Legal Assistant - Assignment Office

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; full-benefits
 
This administrative position is responsible for scheduling cases and managing the high volume of cases processed by the Circuit Court Assignment Office in compliance with the Court's Differentiated Case Management (DCM) plan and within mandated case time standards. Supervision is received from the Assignment Commissioner and/or the Assistant Assignment Commissioner.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy.  For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.  If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.  

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan 
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year. 

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

• Interact with Court assigned interpreters and assist them when needed with administrative tasks such as scheduling, room assignments, etc.
• Accurately prepare, schedule and process all cases pertaining to specific assignment
• Prepare, compile and review reports pertaining to assigned case types; take necessary action when needed to comply with case time standards
• Inquire and maintain court system database and electronic docket boards
• Prepare electronic files for courtroom dockets and update appropriately when necessary
• Complete all work in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Prepare, receive and distribute all paperwork, per procedures, to appropriate counsel, parties, and agencies
• Communicate with Judges, Magistrates, attorneys, interpreters, and citizens, verbally and/or in writing, regarding trial/hearing dates and issues involved
• Assist with questions and other business directed to the Assignment Office and answer/refer telephone calls to the appropriate individuals
• Assist with daily courtroom preparation
• Interact with Court assigned interpreters and assist them when needed with administrative tasks such as scheduling, room assignments, etc.
• Attend and participate in meetings on behalf of Assignment Office related to assigned case type
• Assist all other Assignment Clerks as needed and directed
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The essential duties do not cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Associate's degree
• Minimum 1 year of work experience in legal services, public administration, or a related field
• Intermediate skills in the use of Microsoft 365
• NOTE: Additional related work experience may substitute for a portion of the education requirement

• Knowledge of court and legal terminology and the ability to correctly interpret procedures, laws, Rules and Regulations
• Ability to develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with internal and external professionals and with the public
• Ability to create and edit forms, tables, signs, spread sheets
• Perform data entry, filing, reception duties, including answering phone calls and emails
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, perform multiple tasks concurrently, and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision and instruction
• Ability to effectively create, update, and maintain paper and electronic files, records and filing systems
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills 
• Ability to work with significant time constraints
• Ability to use a computer, navigate computer systems, scan documents and maintain quality control standards
• Ability to compile, prepare, and review reports, taking appropriate action when necessary
• Ability to accurately maintain court system database and schedules as required
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to cross train and multi-task multiple assignments, e.g. civil, criminal, juvenile, or family caseloads when the need arises

• Para-legal certification or additional related education
• Maryland Judiciary work experience
• Experience working with Maryland Electronic Court / Odyssey system
• Work experience in a court or legal environment

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit and perform repetitive motions; frequently walk and reach; and occasionally climb and lift up to 20 pounds
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors

• Available to work varied hours when needed

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews
3. A writing sample
4. A pre-employment background investigation conducted by the Maryland Judiciary

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov