Legal Clerk I/II/III

Legal Clerk I:   $20.05 - $24.06
Legal Clerk II: $21.65 - $26.00
Legal Clerk III: $23.39 - $28.06

The intent of the Court is to hire at the entry level.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be reviewed for the minimum qualifications of the position.  Applicants, who, based on their application, meet the minimum qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination.  Applicants who receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligible list based on their score.  As openings occur within the Court, applicants will be invited to a selection interview based on their place on the eligible list.
 

Under general supervision, incumbents at the Legal Clerk I level learn legal and clerical office procedures.  As experience is gained, greater independence is required within established guidelines.  Incumbents normally advance to the next higher level in the series after gaining experience and achieving proficiency that meet the qualifications for Legal Clerk II and/or III.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Legal Clerk I- This is the entry-level classification in the Legal Clerk I/II/III series. Incumbents perform routine clerical tasks to assist judicial officers, court personnel, attorneys and the general public to facilitate courtroom operations in an assigned division.  It is characterized by the performance of preparing, gathering, sorting and distributing files, duplicating documents, data entry, providing customer service and preparing and processing legal documents.

Legal Clerk II- This is the mid-level classification in the Legal Clerk I/II/III series. Incumbents perform more proficient clerical tasks to assist judicial officers, court personnel, attorneys and the general public to facilitate courtroom operations in an assigned division.  It is characterized by the performance of preparing, gathering, sorting and distributing files, duplicating documents, data entry, providing customer service, preparing and processing legal documents, preparing correspondence. This class differs from the Legal Clerk I classification by the proficiency of work performance, independence of action within established guidelines and longevity of performing Legal Clerk I job duties and responsibilities.

Legal Clerk III- This is the journey-level classification in the Legal Clerk I/II/III series. Incumbents perform difficult and complex clerical tasks to assist judicial officers, court personnel, attorneys and the general public to facilitate courtroom operations in an assigned division.   It is characterized by the performance of preparing, gathering, sorting and distributing files, duplicating documents, data entry, providing customer service and preparing, processing, and reviewing legal documents. This classification is also responsible for providing record imaging services, overseeing quality control of imaging, and maintaining the calendar information.

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs a variety of clerical tasks to support the operations of the courtroom; types and prepares correspondence; prepares, gathers, sorts and distributes files; maintains filing system; duplicates documents and reports; utilizes basic office equipment; takes notes, prepares and completes minute orders for court hearings; transcribes information.

Provides customer services to visitors, the general public, attorneys and other groups and individuals; receives and responds to questions; research information to provide accurate information.

Receives and responds to incoming calls; provides information and assistance to callers; research inquiries to provide accurate response; forwards calls to appropriate location; takes messages as needed.

Receives, sorts and distributes incoming mail; prepares various documents and mailing for delivery.

Prepares, processes, reviews and edits legal documents; ensures proper completion of legal documents and related forms.

Assists in delivering and setting up hearing devices and various types of recording equipment in the courtroom; ensures equipment is in proper working order; assists users with equipment operation.

Assists in updating and maintaining calendar dates; receives and enters calendar information; reviews calendar changes for accuracy.

Operates basic office equipment including a computer, copier, fax machine, postage machine, scanners, printers and related equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.

May perform routine bookkeeping tasks for the division; may receive payments for fines and services; may issue receipts for payments; may assist in balancing drawers and completing required reports and records.
May assist in providing interpreting services as needed.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.
Performs other related duties as required.

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work, typically:

LEGAL CLERK I:

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent

Experience:
One year of full-time clerical experience involving typing/data entry.  Some experience in a legal clerical capacity is preferred.  One year of relevant college or business school training may be substituted for the one year of clerical experience required.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and procedures including filing, basic mathematics, record keeping and standard office equipment operation;
• Basic data processing principles and the use of word processing or personal computer equipment in legal clerical operations/settings; and,
• English grammar, spelling and proper punctuation.

• Accurately carry out oral and written instructions;
• Use a typewriter and computer; use keyboard for data entry;
• Research and apply legal codes as they pertain to the processing of legal documents;
• Remain abreast of new laws, amendments and local rules related to assigned duties and responsibilities;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public;
• Answer and screen telephone calls;
• Maintain confidential information according to legal standards and/or Court regulations as required;
• Read, write, speak and understand English effectively;
• Operate standard office equipment including computers, cash registers, photocopy, adding and microfilm machines;
• Lift, bend, stoop, reach overhead; sit and/or stand for long periods of time;
• Push, pull, squat and twist;
• Bend, reach and lift files; lift up to 25lb;
• Work in a confined work area;
• Type at a speed of 30 words per minute.

• Knowledge of legal terminology; and
• Experience in legal office clerking operations including basic codes; e.g., Civil Code, Family Code, Penal Code, Code of Civil Procedure and similar codes.

• Forms, records, and document processing procedures;
• Legal terminology and judicial rules applicable to the areas of assignment;
• Records maintenance procedures used in court operations.

• Perform clerical assignments of increasing difficulty with speed and accuracy;
• Prepare and process a variety of legal documents;
• Work independently; exercise common sense and sound judgment in the performance of duties;
• Accurately maintain complex legal records and files and perform routine mathematical functions consistent with areas of assignment.

• Problem-solving ability.

• California codes and local rules of Court pertaining to court operations;
• Operations, procedures and jurisdictions of the Court.

• Independently and accurately perform difficult and complex legal document processing;
• Manage various legal projects simultaneously, maintaining order and consistency;
• Exercise independent judgment in decision-making.

Special Requirements

A valid class C California driver's license may be required.  The requirement will be reviewed on a position basis in accordance with ADA regulations.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization:  Requires the ability to determine, calculate, tabulate, or summarize data/information. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction:  Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:  Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning:  Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form.  Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices of action.

Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving a variety of generally pre-defined duties, which are often characterized by frequent change.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability:  Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The Superior Court of Stanislaus County, California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superior Court of Stanislaus County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.