Court Forms & Access Officer - Office of Judicial Administration

Kansas Office of Judicial Administration; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 87,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work available

Job summary

The Kansas Office of Judicial Administration seeks a Court Forms & Access Officer to lead the evolution of statewide court forms, self-help publications, and digital content, using plain language standards and user-centered design. This role partners with judges, court staff, and legal aid partners to ensure accessibility, implements document automation, and manages vendor relationships.

Remote work is available for qualified candidates, with reporting to the Topeka office.

Qualifications

• Minimum: Juris Doctor (J.D.) or other relevant advanced degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in court administration, legal technology, legal services, or related field.
• Familiarity with Kansas statutes, court rules, and policies.

Responsibilities

• Plain-language strategy & legal design across statewide forms and materials.
• Oversee end-to-end lifecycle of statewide court forms and public-facing materials.
• Facilitate multi-tiered review with drafting, user testing, and updates.
• Ensure accessibility and plain-language standards (WCAG/ADA) across resources.

Skills

Plain language drafting

Legal design

User experience testing

Document automation

Digital accessibility compliance

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent

Job description

Position number: K0245943

Location of Employment: Kansas Judicial Center, Topeka, KS

Department: Access to Justice Initiatives

Position Title and Salary: Court Forms & Access Officer, grade 51, $ 87,326.06 annually

$89,431.04 at successful completion of 6 months

$96,238.87 at successful completion of 1 year

Kansas Judicial Branch Benefits State Employment Center - Benefits (ks.gov)

Remote work is available for qualified candidates. The selected candidate must be able to report to the Topeka office with notice.

About The Role

We are seeking a visionary and detail-oriented Court Forms & Access Officer to lead the evolution of our statewide court forms, self-help publications, and digital legal content. In this role, you will bridge the gap between complex legal processes and public understanding by leveraging plain language standards, user-led design, and modern document automation technology.

If you thrive at the intersection of legal research, project management, and public impact, this is your opportunity to shape a more equitable court system.

Key Responsibilities

• Plain-Language Strategy & Legal Design
• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of statewide court forms and public-facing legal materials
• Facilitate a multi-tiered review framework, incorporating collaborative drafting, user testing, and continuous improvement of forms.
• Partner with operational teams to ensure court forms, publications, and digital resources adhere to digital accessibility (WCAG/ADA) and plain-language standards
• Technology & Innovation
• Aid in the implementation of document automation and digital workflow solutions that streamline court filings and simplify procedures for self-represented litigants
• Track form changes to ensure timely systemwide updates
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
• Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with judges, court clerks, legal aid partners, and advisory committees to build consensus around standardized forms and policies
• Serve as a primary subject-matter expert and consultant for judicial officers, staff, and court self-help centers
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and external partnerships supporting publication and access to justice initiatives
• Research, Policy & Capacity Building
• Conduct legal analysis on statutory and rule changes affecting form development
• Draft, edit, and review rules, policy manuals, user guides, and operational guidelines
• Design and facilitate training programs for judges, court managers, and court staff on updated forms and access-based best practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum Requirements:
• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.), or other relevant advanced degree from an accredited institution
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in court administration, legal technology, legal services, or a related field
• Knowledge: Familiarity with Kansas statutes, court rules, and policies.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• 2+ years of direct legal practice, judicial clerkship, or legal research experience
• Demonstrated expertise in plain language drafting, legal document design, or user experience testing
• Familiarity with document automation platforms and digital accessibility compliance
• Experience supporting or working within legal self-help centers or public-interest legal initiatives
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams toward shared goals

Applications will be accepted until: Open until filled.

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for an accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with the Judicial Branch. If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact [e-mail] or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800-766-3777 or 711.

THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER