Court Recorder - Probate Court

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of a court administrator or other designated supervisor, and the direction of a judge, the Court Recorder maintains and monitors the video recording equipment and peripheral devices in the courtroom and takes notes on actions in court in order to preserve an accurate record of court proceedings. Prepares a variety of legal forms and documents in the courtroom.

Marks exhibits, administers oaths, and performs other functions of a courtroom clerk. Pulls and returns files for court and provides various support functions for the judge as directed.

Benefits:

* MERS Retirement Plan

* Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision

* Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan

* Voluntary Short-term & Long-term disability

* Employer paid Basic Life & AD&D insurance

* Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts

* Paid vacation, sick days & holidays

* Tuition Reimbursement

* Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.

* Voluntary benefits such as Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies

* Employee assistance program

Pay Rate Information:

The Court Recorder position is a Union position and starting pay is $51,954/yr.. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Court Bargaining Agreement Grade 6 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $62,094/yr.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

* Secures and maintains video equipment, Polycom, printers, iPads and other devices, and ensures that equipment is operating efficiently and accurately. Ensures the courtroom is up and ready for the day's hearings.

* Pulls files for the day's docket from the County Clerk's Office. Begins court room call, administers oath to witnesses, draws jurors and alternates, prepares and distributes jury seating chart, and provides other courtroom assistance as needed. Maintains juror and exhibit lists.

* Monitors the video recording system in the courtroom, including ensuring that the people who are speaking are properly positioned to maximize recording. Monitors equipment to ensure continuing recording quality and performs tasks required to secure video and audio records.

* Conducts and hosts virtual court proceedings using related software. Maintains court integrity during the proceedings and establishes a clear audio and video connection. Conducts each hearing as its own separate recording.

* Takes notes and maintains a log of actions in court, including describing actions taken on each case, noting when the case started and ended, noting the appearance of witnesses, marking exhibits and other actions. Follows appropriate procedures for the return and disposal of exhibits after trials, hearings and past the appeal period.

* Prepares a variety of forms in the courtroom such as warrant recalls, orders to show cause, bond forms, requests for appointed counsel, and other forms. Secures the signature of the judge as necessary.

* Takes direction from the judge regarding support duties. Informs the judge of cases that may have settled or may need special attention or request a meeting in chambers.

* Executes all forms necessary to court proceedings, ensures that the judge has affixed his/her signature, and that all forms are copied, and disbursed to all litigants and necessary parties.

* Enters hearing information into the database and prepares a variety of statistical summaries. Prepares monthly trial activity report and files with the County Clerk.

* Properly purges files for confidential/law clerk notes, deliver all orders and documents, and returns files to the Clerk's Office.

* Secures attorneys for cases where indigent parties are entitled to court-appointed attorneys. Prepares and makes copies of appropriate paperwork for the attorneys.

* Maintains the courtroom calendar to ensure all hearings are on the appropriate calendar.

* May serve as back-up to other clerical staff for tasks such as scheduling cases, taking adjournments, typing correspondence and legal documents, filing and related secretarial tasks.

* Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications…