Paralegal - 30/HR Part-Time - Irmo Magistrate

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Job Purpose:

Provides essential administrative, procedural, financial and case management support to the Magistrates Court. Ensures efficient daily operations of the court, handles critical records and legal documents. Performs specialized legal duties related to misdemeanor criminal and traffic related charges; civil filings; bond hearings and preliminary hearings on behalf of the Magistrate Court. Schedules court dates and monitors cases from filing through adjudication. Assists Magistrates with legal research and in the courtroom during trials. Serves as a point of contact for Magistrates, law enforcement, defendants, attorneys, victims, jurors, court personnel and the general public, providing assistance and information as needed, including but not limited to court procedures, case status and other court related matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Case Management:

Manages and maintains accurate court records by preparing arrest warrants, case files, court orders, juror records, and other legal documents.

• Prepares files for criminal and traffic related charges, bond hearings, preliminary hearings and civil filings.
• Receives probable cause affidavits from law enforcement to prepare arrest warrants and bench warrants.
• Assists the Magistrate with legal matters and research, as well as court documentation during hearings and trials.
• Prepares, coordinates, and verifies with detention center staff and court personnel to discharge defendants.
• Clocks and files motions/subpoenas, prepares affidavits, notarizes court documents.
• Prepares summons for pre-trial hearings, bench trials and jury trials.
• Coordinates the jury selection process, including issuing juror summons and handles related communications.
• Interprets and prepares necessary paperwork for circuit court orders.
• Updates case files after court by preparing the necessary DMV orders, SLED records, Diversion Program referrals and processes expungement orders.
• Prepares judicial transcripts and orders for civil cases.
• Records the dispositions of criminal and civil cases adjudicated by the court.
• Ensures the integrity and accuracy of all court records in the Case Management System.
• Transmits case files to trial courts and court documents to Solicitor's office and Public Defender's Office.
• Processes and responds to public records requests.

Scheduling:

• Maintains and schedules dockets and court calendars.
• Schedules court hearings, trials and meetings in coordination with Magistrates, attorneys, law enforcement, defendants and plaintiffs, program providers and other court personnel.
• Communicates schedule changes or case updates to case parties.

Financials:

• Collects and receipts bond payments, criminal and traffic fines and civil filing fees. Balances cash drawer and manages daily financial transactions.
• Daily, monthly and yearly financial reconciliation reports in compliance with the Chief Justice Financial Accounting Order.

Customer Service:

• Interacts and assists with Magistrates, attorneys, prosecutors, defendants, victims, witnesses, jurors, law enforcement, bonding companies and the general public.
• Assists individuals at customer service windows, over the phone and through email and other written communication.
• Provides support in a fast-paced, high-stressed environment.

Other:

• Completes annual survey of case load summary.
• Verifies all bonding licenses are up to date and in compliance with the Clerk of Court.
• Compiles and organizes all court records regarding the retention schedule.
• Ensures confidentiality of court records.
• Assists in training of new employees.
• Attends training classes when available.

Performs other similar duties as required.

Education/Experience:

• Associate's degree, with no experience required; or an equivalent of education and/or experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Licensing and Certifications:

-Applicant Must Possess or obtain a SC Notary Public within 3 months of employment.

Pay:

From $19.44 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person