Judicial Assistant

Ottawa County; Grand Haven (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa County seeks a skilled administrative professional to support the Trial Division by managing calendars, drafting orders, and assisting judges, referees, litigants, and the public in accordance with Michigan Court Rules.

The role requires an Associate's degree with 1 year in court administration or related field. Certification as Electronic Operator and LEIN are required within one year. Bilingual Spanish is preferred and confidentiality is essential.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree plus 1 year of court administration, business, or legal secretarial experience.
• State of Michigan Certified Electronic Operator or obtain within 1 year of employment.
• LEIN Operator certification or obtain within 1 year of employment.
• Bi-lingual communication preferred, especially Spanish.
• Strong knowledge of Michigan Court Rules and confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain judges' calendars and dockets; assist with court policies for public and attorneys.
• Prepare/mail court documents, notices, and correspondence.
• Ensure timely case processing per Michigan Court Rules guidance.
• Review court orders for accuracy and compliance.
• Provide confidential administrative support for judges/refs and ADR processes.
• Receive/process motions, briefs, and exhibits for court.
• Assist with felony collection processes and court reporting as needed.

Skills

Confidentiality

Court rules

Typing speed

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Bilingual Spanish (preferred)

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Electronic Operator Certification

LEIN Certification

Job description

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Trial Division Director, this position works directly with the judges, referees and the public to provide judicial administrative support and schedule trials, pre- and post-trial hearings, including drafting orders and letters, in accordance with the Michigan Court Rules and court policies and procedures.

This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Ottawa County Court House located at 414 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Essential Job Functions

• Manages and maintains the judges’ and attorney referees’ calendars and dockets;
• Assists attorneys, litigants, and the general public in the understanding of court policies and procedures;
• Prepares and mails court documents, such as notices to appear and court orders, as well as correspondence to and from the judges or attorney referees;
• Manages cases to ensure timely processing and completion, pursuant to guidance from the Michigan Supreme Court;
• Reviews court orders and other documents for accuracy and compliance with the Michigan Court Rules;
• Provides confidential administrative support for the judges and attorney referees;
• Manages court processes such as alternative dispute resolution (ADR);
• Receives and processes motions, briefs, and exhibits submitted to the court;
• Assists with felony collection processes and serves as a court recorder/reporter in the courtrooms as necessary;
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training And Experience

Associate's degree with one year of progressively responsible experience in court administration, business, or legal secretarial field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be certified by the State of Michigan as a Certified Electronic Operator or obtain the certification within one year of employment.

Must be certified as a Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) Operator or obtain the certification within one year of employment.

Additional Requirements And Information

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of strict confidentiality requirements.
• Working knowledge of Michigan Court Rules, privacy requirements related to court records and court administrative procedures and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of civil, criminal, and domestic relations.
• Accurate keyboarding skills, computer literacy and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database management applications.
• Knowledge of court recording protocols and requirements and the proper use of court recording equipment.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and human relations skills.

Note:

Bi-lingual communication skills are preferred, especially Spanish.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Unclassified Benefits Summary for more information.

The current Unclassified group manual can be viewed here.

The Ottawa County Universal Wage Scale can be found here.

• Part-time benefitted positions will recieve prorated benefits.