Job Number: 01-210329-03: Baliff/Law Clerk
Company Name: 16th Circuit Court of Jackson County
This is an entry level position for individuals that have just completed law school and are studying for the bar exam.
Applicants for this position do not need to have passed the bar or have much legal experience, outside of internships and externships.
Position Title: Bailiff/Law Clerk Position
Department: Divisions
Work Location: Kansas City, Missouri & Independence, Missouri
Work Hours: Normal office hours; additional hours as required
Salary: County Paid Position - Exempt Grade C94 - $1,748.00 Bi-weekly
POSITION PURPOSE: Perform job duties and responsibilities and provide legal analysis and support to the Judge or Commissioner to ensure the efficient operation of the Division.
MAJOR TASK STATEMENTS AND REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITIES (Percentage of Time): (The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job; other tasks/duties may be assigned. The area to which the job is assigned will govern which duties apply. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities, work shift/schedule, facility, or department to meet business and organizational needs as necessary, including but not limited to the re-assignment of employees and positions, elimination of positions, and opening, moving, or closing of facilities and units.)
Complete legal research and work required in managing the division’s pending motions list and resolving issues that arise during conferences, hearings and trials.
Perform legal research and analysis and prepare memoranda and orders pertaining to motions, pleadings, summary judgments and legal correspondence.
Assist and communicate with the Judge or Commissioner and provide facts and law, legal conclusions and recommendations to resolve legal issues in pending cases.
Check work queues and run statistical reports to determine motions and filings pending in the division.
Track time limits for filing of responsive pleadings and determine ripeness of issues for Judge or Commissioner’s ruling.
Enforce attorney and party compliance with the state and local court rules by written or oral communication or court rulings as directed by the judge.
Ensure the Division’s legal publications and materials are up to date.
Cross-train job responsibilities and cover for absent Division staff whenever needed.
Review relevant training resources and court policies as required.
Perform related work as required to include but not limited to serve on teams/committees as assigned, cross-train for other jobs as assigned, and work on special projects as assigned.
Monitor and manage the division’s open case inventory as directed and provide whatever administrative support is necessary to meet court time standards for judicial rulings and case dispositions.
Inform Judge or Commissioner of case activity and scheduling concerns.
Perform necessary duties in setting hearings, conferences, reviews, meetings and trials, docketing actions taken by the Judge or Commissioner in pending cases and completing work required to move cases to timely conclusion.
Contact attorneys to request proposed orders and judgments or supplemental documents.
Run reports to track new cases assigned to the division and cases without future hearings.
Prepare courtroom for use and provide courtroom surveillance during proceedings, manage jury during jury trials and serve in the courtroom as otherwise needed.
May include, monitor and maintain security in the courtroom during proceedings.
Check and confirm electronic equipment in the courtroom is in operating condition and see that necessary repairs and adjustments are made.
Ensure recording of courtroom proceedings as required, by digital recording or Division court reporter.
Record appearances of parties and attorneys at hearings; open and close court sessions.
Administer and take oaths.
Instruct jurors and monitor juror activities during jury trials and communicate with the Judge regarding any unusual activities or information received from a jury.
Order meals for jury and pick up food from places that do not deliver.
Collect and provide information to jurors and contact employer regarding a juror’s service.
Supervise sequestered juries requiring possible overnight stays and irregular work hours.
Arrange for interpreter services.
Make calls to adjust courtroom temperature.
Perform general clerical duties relating to operation of the judicial division and as requested by the Judge or Commissioner.
File documents, make copies, requisition and pick up supplies.
Run errands for Judge or Commissioner and other Division staff.
Preserve or scan and complete data entry required for keeping the electronic case record; docket pleadings, orders and judgments received or generated in Division.
Act as Judge or Commissioner liaison for internal and external contacts with the judicial division.
Communicate with attorneys, parties, agency representatives and other Court departments and staff at instruction of the Judge or the Commissioner or other member of Division staff.
Facilitate in chambers hearings, conferences and meetings and telephone conferences.
Consult with Judge or Commissioner and the court public information officer concerning media requests.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
(Education above the minimum stated may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required general experience; experience above the minimum stated may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education.)
EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
EXPERIENCE: No experience required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must submit to and pass criminal background check as prescribed by Courts.
Employees in this position are subject to reasonable suspicion testing for illegal drug use.
KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge, skills, and abilities required to function at an acceptable level in the position.
Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques of the law.
Knowledge of business and legal technical English, spelling and punctuation; must be micro-computer literate.
Computer, telephone, copy machine, fax, courtroom electronic equipment and sound system, automobile, paper and electronic files, legal documents, state Judicial Information System (JIS), e-Filing/e-Bench and Casenet. (Position NOT authorized to carry a firearm.)
Ability to communicate ideas and present materials clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish, and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to produce clear, complete, and logical reports, letters, memoranda, legal documents, etc..
Ability to apply legal principles, and specialized knowledge to individual cases, and problems.
Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and prepare written recommendations and/or opinions.
Ability to make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
Ability to deal effectively with the public and to create a helpful atmosphere.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Work environment and facilities required to work in as well as physical demands and/or mental requirements. (This is not an inclusive list; other tasks/duties may be assigned.)
Office Environment: Employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but occasional temperature changes may occur.
EMPLOYEES MAY BE EXPOSED TO: Evidence and testimony that may be disturbing, such as photographs of violent scenes and victims and or sexually explicit material; evidence that may include syringes, drugs, weapons and blood; the public who may potentially be verbally or physically abusive, allergens, such as perfumes and dust; and unpleasant odors, such as unwashed clothing or chemicals offered into evidence.
STANDING - 15% of time – Required when performing filing tasks and when operating various office machines.
WALKING - 15% of time – Required when delivering or retrieving information, files, etc., from within the office or from other departments or floors.
SITTING - 69% of time – Required when completing personal computer and courtroom monitoring.
LIFTING/CARRYING - 30 lbs. – Required when lifting bottle water and/or jury/division supplies.
PUSHING/PULLING - 30 lbs. – Required when lifting bottle water and/or jury/division supplies; and when opening and closing file cabinet drawers and doors.
VISION – Must be adequate to use personal computer, filing, completion of reports, forms, and correspondence.
HEARING – Must be adequate for normal conversation with employees or applicants and the general public or communicating via telephone.
SPEECH – Must be able to speak and understand English clearly to provide detailed information by telephone and in person.
CLIMBING/BALANCING – Required when negotiating stairs, or retrieving files or supplies from overhead or from the floor.
STOOPING/KNEELING/CROUCHING/CRAWLING – Required when retrieving or filing from lower drawers or when retrieving items, office supplies, etc., from the floor.
REACHING/HANDLING – Required on most tasks.
DRIVING – 1% of time - Required when getting food for jury members.
Applications are kept on file in the Human Resource Department and submitted to Judges and Commissioners as requested for upcoming vacancies in their divisions.
Interested Parties/How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please visit our website:
https://www.16thcircuit.org/careers