Arraignment Courtroom Clerk

Summary

The Arraignment Courtroom Clerk supports the operations of the Criminal Division. This is an essential position that is required to work later hours, holidays, weekends, and when there are weather-related closures. This position covers a high-volume calendar, for which speed and attention to detail are necessary in order to be successful.

Duties

The Arraignment Courtroom Clerk will be expected to perform the following duties in a timely and competent manner, exercise sound and professional judgment, work both independently and cooperatively, and communicate clearly and courteously. Provides accurate case information and assistance promptly and courteously. Manages courtroom operations to ensure that appropriate personnel and parties are present for proceedings and that the courtroom is ready before calling the judge into the courtroom; calls the courtroom to order as needed. Administers oaths to jurors, witnesses, and interpreters; takes notes and generates necessary paperwork in accordance with the rulings of the courts; inputs data as needed to ensure complete and accurate court records. Coordinates the jury selection process by conducting roll calls of jurors, recording the number of strikes taken by each attorney, maintaining a list of all jurors selected, documenting panel list outcomes of each prospective juror, verifying jury activity for compensation purposes, facilitating the deployment of ADA accommodations, and collaborating with the Juror Office and other stakeholders. Submits requests and ensures the presence of language access interpreters and court reporters. Accurately maintains the official court record of court proceedings in a timely manner; prepares minutes, and records appearances of court participants. Receives, marks, maintains records and assumes custody of evidence and exhibits. Enters case dispositions, judgments, postponements, fines, and costs ordered by the judge into the court's case management system. Prepares judicial orders, bench warrants, commitments, judgments, notices and other court documents and forms as required, directed, or pursuant to the court's ruling and provides copies to parties in compliance with the business processes and standard operating procedures. Acts as a primary liaison to the assigned judicial officer for purposes of conducting proceedings, provides technical assistance and serves as an administrative resource in the courtroom. Participates in training to ensure professional development and competency to provide services in all case types; assists in cross-training co-workers as needed or directed. Provides coverage for courtrooms and calendars in other divisions and offices as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED plus three (3) years of administrative or clerical experience in a court, legal, or office environment; or an associate's degree plus one (1) year of administrative or clerical experience in a court, legal, or office environment. Some familiarity with the criminal judicial system, judicial branch, or legal terminology is preferred. Proficient with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe. Must possess the ability to: multitask, work well with a diverse group of people, accurately type in real time while monitoring a proceeding, pay attention to detail, be attentive, organized, and able to work under pressure. The incumbent should be an enthusiastic and engaged professional who enjoys working with a diverse group of Court personnel and customers and lives the DC Courts' values of Accountability, Excellence, Fairness, Integrity, Respect, and Transparency.

Education

To qualify based on education, upload a copy of your college transcript or degree. The transcript must show the name of the college or university, your name, a list of courses with credit hours, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for District of Columbia Courts employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ Foreign Education: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must upload a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript at the time of application to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.