Court Clerk

Court Clerk Responsibilities

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Prepares and processes all assigned court work in a timely manner ensuring accuracy and completeness of information and attending to deadlines and/or specified timelines.
• Assigns cases to docket and enters the case data into case management system.
• Ensures court rules and procedures are followed as cases are processed and sets, arraignments, hearings, and trials.
• Prepares and mails legal documents such as notices and final orders.
• Tracks cases to ensure compliance with case type and sentencing requirements and follows through with necessary steps including the following: orders to show cause, bench warrants, and pleadings.
• Maintains warrant control, issues, recalls, processes, and purges warrants.
• Coordinates with law enforcement agencies regarding warrant status.
• Processes closing of cases when appropriate.
• Receipts and distributes all incoming monies and balances and reconciles daily cash receipts.
• Reviews various reports and issues notices as required.
• Delivers and/or provides a certified copy of order to law enforcement, SNO COM and the victim; enters order correctly into JIS computer system; notifies the Domestic Violence Advocate of any potential hearings regarding the order.
• Provides general information and customer assistance at the counter or via telephone to attorneys, law enforcement, other judicial agencies, defendants, and the general public.
• Addresses concerns and questions for all who come to the front counter and assists defendants with navigating through the legal process.
• Maintains documents in electronic case files, copies, faxes, date stamps.
• Processes and distributes mail.
• Research files for case status data and provides accurate information.
• Sets assigned Prepares and maintains court calendars to ensure accuracy of hearings and trial dates.
• Completes all phases of juror notification including preparing, mailing, and processing replies to juror questionnaires.
• Readies juror pool, monitors jurors; sets up and prepares courtroom for hearings including computer and recording equipment set-up and assembling calendars for all parties to ensure files are available for the Judge.
• Researches and processes public records requests.
• Cross trains in other court services areas as assigned and may serve in other related capacities in support of court services, coordinates and schedules meetings.
• Communicates with various outside agencies by phone or mail including Lynnwood Jail, Snohomish County Jail, DUI victims’ panel and other agencies.

• Performs general filing duties including criminal and infraction files and miscellaneous paperwork developed during court proceedings.
• Reviews jail rosters and refer cases to the Judge for review and docket decision.
• Orders and monitors office supplies; drafts and mails letters to defendants, audits citations/tickets and drafts explanatory documents for defendants.

• Performs other related duties as assigned that are within the scope of this position classification.

Education and Experience: High School Diploma/GED Certification and three years of experience performing broad office clerical, data processing, records maintenance, and/or customer service counter work that includes heavy customer service, reviewing and tracking a variety of legal documents, preparing reports and calendars, and receiving and processing fees; preferably in a court or legal setting.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which allows the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered.

Required Licenses or

Certifications:

A criminal background check is required following a verbal offer of employment. Criminal history is not an automatic employment disqualifier. Results are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Environment:

• Office and courtroom environment.
• Frequent workplace interruptions.

Physical Abilities:

• Written and verbal communication in order to exchange information in person, in writing, and on the telephone.
• Operating a computer keyboard or general office equipment.
• Sitting or otherwise remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Occasional bending, stretching or lifting/carrying up to 40lbs.

Hazards:

• Exposure to emotionally charged individuals, including defendants, litigants, or members of the public who may be distressed, angry, or unpredictable.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and illness from working with the public.