Courtroom Clerk

Courtroom Clerk – Maryland Judiciary

Location: Montgomery County District Court, 8552 2nd Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Salary: $57,534 annually

Position Type: Full Time FLSA Status: Non-Exempt At Work: No Closing Date: December 31, 2024

The Courtroom Clerk position is experienced clerical work performed within a courtroom. Duties include preparing assigned courtroom for the day, assisting the judge with the docket, operating the recording system, preparing paperwork for signatures, entering the judge's findings in the case management system, printing reports, balancing monies due, and performing other duties as assigned.

The Maryland Judiciary offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, continuing education programs, employee assistance programs, and State Retirement and Pension plans. Telework, up to 2 days per week, may also be available. Telework eligibility is based on job functions and the approval of the Administrative Head.

• Prepares the courtroom for the day's scheduled trials by placing the docket, all necessary paperwork, and case files on the judge’s bench.
• Administers oaths to witnesses and interpreters; takes notes and generates necessary paperwork in accordance with the rulings of the courts.
• Updates all court files to include civil, criminal, and family cases and inputs data as needed to complete court files.
• Ensures that proceedings of court activity are recorded in a clear, concise, and legible manner to be used for permanent docket.
• Tests all courtroom equipment for proper operation.
• Ensures that all parties are present and in the courtroom prior to calling the judge into the courtroom.
• Calculates all court costs and fees and issues bills.
• Enter case dispositions, judgments, postponements, fines, and costs ordered by the judge into the court’s case management system.
• Records and enters key points for records of each case.
• Generates and reviews paperwork for each case before giving to the judge for signature.
• Prepares all necessary paperwork, such as probation forms, restitution forms, fingerprint forms, community service forms, deferred payment forms, judgment sheets, commitments, and releases.
• Assembles and forwards paperwork completed during court to the appropriate agency.
• Generates and verifies end of session reports for bail reviews.
• Reviews case files for accuracy, completeness, and required signatures.
• Records judge's bench time on proper form.
• Provides administrative assistance to Judges and Commissioners, as required.
• Assists with other clerical functions when not assigned to the courtroom.
• May require unscheduled overtime, as required.

Minimum: High School diploma (or GED equivalent).

Two (2) years of work experience, including one (1) year in court operations or in the fields of criminal justice, parole and probation, legal or financial services.

Notes: A Bachelor's Degree may substitute the required work experience. A Paralegal/Associates Degree or 60 college credits may substitute the required work experience. A Paralegal Certificate may substitute the required work experience.

• Court forms, practices, procedures, protocols, systems, and equipment required to support the specialized work of the assigned unit(s).
• Legal terminology and court procedures.
• Judicial policies, procedures, and forms.
• Basic English and arithmetic.
• Operation of recording equipment, computer terminals, and related software.
• Typing on a personal computer.
• Managing priorities to meet critical deadlines while multitasking.
• Acquire knowledge of Maryland Judiciary procedures, rules, practices, regulations, and jurisdictional courts.
• Make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and Judiciary policies and procedures.
• Apply job-related terminology, policies, procedures, regulations, and laws to define problems, collect data, establish facts, record data, appropriately complete forms, and provide information to customers.
• Communicate clearly, tactfully, and effectively with judges, the public, police agencies, attorneys, and other court officials and personnel.
• Follow procedures, verbal and written instructions, and protocols for any given assignment.
• Multitask, adjust to situations quickly, set priorities, and handle pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Work within time constraints, meet fixed deadlines, and demonstrate good organizational skills.
• Handle sensitive or difficult situations requiring discretion and confidentiality.
• Understand and carry out complex verbal and written instructions.
• Pay attention to detail.
• Exercise tact, diplomacy, and impartiality in dealing with the public, law enforcement personnel, and attorneys.
• Use and maintain alphabetical and numerical filing systems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, superiors, and/or the general public.