Court Clerk I

Superior Court of California, County of Butte; Chico, Oroville (CA, CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Superior Court of California, County of Butte is seeking a Court Clerk I based in Chico, CA. As an entry-level position, the role involves participating in a thorough training program aimed at developing the skills necessary to assist as a Deputy Court Clerk. Responsibilities include reviewing legal documents, handling court fees, and providing information to the public. Applicants should have clerical experience and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. A background check is required, and an Associate's degree may substitute for some experience.

Qualifications

• Two years of clerical experience involving public contact.
• Successful completion of a program of Paralegal Studies or an Associate of Arts Degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Responsibilities

• Receives and examines legal documents for completeness.
• Processes fees and fines; maintains court files and archives.
• Provides information regarding court policies and procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Legal terminology

Education

Two years of clerical experience

Paralegal Studies or Associate of Arts Degree

Tools

Word processing software

Database software

Office equipment

Job description

Court Clerk I

Application Deadline: May 22, 2026 - 11:59 PM

The Position

The entry‑level, trainee classification of the Court Clerk series. Incumbents participate in a comprehensive training program to gain the knowledge and abilities necessary to serve as a Deputy Court Clerk. Incumbents are trained to work with applicable legal forms and documents and learn the necessary and appropriate legal terminology and procedures of the division to which they are assigned. In addition, incumbents are expected to successfully complete a non‑case specific court orientation and training program which may include, but is not limited to: ethics for court employees, verbal and written communication skills, customer service, change management, teamwork dynamics and community access and diversity. Incumbents will be required to successfully complete the training program prior to receiving permanent employee status.

Duties

• Receives and examines legal documents for completeness and conformity to requirements; processes acceptable documents according to established procedures; returns unacceptable documents; maintains court files and archives; retrieves and delivers files and documents to appropriate parties;
• Determines, accepts and records fees, fines, forfeitures, and bails; makes appropriate notations in electronic accounting system; balances cash drawers;
• Provides information regarding court policies and procedures; answers inquiries pertaining to court records and provides assistance to the public in accessing court services and programs;
• Verifies, enters, retrieves, corrects and updates information in the court's automated case management system;
• Assigns matters to proper division of the court; calendars court proceedings, prepares, distributes and posts court calendars;
• Prepares notices and types forms, documents, reports and correspondence; processes mail for proper disposition; copies legal documents; and
• As directed, prepares and issues legal orders such as warrants, writs, orders, subpoenas, abstracts and other official documents on behalf of the court; recalls warrants, exonerates bail; prepares judgments and dismisses or seals cases in accordance with established codes and court procedures.

Knowledge of

• Modern office equipment including typewriters, fax machines and photocopiers;
• Desktop computers and software applications including word processing and databases;
• Proper maintenance of records, preparing correspondence and reports; filing, indexing, and cross‑referencing methods;
• Tabulating and posting data and basic mathematical computations;
• Principles of English grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• Methods and practices of legal offices, basic legal terminology and documents; and
• Basic public contact and customer service techniques.

Ability to

• Type accurately and enter data into a computer system from clear copy and rough notes at a speed sufficient to perform assigned duties; operate a variety of office equipment including personal computers;
• Review documents for accuracy, completeness and conformity with legal requirements; learn relevant legal terminology; be accurate and pay close attention to detail; maintain complex records; follow standardized procedures; and
• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing; understand and follow through with written and verbal instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with judicial officers, attorneys, fellow employees and the general public.

Experience & Education

Two years of clerical experience involving public contact. Successful completion of a program of Paralegal Studies or an Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited college or university in legal, legal clerical, or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the experience.

Criminal History Requirement

Candidates are required to pass a criminal history background check.

License Requirement

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required or the ability to provide alternate transportation that meets job requirements.

Physical Requirements

Personal mobility to work in various office settings, locations and in confined work spaces; manual dexterity to use computers and standard office equipment; ability to lift and carry items occasionally weighing up to twenty‑five (25) pounds; pushing objects weighing up to two hundred (200) pounds and pulling objects weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds; physical ability to sit for extended periods of time; stoop, reach overhead, bend, crawl, climb stairs and occasionally climb ladders to access equipment; vision and hearing sufficient for communication by telephone and in person.

Work Environment

Incumbents will perform work inside buildings, in an office environment and in a controlled environmental facility, with little exposure to outdoor temperatures, dirt, or dust. The working conditions are typically quiet but may be loud at times. The noise level and traffic level are similar to a busy office. This role requires heavy use of a computer or laptop, including keyboard and mouse, and routine use of other standard office equipment. Travel to visit other branches and attend professional meetings and trainings may be required on a frequent basis. Normal court business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position may require working beyond normal business hours or on the weekend. Alternate work shifts may occur.

Disclaimer

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an incumbent assigned to this job classification. It is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of incumbents so classified.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be available to a qualified individual with a disability which will enable them to perform the essential functions of the classification.