Job Details

Courtroom Clerk

Under general direction, provides courtroom support for judicial officers. Pulls and prepares files for daily court calendars; attends court sessions and prepares and records minutes of actions and proceedings; enters court minutes into case management system; participates in court proceedings; explains policies and procedures of the court to attorneys and the general public; and performs related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics The Courtroom Clerk is assigned to provide courtroom support for a Judicial Officer. Incumbents perform difficult and highly technical clerical work with a minimum amount of supervision and work independently within established policies, procedures, and guidelines. Incumbents must be able to adapt to frequently changing policies, procedures, and assignments that affect specific deadline, time limitations and other situations requiring speed, sustained attention and accuracy. They are held accountable for the accurate recording of court proceedings which may include sensitive and confidential material or information, as well as the distribution of court generated documents.

Typical Duties Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Attends court sessions; records 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; reads charges, complaints, and indictments to defendants in court and records pleas; administers oaths or affirmations to witnesses and jurors; records juror attendance; reads jury verdicts; receives, marks, records, and assumes custody of exhibits.
• Advises attorneys and the court of condition of the court calendar and notifies them of hearing dates; sends notices of hearing dates to appropriate agencies.
• 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 presented to the court for proper format and content prior to review by 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 in order to assist the preparation of judicial reports, minutes and in answering questions related to court procedures; reviews files for completeness; may check legal points and authorities to assist the court in preparing decisions.
• Assists in training staff for courtroom work.

Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be the equivalent of:

Education and Experience: Equivalent to graduation from high school and two years of responsible legal support experience which provided familiarity with a wide variety of legal documents; or One year of Clerk's Office or Courtroom Clerk experience within the California State Court System.

Other Requirements: A valid Class C California driver's license may be required to be eligible for consideration for certain assignments.

Knowledge and Abilities Thorough knowledge of legal forms, documents, and terminology; the 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; of the record and computer systems of the Courts. 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. Learn new computer applications including, but not limited to, electronic recording. Listen carefully to note pertinent information for court records. Understand and interpret written materials and oral directions, including the ability to read a file and identify the flow and status of the case. 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, and 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.