Part-Time Judicial Court Clerk

Oakland County; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County is seeking a courtroom support role to enhance the efficiency of judicial proceedings. You will assist with daily court operations, open/close court sessions, and manage recording systems and virtual hearings.

Responsibilities include reviewing documents for accuracy, swearing in jurors, and ensuring proper filing and scheduling in line with court procedures. A legal background or experience in a court setting is preferred.

Qualifications

• Desirable qualifications include pursuing or holding a JD, or a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience working in a court or other legal setting is desirable.
• Ability to interpret court rules and procedures for attorneys, litigants and the public.

Responsibilities

• Support courtroom operations and assist with judicial functions and daily court proceedings.
• Open and close the courtroom while maintaining order and decorum.
• Review legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable court rules.
• Operate courtroom video conferencing and recording systems.
• Admit participants to virtual hearings and assist with related technology.
• Escort and swear in jurors and witnesses.
• Provide information and assistance to judges, court personnel, attorneys, and members of the public.
• Enter official court records and document daily proceedings in court computer systems.
• Prepare orders, file documents, and follow established court procedures.
• Use Countywide and Court-specific software to complete assignments accurately and efficiently.

Skills

Legal documents

Court procedures

Public service

Judicial operations

Education

Law degree path

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Court/legal setting experience

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters.

General Summary

$25.69 - $34.42 This position is on-site

What You’ll Do

• Support courtroom operations and assist with judicial functions and daily court proceedings.
• Open and close the courtroom while maintaining appropriate order and decorum.
• Review legal documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable court rules.
• Operate courtroom video conferencing and recording systems.
• Admit participants to virtual hearings and assist with related technology.
• Escort and swear in jurors and witnesses.
• Provide information and assistance to judges, court personnel, attorneys, and members of the public.
• Respond professionally to questions and public inquiries.
• Enter official court records and document daily proceedings in court computer systems.
• Prepare orders, file documents, and follow established court procedures.
• Use Countywide and Court-specific software to complete assignments accurately and efficiently.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Play an important role in supporting the fair and efficient administration of justice.
• Gain valuable experience with courtroom procedures, legal documents, and judicial operations.
• Work closely with judges, attorneys, court professionals, and members of the community.
• Develop skills in legal document review, court technology, recordkeeping, and public service.
• Join a professional environment where accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and excellent service matter.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Under the Merit System Resolution, Section II, adopted November 8, 1966, employees in this class are excluded from the Merit System for the purpose of the manner of selection, appointment, removal from office or limitation or political activity. NOTE: The Desirable Qualifications for this classification, when provided to the Human Resources Department, will be stated on a separate page. These Desirable Qualifications are not to be considered as definitive but are subject to revision by the Chief Circuit Court Judge, or designee.

Desirable Qualifications

• Hold a degree from or currently attending an accredited college of law in a curriculum leading toward a Juris Doctor degree; OR Possess a “Bachelor’s” degree in a relevant field; OR Have experience working in a court or other legal setting.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Reasonable knowledge of the practices and procedures of the Circuit Court.
• Reasonable ability to make routine decisions in accordance with court policies and procedures.
• Reasonable ability to interpret court rules and procedures to attorneys, litigants, and the general public.
• Reasonable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court personnel, attorneys, and the general public.
• Reasonable ability and skill to recognize and correct departures from standard court practices and procedures.
• Reasonable ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Reasonable knowledge of the regulations governing the conduct of jury trials and hearings.
• Reasonable ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.
• Experienced in dealing with the public and able to maintain a professional demeanor at all times.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May train and orient new employees and interns.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Ensures the courtroom operates efficiently by checking in parties, creating a list of waiting parties, and prioritizing caseflow ensuring all necessary parties are present to proceed.

Declares the official opening and closing of court sessions and calls cases in court by stating the name and number of the case. This may occur in person, through video conferencing, or as a hybrid of both.

Assists the judge by administering oaths to jury members and witnesses, schedules hearings, processes adjournment requests, and retrieves legal files and documents.

Maintains order and decorum in the courtroom among family members, spectators, and respondents by providing guidance in proper courtroom procedures and assisting in the removal of disruptive persons.

Assists with the impaneling of juries by drawing the names of jurors to be seated for trial cases from the jury selection box.

Asks for Foreperson of the jury to rise and pronounce the verdict rendered, polls each jury member for his/her verdict, as appropriate, and records the verdict, following legal procedure.

Performs special liaison assignments for the judge upon request, including the notification of attorneys, court personnel and respondents regarding the judge's requirements and decisions.

Operates the Court recording systems to capture official record.

Maintains log files of events.

Obtains legal documents, books, and statutes as requested by the judge.

Prepares orders after court hearings as directed by the judge, retrieves and processes filings in digital and paper formats.

Operates a computer terminal, as requested, to enter or retrieve information relative to particular cases.

Ensures all the necessary legal documents pertaining to a court case have been properly filed.

Obtains files as needed for each case.

Reviews records of the court's disposition on cases to ensure that the records are up to date and that cases are proceeding promptly.

Compares Register of Action entries with filed documents to ensure the integrity of the court process.

Reviews written orders brought in by attorneys, for accuracy and conformity with legal procedure prior to judicial review.

Appropriately manages both public and non-public data and protects confidential records.

Directs members of the public to resources that may be able to assist them in relationship to legal proceedings.

Represents the court with integrity and professionalism and conforms to the Michigan Trial Courts Code of Conduct.

Notifies as necessary, attorneys, respondents, litigants, and court personnel of the judge's decision and checks with attorneys to confirm the progress of a case to ensure correct scheduling of the court's time.

Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate information accurately.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical office and courtroom environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor. Additional Minimum Qualifications Union* *If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace.

Application Considerations

All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization.

Company Culture

At Oakland County, we offer a stable and supportive work environment, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and generous education assistance program. We value the dedication and hard work of our team and our commitment to the communities we serve - it's at the heart of our success. We're always seeking new ways to enhance our workplace and foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and innovation. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and our future depends on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of our team. Join us on our mission to keep Oakland County a vibrant place to live, work, and play.