Judicial Law Clerk I

Pima County; United States; On-site; USD 24,003 - 34,186; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Health and wellness discount program

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage

Job summary

Pima County seeks a Judicial Law Clerk I to coordinate courtroom activities under the direction of the Judicial Officer. This one-year position provides invaluable practical legal experience through specialized clerical and administrative support.

Ideal candidates must have a Bachelor of Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school or be second or third-year law students. Responsibilities include thorough legal research, judicial paperwork assistance, and ensuring courtroom readiness.

This role includes various benefits such as retirement plans, paid sick leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates will possess a Bachelor of Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Candidates may also be second or third-year law students.
• Knowledge of legal procedures, constitutional law, and legal research is essential.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate courtroom proceedings under judicial supervision.
• Conduct legal research and assist with case documentation.
• Prepare courtroom and maintain order during sessions.

Skills

Legal research

Clerical support

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Law degree

Second or third-year law student

Completion of applicable Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Description Summary: Qualified applications received will be placed on an applicant register for up to 3 months. Applications are reviewed as needed and candidates will be notified by phone or email if they are being considered for an interview. The application will expire after 3 months.

The Judicial Law Clerk I provides coordination of courtroom proceedings and performs a variety of specialized legal clerical and administrative support duties related to the high volume, fast‑paced operations of a superior court division under the direction of a Superior Court Judge, Judge Pro Tempore or Commissioner. This is generally a one‑year assignment for gaining practical legal experience.

Hiring Rate

$21.12 Hourly

Essential Functions

• Under close supervision of the Judicial Officer, research case law or other legal matters as directed and develop interpretations of legal opinions.
• Research and verify points of law cited by attorneys in memoranda to the Judicial Officer.
• Provide input to and discuss pending cases and decisions with the Judicial Officer.
• Participate in conferences and discussions between trial attorneys and the Judicial Officer.
• Assist in researching, drafting, and formatting judicial paperwork to include opinions, decisions, and citations.
• Review proposed Default Decrees, Consent Decrees, and Summary Consent Decrees for compliance with rules.
• Prepare judge’s files for court proceedings, including making cover sheets and organizing notes, case law, past orders, and current requests.
• Assist in tracking and processing complex litigation assigned to the court.
• Maintain the Judicial Officer’s law library and update documents as appropriate.
• Perform critical data entry of hearing outcomes and results into the court software system in real time.
• Utilize court database systems to upload final documents into the court docket.
• Assist in emergency evacuations as directed in the Disaster/Emergency Response Procedure’s manual.
• Perform other legal administrative tasks to aid in the administration of the Judicial Officer’s docket and caseload.

Courtroom Duties

• Prepare courtroom for the daily calendar and coordinate actions with the Courtroom Clerk and applicable parties.
• Ensure all parties involved in proceedings are present.
• Prepare files for the court, distribute the calendar, review files for missing information, and ensure court readiness.
• Review motions for accuracy and compliance with rules of procedure; contact parties for missing information.
• Maintain order in the courtroom during sessions.
• Prepare jury room, oversee jury panels, escort jurors to and from the courtroom, and tend to jury needs.
• Maintain the jury deliberation room in an orderly manner and ensure no outside communication occurs.
• Escort jurors and witnesses to and from the courtroom.
• Provide information to attorneys, witnesses, and jurors as necessary.
• Assist in emergency evacuations as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Second or third‑year law student in or graduate of an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Completion of an applicable Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or designated coursework in criminal procedures, constitutional law, and legal research equivalent to an ABA law school.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training, and/or education approved by Superior Court Human Resources.

Licenses, Certificates & Physical Conditions

• Maintain certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and First Aid.
• Typical duties performed in an office environment; may lift up to 20 lbs.

Benefits

• Retirement plan, vacation, holidays, and paid sick leave.
• 100% paid parental leave.
• Employer‑paid short‑term disability.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Health and wellness discount program.
• Mental and behavioral health benefits.
• Paid training and advancement opportunities.
• 56 hours of sick time accrued yearly with rollover to vacation time.
• Medical, dental, and life insurance coverage.