Judicial Assistant

City-of-Reno,-N; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 87,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Reno Municipal Court seeks a Judicial Assistant to provide confidential, high-level administrative support to a Judicial Officer. You will manage the judge’s calendar, court proceedings, and related case materials with discretion and accuracy.

Responsibilities include preparing court calendars, organizing case files, and coordinating hearings, while maintaining confidential records and complying with court procedures. Exceptional communication and independent judgment are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Associate degree in criminal justice, paralegal studies, legal studies, business administration, public administration, court administration, or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible clerical, secretarial, administrative, legal, or court-related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience providing direct administrative support to a Judicial Officer is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Attends court proceedings as assigned and maintains accurate records of actions taken during court.
• Prepares and distributes court calendars and ensures files, documents, and exhibits are complete and organized prior to court sessions.
• Prepares and organizes case files for judicial review and court proceedings.
• Marks and maintains exhibits and records case disposition information on docket sheets and case management systems.
• Operates courtroom audio and video equipment as required.
• Schedules cases for hearings considering availability, deadlines, and procedures.
• Monitors scheduled matters and follows up on outstanding actions to facilitate timely processing.

Skills

Judicial support

Court procedures

Discretion

Communication

Education

Bachelor or Associate in criminal justice / related field

Tools

Odyssey Case Management System

Job description

Provides highly responsible, confidential, and specialized administrative and legal support to a Judicial Officer in the performance of judicial duties. The Judicial Assistant coordinates the Judge’s daily schedule, courtroom activities, calendars, dockets, case-related deadlines, correspondence, orders, and administrative responsibilities. The position prepares, reviews, processes, and maintains legal and administrative documents; researches and compiles information; assists with case preparation and management; records actions taken during court proceedings; and ensures that necessary files, documents, exhibits, and other materials are accurate, complete, and available for court sessions.

The position exercises considerable tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment in carrying out responsibilities originating from the bench and in managing sensitive and confidential information. The Judicial Assistant must possess a thorough understanding of court policies, procedures, legal terminology, case processing, and judicial operations and must be able to understand and explain established court procedures.

The position also coordinates an assigned specialty court program. Responsibilities include scheduling of review hearings, maintaining timely and accurate program records, monitoring participant requirements, preparing reports, facilitating communication with stakeholders, and adhering to national best practice standards in coordination practices.

Duties:

• Attends court proceedings as assigned and maintains accurate records of actions taken during court.
• Prepares and distributes court calendars and ensures that files, documents, exhibits, and other necessary materials are complete and organized prior to court sessions.
• Prepares and organizes case files and materials for judicial review and court proceedings.
• Marks and maintains exhibits and records case disposition information on appropriate docket sheets and case management systems.
• Operates courtroom audio and video equipment as required.
• Administers the scheduling and setting of cases for hearings while considering availability, statutory or procedural requirements, and applicable deadlines.
• Monitors scheduled matters and follows up on outstanding actions or requirements to facilitate timely case processing.
• Coordinates the day-to-day administrative operations of a specialty court program, supporting workflows, staffing, calendars, participant processes, and stakeholder communication.
• Assists with the preparation and processing of arrest warrant requests, bench warrants, and other judicial documents as directed by the Judge and in accordance with established Court procedures.
• Receives, reviews, and processes motions, briefs, exhibits, pleadings, correspondence, and other documents submitted to the Court.
• Reviews documents for accuracy, completeness, required signatures, and compliance with established Court policies and procedures.
• Ensures documents are properly routed, distributed, filed, and maintained.
• Prepares documents based on the Judge’s instructions and established procedures.
• Maintains accurate and organized records and filing systems, including confidential files.
• Organizes and maintains the administrative operations of the assigned judicial office.
• Provides backup support to other Court positions and functions as assigned.

Knowledge Of:

• Court rules, procedures, practices, and functions.
• Policies and procedures applicable to the Reno Municipal Court.
• Legal terminology, legal concepts, and judicial procedures.
• Case processing and docket management practices.
• Procedures and practices applicable to courts of limited and general jurisdiction.
• Principles and practices of judicial and legal office administration.
• Calendar and docket management, including use of the Odyssey Case Management System.
• Principles and techniques of effective specialty court program management.
• Principles of records management, filing systems, and document retention.
• Business correspondence and report preparation.
• Legal and business English, including proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Principles and practices of professional communication and public relations.
• Computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and other information systems used by the Court.

Ability to:

• Provide highly responsible, confidential, and specialized administrative support to a Judicial Officer.
• Work independently with minimal direction while exercising sound judgment and personal initiative.
• Understand and apply Court policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and applicable laws within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Understand legal and non-legal documents received from attorneys, law enforcement agencies, courts, and other sources.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments, competing demands, and critical deadlines.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and information.
• Prepare clear, concise, accurate, and professional correspondence, reports, memoranda, orders, and other documents.
• Research, compile, analyze, and summarize information from a variety of sources.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of documents and case information.
• Coordinate complex schedules, calendars, dockets, hearings, meetings, and other activities.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Operate computers and other office equipment and effectively use word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, case management, and other software applications.
• Maintain effective public relations and obtain the cooperation of individuals and organizations.
• Work collaboratively with other Court divisions, City departments, Judges, outside agencies, attorneys, and the general public.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, accountability, discretion, and commitment to public service.

Education/Experience:

A Bachelor or Associate degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, paralegal studies, legal studies, business administration, public administration, court administration, or a related field.

Four years of progressively responsible clerical, secretarial, administrative, legal, or court-related experience, including experience in a legal or court environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Experience providing direct administrative support to a Judicial Officer, senior executive, or other high-level public official is highly desirable. Experience with legal terminology, court procedures, trial or hearing calendars, case management systems, judicial documents, and courtroom processes is also highly desirable.

Compensation:

• Starting Salary: $87,945.52 annually + benefits
• Salary Range for Position: $87,945.52 -$117,810.58 annually
• Monday through Thursday with some Saturdays / 40 hours per week

Judicial Code of Conduct:

The Model Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees in the State of Nevada protects and promotes the independence and impartiality of the judicial branch of government. All employees of the Reno Municipal Court are required to adhere to this Code, found on-line at www.nevadajudiciary.us

At-Will Employment:

Reno Municipal Court is an at-will employer and can legally release you from service at any time without reason or cause.