Judge's Clerk

CITY OF MISSOULA; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-Competitive Salary

Remote work opportunities

Generous leave and retirement benefits

Job summary

CITY OF MISSOULA invites applications for a Judge’s Clerk, offering pivotal courtroom support, case management, and public-facing duties. This role ensures accurate records, timely documents, and efficient court operations.

The position combines technology use, calendar coordination, and collaboration with attorneys and law enforcement to maintain professionalism and integrity in public service.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of criminal justice system operations, court records, warrants, subpoenas, and court orders.
• Ability to manage payments and accounts payable.
• Proficiency with various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

• Provide admin support to judges for court sessions using courtroom tech and digital recording; manage minutes and data entry.
• Assist the public, staff, judges, and agencies with case information via phone, email, and in person.
• Coordinate court calendars and relay hearing dates with detention facility for hearings, commitments, and releases.
• Maintain up-to-date paper and electronic filing systems; ensure files are accessible and properly ordered.
• Draft and issue orders, warrants, and other court documents; monitor databases and generate reports.
• Process motions and orders in the e-filing system; support training of staff and pro tempore judges.

Skills

Criminal justice knowledge

Org. & time management

MS 365 proficiency

Communication skills

Confidential information handling

Education

Two years legal support experience

Tools

Court filing systems

Job description

Overview

Are you organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about public service? Join the Missoula Municipal Court as a Judge’s Clerk, where your work will play an essential role in supporting the judges, serving the public, and helping ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the court. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the administration of justice while working in a professional, collaborative environment where accuracy, integrity, and exceptional customer service make a meaningful difference in the community. As a Judge’s Clerk, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and varied role that combines courtroom support, case management, technology, and communication with the public, attorneys, law enforcement, and community partners. From coordinating court proceedings and maintaining accurate records to preparing legal documents and supporting judges in the courtroom, you’ll help keep court operations organized, responsive, and running smoothly. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, value teamwork, and take pride in work that serves your community, we invite you to apply.

Priority screening of applications will begin on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. It is in your best interest to apply before this date. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received.

Starting Pay

New hires start within our entry‑to‑market range, depending on experience and qualifications. The starting range for the position is $24.48 - $26.90/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.

Full Pay Range

Each position also has a full wage range that reflects potential growth over time, including annual increases for longevity and cost‑of‑living. The full range for the position is $24.48 - $28.52/hour.

Essential Functions

• Provide administrative support to judges for court sessions utilizing integrated courtroom technology, including setup and retention of digital recording of proceedings, minutes, and data entry; maintain up to date court sessions and distribute minutes, orders, and other documents to all parties associated with cases.
• Assist the public, court staff, judges, and other agencies via telephone, email, and in person with information regarding cases.
• Collaborate with attorneys, program providers, and other outside agencies to ensure court sessions are organized, efficient, and seamless.
• Maintain court departmental calendars; schedule and distribute trial, and hearing dates, including communicating with Missoula County Detention Facility regarding hearings, commitments, and releases.
• Organize and maintain up to date paper and electronic filing systems; verify all files are available, accessible, and in proper order.
• Ensure quality assurance of court documents, processes, and database updates.
• Navigate courtroom activities and provide information to the judges during court appearances and arraignments.
• Prepare and distribute orders of release, judgment orders, referrals, jail commitments/releases, driver license suspensions/reinstatements, public defender appointments, and other documents as directed by the judges.
• Maintain issued warrants; enter warrants into the database; track warrants; generate daily warrant reports; develop and maintain instructions on warrant entry and cancellation.
• Review and draft orders for Petitions to Revoke.
• Prepare and draft sentencing orders by interpreting plea offers filed in the e‑filing system.
• Process, route, and distribute motions, orders, and other documents in the e‑filing system through the court databases.
• Assist with training staff and pro tempore judges in court standard operating procedures, electronic court databases, e‑filing systems, etc.
• Prepare invoices for jurors and pro tempore judges.
• Maintain juror panel documents, questionnaires, mailing lists and databases; distribute jury documents to the appropriate parties; coordinate parking passes, etc.
• Communicate with prospective jurors regarding upcoming jury trial summons.
• Monitor the storage of evidence, disks, and tapes.
• Process audio record requests from attorneys and the public.
• Assist with Settlement Master and Court Clerk duties, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of general criminal justice system operations, including court records, case files, warrants, subpoenas, and court orders.
• Knowledge of organizational rules and procedures relating to payment handling, and accounts payable.
• Skill in utilizing various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, and the ability to learn job‑specific applications and equipment.
• Skill in organization, time management and prioritizing with the proven ability to have keen attention to detail and accuracy in performing work with adherence to strict deadlines.
• Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Ability to learn various coding systems and macros capabilities.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge, developments, and trends related to specific areas of focus and/or assigned projects.
• Ability to maintain and foster a culture of professionalism, adhere to departmental and City standards and specifications, and support a positive team environment.
• Ability to maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
• Ability to learn City and departmental policies, procedures, and practices.

Qualifications And Additional Application Materials

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years legal support experience, or another relevant field.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background investigation.

The City of Missoula does not sponsor employment visas (e.g., F-1, H-1B, TM). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis at the time of application.

This summary outlines the benefit programs; actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

Benefits

• Market-Competitive Salary
• Work/life balance, including the possibility of flexible schedules and remote work opportunities
• $0 premium for health and dental coverage for employees and affordable premiums for family coverage
• $10,000 Employer-sponsored Accidental Death and Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy
• Options for supplemental life, disability, critical illness, and accident
• Constitutionally guaranteed retirement plan with the City contributing 8.77% of salary on your behalf and the ability to contribute to a supplemental deferred compensation program
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts
• The City of Missoula may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Look here to learn more and understand whether you may be eligible.

Additional Benefits Package Information Is Available Here.