Judicial Assistant-County Court

Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judicial Assistant position supports the office of County Court Judge M. Adam Smith, Jr. in the Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

The role involves managing court calendars, coordinating hearings, drafting routine responses, and serving as a liaison to litigants, attorneys, law enforcement, and witnesses. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED with two years of college, plus four years of related experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and two years of college or vocational school education in paralegal, secretarial skills, computer operations or a closely related field.
• Four years of related experience. Additional relevant experience may substitute for the recommended educational level on a year-for-year basis.
• Working knowledge of trial court rules and procedures; ability to manage priorities and handle sensitive matters with integrity and confidentiality.
• Excellent communication, diplomacy, and professional conduct; strong organizational and scheduling abilities.
• We are an equal opportunity employer and will accommodate applicants in the process upon request.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Judge's court and professional calendar, coordinating motions, hearings, trials, conferences, and meetings.
• Receive, review, and distribute incoming mail; compose routine responses.
• Serve as liaison to litigants, attorneys, law enforcement, witnesses, and other court personnel regarding procedures and policy.
• Handle sensitive matters with discretion and ensure high-quality services within a large caseload.

Skills

Calendar management

Clear communication

Organization

Discretion & confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of college or vocational school

Four years related experience

Tools

Word processing (Microsoft Word)

Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel)

Electronic case filing system

Data entry applications for case management

Job description

***THIS POSTING WILL CLOSE AT 5:00 PM ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026***

Distinguishing Characteristics of Work

This is very responsible work performing a variety of administrative and secretarial duties for managing the office of County Court Judge M. Adam Smith, Jr. The Judicial Assistant manages the Judge's court and professional calendar coordinating and scheduling motions, pre-trial hearings, trials, conferences, and committee meetings. The Judicial Assistant also receives, reviews, and distributes incoming mail and composes responses to routine correspondence. The Judicial Assistant is the Judge's liaison to assist and inform litigants, attorneys, law enforcement personnel, and witnesses concerning court procedure and policy. Frequent working contacts are made with Judges, offices of the Clerk of Court, Trial Court Administrator, State Attorney, Public Defender, private attorneys, law clerks, state and local law enforcement, witnesses, bailiffs, criminal justice and social service professionals and the general public. Work is often of a sensitive and confidential nature. The Judicial Assistant must observe high standards of conduct. This position involves a large volume caseload. Applicant must possess a strong work ethic. Work requires independent judgment and is performed under general supervision.

Education and Training Guidelines

High school diploma or GED, and two years of college or vocational school education in paralegal, secretarial skills, computer operations or a closely related field.

Four years of related experience. Additional relevant experience may substitute for the recommended educational level on a year-for-year basis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Working knowledge of trial court (including civil, criminal, domestic, probate and juvenile) rules and procedures. Ability to work with minimal supervision and recognize and establish work priorities. Ability to handle sensitive matters with integrity and confidentiality. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a friendly, diplomatic, professional, and polite manner. Ability to handle individuals who are under stress with courtesy, tact, and patience. Ability to organize and coordinate schedules of various individuals and/or groups on the court calendar. Ability to be a self-starter, strong organizational skills, and a strong desire to work in the State Courts System to ensure high quality services are provided to the people of the Fifth Judicial Circuit and the State of Florida. Proficient with standard office equipment including personal computers, word processing, excel, electronic case filing, and data entry applications for case management.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, SEX, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR DISABILITY.

IF YOU NEED AN ACCOMMODATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE APPLICATION/SELECTION PROCESS, PLEASE CALL THE CONTACT PERSON AT THE NUMBER INDICATED. PERSONS USING A TDD MAY CALL THE CONTACT PERSON THROUGH THE FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE AT 1-800-955-8771