Court Services Clerk I

Superior Court of California; Hanford (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Superior Court of California is seeking an entry-level Court Services Clerk to perform a wide range of legal support duties under supervision. Tasks include processing and docketing documents, entering data into the case management system, handling cash receipts, and assisting with court calendars and minutes.

Two years of general clerical experience and a high school diploma or GED are required; college coursework in legal procedures may substitute for experience.

Qualifications

• Two years of general clerical experience required.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED; college work or legal office courses may substitute for experience.
• Legal clerical experience in court procedures is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Issues legal documents for small claims, civil, criminal and traffic cases.
• Enters, processes and dockets judgments.
• Enters legal documents into Register of Action for court proceedings.
• Reviews legal documents to determine acceptance.
• Reviews court cases and provides information by telephone, in person and in writing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

General clerical skills

Money handling

Recordkeeping

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Two years college/work in legal procedures

Tools

Case management software

Job description

This is the entry and journey level of the Court Services Clerk series. Incumbents perform a variety of legal support duties that do not require substantial courtroom work. Court Services Clerk I work under close supervision. Court Services Clerk II is the experienced level where work is performed with minimal supervision in a frame work of established procedures. Court Services Clerk I’s are expected to advance to the II level when the minimum qualifications for the higher class have been met and satisfactory performance has been demonstrated. This class is distinguished from the higher-level Court Services Clerk III in that the latter performs the more difficult work with more independence of action and a greater degree of discretion in the completion of tasks, and/or is responsible for leading, training and assigning the work of Court Services Clerks III.

• Issues legal documents for small claims, civil, criminal and traffic cases
• Enters, processes and dockets judgments
• Enters legal documents into Register of Action for court proceedings
• Reviews legal documents to determine acceptance
• Reviews court cases and provides information by telephone, in person and in writing
• Initiates court files on different case types
• Types a variety of legal documents and notices
• Certifies legal documents as necessary
• Accepts and receipts fines, fees, payments and cash bail
• Processes traffic citations
• Enters data into the case management system
• Prepares calendar in preparation of court hearings
• Prepares preliminary information for court minutes
• Routes legal documents to appropriate agencies, individuals and County departments
• Enters case dispositions and reports convictions as appropriate
• Orders and processes jury lists
• Prepares bank deposits
• Maintains accounts receivable and/or trust accounts
• May receive and store exhibits and subpoenas
• May process appeals to permit higher court review
• May receive and case initiate juvenile filings
• May perform courtroom duties including case docketing
• Receives and processes cash or bail bonds
• Receives, opens and distributes mail
• Receives and file stamps legal forms, correspondence, and other documents
• Orders and maintains supplies
• Conducts destruction of records on eligible case files
• Files counter arraignments
• May notify judicial council of judge disqualifications
• May assist in training new staff

Reasonable accommodation will be made, when requested, and as determined by the Court Executive Officer to be appropriate under applicable law. Essential duties may vary as directed by the Court Executive Officer or designee.

Education

Possession of High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Experience

Two years of general clerical experience. Two years of college work or 60 semester units in legal office procedures and terminology may be substituted for one (1) of the required years of experience. Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities as determined by the Court Executive Officer.

Desirable Qualification:

Legal clerical experience involving knowledge of general court procedure preferred.

Knowledge

• General office techniques and methods including filing, keyboarding, and recordkeeping
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Basic principles and practices of effective customer service

Ability

• Learn a full range of processes and procedures related to the processing of legal documents in a court setting
• Write quickly and legibly
• Follow oral and written directions
• Exhibit good mental retention of information
• Learn to operate case management software to inquire, enter and update court case data
• Exhibit precise attention to detail while performing a variety of tasks
• Operate a variety of office equipment including computer equipment and 10 key
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Count money and make change
• Exercise sound judgment
• Make basic mathematical computations
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Follow safe work practices as directed and trained