Law Clerk (Permanent Floater) - Office of Court Administrator

Department: Office of Court Administrator

County or State Funded: County

Exempt or Non-exempt: Exempt

Paygrade: C-117

Salary: $79,830.40 annually

Law Clerk (Permanent Floater)

Primary Work Location: Downtown Courthouse, 415 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri

Basic Function and Responsibility:

The Law Clerk (Permanent Floater) performs complex, varied legal work, including legal research, analysis, technical support, case processing, and general interpretation of law for judges to support Division operations.  The work includes a range of legal services and research duties.  Work includes preparation of memoranda or orders for judges and commissioners concerning cases in the division, tracking motions and other pending issues, managing case-related communications at the direction of the judicial officer, and other duties as assigned.  

Appointing Authority and Supervision Received: 

The court administrator is the appointing authority, and the chief legal counsel provides general supervision for the position. 

Supervision Exercised:

None.

Characteristic and Assigned Duties: (The following duties are representative of the position and do not include all duties which may be performed.)

• Perform legal research and analysis and prepare memoranda and orders pertaining to motions, pleadings, summary judgments, and legal correspondence.
• Assist and communicate with the judge or commissioner and provide facts and law, legal conclusions, and recommendations to resolve legal issues in pending cases.
• Manage assigned work queues and reporting for pending motions and other required tasks or actions.
• Monitor time-sensitive legal requirements and compliance by parties and counsel with state and local court rules as directed by the judicial officer.
• Advise the judge or commissioner of case activity and scheduling concerns or conflicts.
• Facilitate scheduling of hearings, conferences, reviews, and meetings as directed. 
• Perform required docketing processes.
• Communicate with counsel as to proposed orders and judgments or supplemental documents as directed.
• Monitor new case assignments and implement required processes.

• Record appearances of parties and attorneys at hearings, and open and close court sessions as directed by the judicial officer.
• Administer oaths during court proceedings as required.
• Assist with jury processes and communicate as directed.
• Supervise sequestered juries that may require overnight stays and irregular work hours.
• Arrange for interpreter services.
• Preserve or scan and complete data entry required for the electronic case record.
• Facilitate chamber hearings, conferences, meetings, and telephone conferences.
• Consult with the judge or commissioner and the court public information officer concerning media requests.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of general law, state laws, established precedent, and sources of legal references.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
• Considerable knowledge of court procedures and rules of evidence.
• Ability to apply legal principles and specialized knowledge related to individual cases and problems.
• Ability to research and analyze legal issues and report in written form and oral presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the judiciary, court administration, and other stakeholders.

 Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited law school.

Necessary Special Requirement: 

Current license to practice law in the State of Missouri.

Equal Opportunity Employer