Judicial Assistant Position Commissioner Esmeralda Gaxiola seeks a Judicial Assistant who is a highly skilled problem solver who can juggle competing priorities, demonstrate exceptional organization skills, and navigate sensitive issues with diplomacy all in support of the day-to-day activities of the Criminal Court department. Specifically, the Early Disposition Court (EDC) unit in the Criminal Court department, it consists of 5 high volume pretrial calendars designed for cases to be resolved quickly, most often with the defendant taking a plea from the state or defendants can waive their preliminary hearing and move towards prepping for trial. Defendants may choose to have a preliminary hearing, requiring an EDC commissioner to determine if the case will go to trial or be dismissed. Cases heard in EDC are low-end felony matters. EDC divisions are considered critical calendars and must run Monday through Friday excluding holidays. The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a willingness to contribute to the overall success of the Judicial Branch. The Superior Court of the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is dedicated to providing a safe, fair and impartial forum for resolving disputes, enhancing access to our services, and providing innovative, evidenced-based practices that improve the safety of our community and ensure the public's trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch. The Superior Court in Maricopa County, one of the largest, most innovative and progressive trial courts in the nation, seeks innovative individuals to join our team who will embrace our vision of excellence and the principles inherent in the Rule of Law...every person, every day, every time. We fulfill these principles through a culture that values fairness, respect, integrity, innovation, and safety.
Position Qualifications:
High School diploma or GEDThree (3) years of administrative experienceORCombined Education And Experience Qualifications:
- Experience as a Bailiff/Courtroom Assistant or Judicial Clerk Senior within the Maricopa County Superior Court may substitute for the experience requirement.
- Completion of an accredited legal secretary or paralegal training program or certification, may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
- An equivalent combination of post-secondary education may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
- Our Preferred Candidate Has:
- Experience working in a court system, law office, or other legal setting.
- Experience with court procedures, legal terminology, and the legal requirements for processing court documents.
- Experience interacting with judges, commissioners, or attorneys.
- Experience with Microsoft Teams and Go-To Meetings virtual platforms.
- Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:
- Knowledge Of:
- Court policies and procedures, legal terminology, office procedures and practices, and the legal requirements for processing court documents.
- Principles and processes for customer service standards and procedures.
- Skill In:
- Verbally communicating with others to convey information effectively.
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- The use of computer applications and software such as MS Outlook, Word, Excel, iCIS, OnBase, and eFile., OneDrive, SharePointStandard office equipment such as: multi-line telephone system, fax machine, and copier.
- Ability To:
- Understand and follow quickly and accurately brief oral and written instructions.
- Make sound decisions in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures.
- Maintain a court calendar and work effectively with judges, commissioners, attorneys, court personnel, and the public.
Essential Job Tasks(This is not an all-inclusive list of all job duties that may be required; employees will be required to perform other related duties as assigned.)Provides all administrative support to assigned Commissioner or Division Administration as a Judicial Assistant and/or Courtroom Assistant.
Prepares, maintains, and revises daily court calendars, including: setting hearings/trial dates and processing motions.
Arranges for interpreters, court reporters, and special assignments as necessary.
Reviews case files for completeness; contacts interested parties for missing information.
Prepares information for Judge's or Commissioner's review prior to hearings.
Prepares courtroom, gathers all parties for hearings, directs when cases will proceed to courtroom, and manages calendar flow.
Assists in case flow management with daily input of hearing outcomes into the court database.
Handles a variety of requests, inquiries, and complaints from litigants, the public, lawyers, judges and other court personnel.
Provides administrative support for Court Administration, including providing coverage, customer assistance, answering phone calls, and reviewing Cal-Acti reports.
Working Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may need to communicate clearly, perceive details of objects that are close by, and maintain various physical positions for extended periods, such as sitting, standing, or walking. The job may involve using hands for tasks such as typing, handling objects, or operating tools, as well as reaching with hands and arms. Occasionally, the employee may be required to move or lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
