Legal Process Clerk

We are currently recruiting for the position of Legal Process Clerk. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain experience in legal procedures while performing a variety of clerical duties.
Recruitment Process:

1. Once the recruitment process is closed, an exam will be scheduled for all applicants.
2. Applicants who successfully pass the exam will be placed on an eligible list for up to one year.
3. As positions become available, applicants on the eligible list will be invited for an interview.
4. Positions may be located at either the Watsonville or Santa Cruz Courthouse.

Examples of Job Duties:
Positions in this classification are assigned to various areas throughout the Court, with job duties varying depending on the area of assignment. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Reviewing Legal Documents: Accept and examine legal documents to ensure accuracy in form, format, and compliance with legal filing procedures; certify documents as necessary.
• Public Interaction: Directly interact with the public, including handling counter duties and answering phone inquiries. Take messages, provide information, and direct callers to appropriate resources.
• Court Procedures and Information: Provide general non-legal information on court policies and procedures; collect fees, fines, and bail payments, and issue receipts.
• Data Entry and Management: Use various computer programs to enter, retrieve, and access case-related information. Schedule and calendar court cases, and issue or recall bench warrants.
• Legal Research and Documentation: Research legal codes and rules; prepare copies of documents; issue abstracts of judgment, writs of execution, attachments, and judgments by default.
• Case File Preparation and Review: Review and prepare case folders, indexes, and legal documents. Review orders and judgments for accuracy before presentation to judges. Ensure all required documents are present and legal procedures have been followed before court dates.
• Exhibit Handling: Securely receive, maintain, and distribute exhibits and other materials introduced at trials. Handle the destruction of exhibits or evidence in compliance with legal procedures.
• Jury Management: Maintain jury records, summon jurors, and provide necessary information. Exercise discretion in granting deferments to prospective jurors, and speak in front of large groups when required.
• Appeals and Legal Orders: Prepare and process appeals according to relevant statutes. Review case files to determine compliance with sentencing terms and take appropriate action for non-compliance.
• Community Service Liaison: Act as a liaison with community service agencies, track defendants' community service obligations, and grant extensions for compliance as necessary.
• Correspondence and Reporting: Prepare correspondence, forms, and statistical reports related to case processing, including actions on delinquent accounts. Provide technical assistance to staff and answer general inquiries.
• Courtroom Support: Perform other legal clerical assignments as directed and may act as backup to a Courtroom Clerk or other court staff on an irregular basis.

These duties are performed within established guidelines, with incumbents expected to learn and adapt to legal procedures as part of their professional development.

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledges and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified.  A typical way to obtain the knowledges and abilities would be one year of journey level clerical experience.
 

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Fingerprinting is required.

Special Working Conditions:
This position may involve exposure to individuals who could be hostile or abusive, as well as allergens such as dust and perfume, and unpleasant odors, including unwashed clothing or body odors. In certain roles, employees may be exposed to disturbing evidence or testimony, such as photographs of crime scenes, victims, or other sensitive materials. Evidence may also include syringes, drugs, weapons, and blood.

Working Knowledge of:

• Language Skills: Proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation (required for some positions).
• Basic Arithmetic: Ability to perform basic arithmetic functions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Office Practices: Familiarity with basic office principles and practices.
• Computer Skills: Ability to use computers for data entry and information management.