Judicial Assistant

Judicial Branch of California; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision benefits program

14 paid holidays per year

Annual/sick leave options

Job summary

Judicial Branch of California, Sixth Appellate District in San Jose, seeks a Judicial Assistant to perform complex paralegal and legal secretarial duties. You will support appellate justices and attorneys, manage calendars, and handle confidential materials with discretion.

The role offers remote and flexible work options and opportunities to contribute to important court work and special projects. A strong background in legal research and office administration is essential.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to six years of legal secretarial experience, including four years of technical legal research.
• Bachelor’s degree and two years of legal secretarial experience, including technical legal research.
• Additional related experience and/or college coursework may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• One year as a Deputy Clerk or two years as a Lead Judicial Secretary or Assistant Deputy Clerk III or three years as a Judicial Secretary II with the judicial branch.

Responsibilities

• Provide complex paralegal, legal secretarial and office administrative support to appellate court justices and attorneys.
• Serve the entire division and substitute during illnesses, vacations, and added workload assignments as needed.
• Assist with special projects and maintain confidentiality with sensitive materials.

Skills

Legal secretarial

Paralegal support

Office administration

Calendar management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal training

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal research databases

Job description

The State of California, Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District located in San Jose is accepting applications for the position of Judicial Assistant.

This position provides complex paralegal, legal secretarial and office administrative support to appellate court justices and attorneys. The Judicial Assistant serves the entire division and is assigned as needed to substitute during illnesses, vacations, and other absences as well as to assist with added workload assignments and special projects. Remote and flexible work options are available.

Highlights of our benefits package include:

• Health/Dental/Vision benefits program
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Choice of Annual Leave or Sick/Vacation Leave
• 1 personal holiday per year
• Up to $130 per month reimbursement for qualifying commuting costs
• CalPERS Retirement Plan
• 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• FlexElect Program
• Pretax Parking
• Long Term Disability Program (employee paid/optional)
• Group Legal Plan (employee paid/optional)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility

Equal Employment Opportunity

THE SIXTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Knowledge of:

• General functions and organization of the judicial system and the roles and functions of other legal and law enforcement agencies.
• Legal and administrative office practices and procedures.
• Complex legal concepts, terminology, principles, and procedures.
• Methods of complex legal research (traditional and electronic).
• Calendar management and scheduling.
• Computers and the use of computer applications.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation, with emphasis on legal terminology.

Ability to:

• Learn California trial and appellate court practices and procedures.
• Verify the accuracy of complex legal documents and research (traditional and electronic).
• Understand, interpret and apply complex legal concepts, terminology, principles, and procedures.
• Operate computers and other standard office equipment, using standard business software and automated case management systems; interpret and apply technical manuals and tutorials.
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple work activities and meet critical deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality; use tact, discretion and courtesy in dealing with sensitive materials and situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work, including justices, court staff, and representatives of other governmental and private agencies.
• Train others in policies and procedures related to work.
• Communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing; learn the California Style Manual.

Minimum Qualifications:

Judicial Assistant:
Equivalent to six (6) years of legal secretarial experience, including four (4) years of technical legal research.

OR

Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of legal secretarial experience, including technical legal research.

Additional directly related experience and/or college-level coursework may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for either of the paths outlined above.

OR

One (1) year as a Deputy Clerk OR two (2) years as a Lead Judicial Secretary or Assistant Deputy Clerk III OR three (3) years as a Judicial Secretary II with the judicial branch.

Equivalent years of experience performing the duties of a class comparable in the level of responsibility to the classes listed above in a California Superior Court or California state-level government entity also qualify.

Desirable Qualifications:

Ability to accurately type 55 words per minute

Please note: If you are selected for hire, the Sixth District Court of Appeal will require verification of employment eligibility or authorization to legally work in the United States.