath or affirmations to witnesses and jurors and records jury service and compensation due to jurors.
- Jury Services
- Accepts fines and fees; maintains and updates financial records.
- Prepares court calendars and/or schedules cases for hearings, conferring with the appropriate individuals according to established procedures; distributes calendars and related case files for review.
- Performs a variety of office and court support work; prepares letters, correspondence, forms and other documents; maintains copies of documents; operates computers, maintains and updates files and databases; generates computer reports; performs word processing; operates office equipment; maintains and retrieves archived records.
- Perform clerical functions for mediation, self-help, and jury services.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of
- Establishment and maintenance of filing and information retrieval systems
- The operation of standard office equipment and personal computers including standard software applications
- Basic filing and financial record keeping systems
- Correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling
- Basic accounting practices
Ability to
- Interpret, explain and apply a variety of policies, rules, procedures, and regulations
- Read and understand statutes and instructions related to court proceedings
- Provide assistance and deal with concerns from the public, community organizations, and other agencies
- Make mathematical calculations necessary to carry out assigned functions
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others
- Learn to use a personal computer and software, including word processing, databases, and other job-related applications and systems
- Learn court policies, procedures, documents and terminology affecting assigned functions and follow instructions
- Maintain confidential information and use sound judgment in performing duties
- Handle high levels of pressure satisfactorily and be congenial with other employees, court professionals and the public
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
A high school diploma or its equivalent; one year of full-time, paid or volunteer clerical experience involving public contact, legal clerical or a closely related field, or a combination of education and work experience that provides the level of knowledge required of incumbents of this classification level.
Minimum Education and Experience