District Court Clerk

Position Overview

The District Court Deputy Clerk is the official keeper of all District Court records for the County and is responsible for performing a multitude of difficult, wide-ranging clerical duties with accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality. This public-facing clerk provides information to the public about documentation, methods, and procedures associated with the district court system. Each type of case requires different documents and processes, and the position uses judgment to determine the appropriate methods and procedures.

The position reports to the Clerk of District Court through the Management Supervisor and does not supervise other county personnel.

• Responds to routine inquiries or referrals from other Department personnel, court representatives, attorneys, and members of the public. Examples include questions from attorneys regarding document requirements, legal rights, water rights and ownership, jurisdictional issues, etc. Maintains confidentiality according to established guidelines and coordinates with involved or affected parties to resolve problematic issues.
• Receives, analyzes, and processes various court and legal filings, including proposed orders, motions to the court, and other documents. Collects and records fees, if required. Each type of case requires different processing methods and document requirements. The position must learn to determine and interpret the appropriate processes based on each case.
• Determines the appropriate course of action for filings based on the Montana Code Annotated. Examines filed court documents for completeness and appropriateness according to the MCA, Local rules, and office procedure.
• Coordinates mail processing to ensure timely delivery of correspondence and materials to appropriate staff, including express shipments, registered mailings, electronic messaging, and other specialized delivery services.
• Prioritizes and processes or distributes filings and documents according to upcoming trial dates, legally mandated response times, individual judicial preferences, established office procedures and policies, and other factors.
• Maintains electronic and manual records management and docketing systems with new and updated case and file information.
• Researches, processes, issues, and records marriage licenses and collects appropriate fees. Interprets requirements to determine appropriate fees.

• Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by supervisor, including participating in special projects, occasionally filling in for other employees, participating in ongoing training, and a variety of other functions as needed. In the event of a local emergency, County employees may be required to provide services during the emergency and for a subsequent period of assessment and recovery.

Knowledge of legal procedures and terminology, the Montana Code Annotated, conducting research, records management, modern office machinery, methods, practices and procedures, business English, spelling and grammar, and the ability to type accurately and write legibly. Ability to prioritize, organize, maintain legal calendars, communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and have a working knowledge and experience using computers. Knowledge of legal terminology is preferred.

Typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and one to two years of related office experience.

As a condition of hire, the final candidate will be required to successfully pass a criminal history check and background investigation. To be considered for this position please be prepared to attach the following required documents:
Cover Letter, Resume.

Gallatin County does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

• Individual…