Assistant Clerk - Superior Court

Company: Massachusetts court system
Location: Fall River
Posted on: January 11, 2022

Job Description:

In compliance with the Trial Court's Mandatory Vaccine Reporting and Weekly Testing Policy, hired candidates must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to the Trial Court's Human Resources Department prior to their start date or agree to submit to weekly testing as a condition of employment.

TRIAL COURT MISSION

The Trial Court is committed to:

* Fair and impartial administration of justice;
* Protection of constitutional and statutory rights and liberties;
* Equal access to justice for all in a safe and dignified environment with policies and practices that strengthen and support diversity, equity, and inclusion;
* Efficient, effective, and accountable resolution of disputes;
* Prompt and courteous service to the public by committed and dedicated professionals utilizing best practices in a manner that inspires public trust and confidence.

The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military or veteran status, physical/mental disability; or genetic information. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or have any questions or concerns about being afforded fair and equal treatment, please contact the HR Benefits Team at reasonableaccommodation@jud.state.ma.us.

Assistant Clerk - Superior Court

* 493717
* Fall River, Massachusetts, United States
* New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States
* Taunton, Massachusetts, United States
* Superior Court Dept
* Legal/Attorney
* Managerial
* Full-time
* Closing at: Jan 18 2022 at 23:55 EST

Title: Assistant Clerk - Superior Court

Pay Grade: Asst. Clerk

Starting Pay: $ 119,414.79

Departmental Mission Statement: The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high-quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law.

Superior Court Organization Profile

Notes: This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

The successful applicant will need to travel between Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton sessions as per business needs.

Position Summary: This position involves responsible legal work and supervisory responsibilities.

The employees in this position assist the Clerk of Court in performing administrative duties as set forth in state statutes and court rules. Administrative responsibilities include the preparation and maintenance of all court papers and records and the performance of administrative tasks to ensure that cases move rapidly and smoothly to a determination by the court. Work is performed under the direction of the Clerk or First Assistant Clerk. Supervision is exercised over support personnel within the Clerk-Magistrate's Office.

Duties: (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed below nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in these positions.)

* Assists judge with general management and operation of session and provides continuity on case management.
* Responsible for calendaring and regulating movement of cases pursuant to time standards and relevant tracking orders.
* Maintains docket record of events and schedules on automated case management system.
* Schedules and attends hearings, conferences, and trials and notifies counsel and others.
* Records and maintains complete and accurate minutes of all orders, judgments, or directions of the court.
* Assists judge with empanelment of jurors, the trial, and the taking and affirmation of verdict.
* Administers oaths as required.
* Marks, receives, and appropriately maintains exhibits in jury and jury waived proceedings.
* Assists judge with conducting telephone and video conferences.
* Prepares judgments and other orders at direction of judge.
* Responds to attorney and pro se inquiries regarding scheduling and other matters.
* Maintains, prepares, and organizes case files.
* Organizes and collects papers and files for motion hearings and other conferences.
* Monitors and maintains electronic recordation of court proceedings as required.
* Receives and examines all papers, exhibits, briefs and transcripts from court-related matters to establish suitability for initial filing including compliance with rules of court.
* Provides assistance at the counter, including answering questions from the public and from attorneys on court procedure.
* Assembles, certifies, and transmits copies of records when properly requested by other courts and parties.
* Issues process as required by the court.
* Accepts and records all fees, bail, and other monies received.
* Attends hearings held outside the courtroom (e.g., in hospitals when medical authorities seek the court's permission to perform necessary medical procedures).
* Exercise's supervision over support personnel in the Clerk's Office as appropriate.
* Participates in educational seminars and programs.
* Receives documents such as letters or pro se petitions from prisoners, communicates with them at the direction of the court and draws orders appointing counsel at the direction of the court.
* Performs related work as required.

Job Competencies: Thorough knowledge of state statutes, case law and court rules which prescribe the powers and duties of the Clerk-Magistrate and ability to interpret and apply them to the administrative procedures of the office.

* Thorough knowledge of court procedure, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the court.
* Thorough knowledge of the organization, functions, jurisdiction and authority of the court.
* Knowledge of and ability to use computer software such as MS Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and PowerPoint.
* Ability to maintain complex and accurate court records.
* Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
* Good communication skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with court officials, attorneys, subordinate employees, government agencies and the general public.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Assistant Clerk.

For Internal Trial Court Employee Applicants:

* A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 6 or more years of relevant work experience, including supervisory and/or courtroom experience, within a Trial Court Division (Clerk's Office, Probation Office, Judge's Lobby) or an equivalent office.
* OR A law degree and admission to the practice of law in Massachusetts or a graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (such as criminal justice, public administration, or business administration); and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 2 or more years of relevant work experience, including supervisory and/or courtroom experience, within a Trial Court Division (Clerk's Office, Probation Office, Judge's Lobby) or an equivalent office.
* OR Internal candidates who are employed by the Trial Court as of July 1, 2012, may substitute knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 10 or more years of relevant work experience, including supervisory and/or courtroom experience, within a Trial Court Division (Clerk's Office, Probation Office, Judge's Lobby) or an equivalent office for the education requirement as described above.

For External Applicants:

* A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (such as criminal justice, public administration, or business administration); and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 6 or more years of relevant work experience.
* OR A law degree and admission to the practice of law in Massachusetts or a graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (such as criminal justice, public administration, or business administration); and knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through 2 or more years of relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Practicing Attorney in good standing with Bar

Keywords: Massachusetts court system, Fall River , Assistant Clerk - Superior Court, Other , Fall River, Massachusetts