Closing Date: 8th April, 2024

Description:

Law Clerk duties include legal research and analysis, drafting of legal memoranda, review of pre-trial and post-trial motions, documents, and correspondence, RALJ appeals, and advising the court on issues of law. Additionally, the law clerk provides administrative support – including supervision of jurors, scheduling, screening all correspondence and persons who wish to see the judge, and acting as a liaison between the judge and counsel, agencies, and the media. Salary: $5,643.74 per month, in addition to medical, dental, vision, insurance, deferred compensation, vacation, and sick leave.

Job Duties:Statement of Essential Job Duties
  • Performs basic research on legal issues before court; briefs and summarizes files in preparation for sentencing.
  • Collects trial related data; validates authority in legal documents and assists in the preparation of written opinions and memorandum decisions.
  • Receives, reviews and summarizes issues for pre and post trial motions.
  • Screens persons desiring to see judges (such as attorneys, pro se litigants, and the general public) and maintains judges' appointment and hearing schedules.
  • Maintains orderly conduct and security in courtrooms, including the opening and closing of court.
  • Insures the courtroom is trial ready with both counsel tables clear, equipment is in working order, and jury deliberation rooms are stocked, cleaned and ready for proceedings.
  • Keeps all library and research material current including delivery of replacement materials and recycling of outdated material.
  • Prepares jury instructions and supervises jurors during times when not seated in jury box such as providing beverages and services while in the deliberation room, arranges for and may escort to and from meals, and assumes responsibility for sequestration when mandated.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Additional Information:
Knowledge and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
  • Superior Court procedures
  • laws of the State of Washington
  • on-line legal research resources

Ability to:
  • exercise good judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer situations to higher authority
  • perform legal research, and analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to legal problems
  • communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • follow verbal and written instructions
  • maintain required records and prepare clear, concise written reports
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships with jurors, attorneys, associates, other county employees, and the general public
  • effectively and efficiently navigate numerous computer applications and systems
  • demonstrate flexibility by providing on-call law clerk coverage for other members of the bench as the need arises
  • demonstrate strong organizational skills including consistently handling multiple matters at any one time