Clerk's Judicial Proceedings Specialist

County of Thurston; Tumwater (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Thurston's Thurston County Clerk’s Office is seeking a Judicial Proceedings Specialist to join our team. This role blends customer service with technical legal support, courtroom administration, and records management to ensure accurate and confidential court records.

The ideal candidate will have an associate degree in a related field, at least four years in a legal or judicial setting, and strong computer and typing skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in a court, legal, or judicial environment.
• Experience reviewing legal documents and applying statutes, court rules, and legal procedures.
• Proficiency in computer applications, case management systems, document imaging, and electronic records management.
• Ability to type at least 60 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and detailed information regarding court procedures, legal processes, statutory requirements, and case management.
• Explain legal procedures and filing requirements while ensuring compliance with applicable statutes and court rules.
• Verify, receipt, and process legal financial obligations, court fines, fees, bail, judgments, and penalty assessments and ensure all financial transactions comply with established court procedures.
• Coordinates jury trials: manages, identifies and marks exhibits, identifies and verifies juror presence, maintains jury panel and seating list, administers oath, prepares/maintains witness record, and distributes jury instructions.On-call duty for immediate notification of jury questions or verdict and notification of appropriate personnel.
• Interprets, summarizes and reports decisions of Judicial Officer maintaining accurate record of proceedings and trial court time.Monitors case disposition for compliance with court orders.
• Reviews petitions, applications, affidavits, oaths and court orders prior to issuance of writs, subpoenas, letters testamentary and arrest warrants verifying the accuracy and completeness of legal documents. Identifies inconsistency with statutes and provides technical information for compliance. May restrict access as ordered by the court or mandated by statute.
• Manages complex system for clerk's dismissals, exhibit tracking, administrative law review cases (receipt and return) and dismissal and remand of lower court appeals. Prepares dismissal calendar and pleadings, notifies all parties and responds to inquiries.
• Analyzes and completes judicial process for notices of appeal and discretionary reviews to Court of Appeals/Supreme Court. Maintains system to ensure compliance with strict timelines. Prioritizes work accordingly to prevent liability to the County.

Skills

Customer service

Typing 60 wpm

Legal procedures knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

Case management systems

Document imaging

Electronic records management

Job description

Thurston County Clerk’s Office is seeking a professional, motivated, and dependable candidate for the position of Judicial Proceedings Specialist to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity for those with excellent customer service experience seeking to begin their career in the court system, work in a great environment, and receive excellent benefits.

Serves as a technical legal and courtroom specialist for the County Clerk's Office by providing customer service, legal process support, courtroom administration, records management, and judicial proceedings support. Ensures the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of court records while maintaining permanent records of judicial proceedings. Reviews legal documents for compliance with statutes, court rules, and judicial orders; coordinates courtroom operations and jury trials; manages case processing from filing through appeal; and provides technical assistance to judicial officers, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, governmental organizations, and the public. Performs a variety of specialized legal and administrative duties in support of the judicial system.

This class specification reflects the general concept and intent of the classification and should not be construed as a detailed statement of all the work requirements that may be inherent in a position.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide technical assistance and detailed information regarding court procedures, legal processes, statutory requirements, and case management.
• Explain legal procedures and filing requirements while ensuring compliance with applicable statutes and court rules.
• Verify, receipt, and process legal financial obligations, court fines, fees, bail, judgments, and penalty assessments and ensure all financial transactions comply with established court procedures.
• Coordinates jury trials: manages, identifies and marks exhibits, identifies and verifies juror presence, maintains jury panel and seating list, administers oath, prepares/maintains witness record, and distributes jury instructions.On-call duty for immediate notification of jury questions or verdict and notification of appropriate personnel.
• Interprets, summarizes and reports decisions of Judicial Officer maintaining accurate record of proceedings and trial court time.Monitors case disposition for compliance with court orders.
• Reviews petitions, applications, affidavits, oaths and court orders prior to issuance of writs, subpoenas, letters testamentary and arrest warrants verifying the accuracy and completeness of legal documents. Identifies inconsistency with statutes and provides technical information for compliance. May restrict access as ordered by the court or mandated by statute.
• Manages complex system for clerk's dismissals, exhibit tracking, administrative law review cases (receipt and return) and dismissal and remand of lower court appeals. Prepares dismissal calendar and pleadings, notifies all parties and responds to inquiries.
• Analyzes and completes judicial process for notices of appeal and discretionary reviews to Court of Appeals/Supreme Court. Maintains system to ensure compliance with strict timelines. Prioritizes work accordingly to prevent liability to the County.

To view the full job classification, click here: Clerk’s Judicial Proceedings Specialist

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment - Work is performed primarily in an office environment with lifting required on occasion. A physical hazard may occur from agitated defendants awaiting or during trials or hearings.
• Schedule – Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours.
• Travel Requirements - Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings or trainings.
• Customer Interactions - Daily interactions via in-person, phone, and video with Thurston County staff and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible legal or court experience.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in a court, legal, or judicial environment.
• Experience reviewing legal documents and applying statutes, court rules, and legal procedures.
• Proficiency in computer applications, case management systems, document imaging, and electronic records management.
• Ability to type at least 60 words per minute.

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Completion of an accredited Paralegal or Legal Assistant program.
• Experience supporting courtroom proceedings and jury trials.
• Knowledge of appellate court procedures.
• Passport Acceptance Agent certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Experience with statewide judicial information systems.
• Strong notetaking, shorthand, or speedwriting skills.

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact: Edison M Herron, Chief Deputy Clerk, 360-709-3270 or 360-786-5743, [e-mail]

This position is:

• Represented by a union
• Eligible for benefits
• Eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)