Court Officer - Judicial District

DIVISION

Superior Court

CLASS DEFINITION

This class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks including reviewing and processing a variety of court documents, providing legal research to judges in trial courts, and performing other administrative duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Chief Clerk or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead/supervise lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Reviews, evaluates, and processes a variety of files, motions, orders and judgments in civil, criminal, family and housing areas presented by attorneys and pro se parties; monitors compliance with applicable statutes, case law, and rules of court; schedules pretrial and trial calendars; notifies parties of case status and court decisions; may review and schedule special proceedings; may implement and maintain efficient caseflow procedures to ensure prompt disposition of cases; may prepare short calendar; prepares files for data entry and works closely with data entry personnel to ensure accurate entry of court records and dispositions into case files; performs legal research requested by judges on matters pending in the trial court by identifying legal issues presented by a fact situation, finding applicable law and analyzing it to a sound conclusion in a given case; communicates findings to judges either orally or by memoranda; assists judges in locating such research materials as they may require; consults with judges on research matters as needed; may supervise clerical staff; may act for supervisor in that person's absence; may assist in the training of newly hired employees; may open court; swears in witnesses and jurors; escorts jurors to courtroom; keeps lists of witnesses and exhibits; may coordinate voir dire proceedings; records dispositions and other orders of the court; maintains decorum in courtroom; consults with supervisor as needed; assists with updating office and department resources; keeps records and required paperwork current; stays current on Connecticut law; performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

Knowledge of law and legal process, legal principles and practice; knowledge of and demonstrated ability in legal research; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

General Experience:

Graduation from law school; word processing and computerized legal research skills preferred but not required.