|
Current
Employment Opportunities
Pro
Se Services
SELF-HELP
LAW PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR: Montana Supreme Court Administrator’s Office,
Helena,
MT.
Summary: Responsible for
administering and coordinating the Montana Supreme Court
Self-Help Law Program. Duties:
Work includes providing technical assistance and training to
recipients of Self-Help Law Program funds; collecting and
analyzing evaluation data for all components of the program; and
serving as a liaison among various commissions, agencies, and
organizations responsible for implementing the program. The
successful applicant must be comfortable working in a new
position with evolving duties. Excellent communications skills
are required. Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university, and
four years of responsible professional experience in the fields
of law, social or human services, and/or public or business
administration. Graduation from an accredited law school is
preferred. Salary: $19.82 per hour. (2007)
PRO
SE LAW CLERK: United States
District Court for the District of Utah, Office of the Clerk
of Court. Summary: The
United States District Court for the District of Utah seeks
applications for the position of Pro Se Law Clerk. Duties: This is a full-time judicial support position that works
closely with and under the supervision of the court's two
magistrate judges; the primary duty is to assist them in the
management and processing of cases filed by incarcerated and
other pro se litigants. The incumbent will be responsible for:
screening complaints, petitions, and motions, including state
habeas corpus petitions, motions to vacate sentence, and civil
rights complaints, that have been filed by pro se litigants to
determine their legal merit, the issues involved, and the basis
for relief; screening of other pro se litigation such as social
security and equal opportunity complaints; tracking the progress
of and working with the magistrate judges to effectively manage
all pro se cases; advising the magistrate judges on the relative
status and priority needs of assigned cases; drafting orders,
reports and recommendations for the disposition of pro se cases;
compiling statistics and preparing periodic reports reflecting
the status and flow of pro se litigation; maintaining liaison
between pro se litigants, judicial officials, and other
officials such as the U.S. Attorney's Office; maintaining
contact with pro se litigants who visit and appear in court;
responding orally and in writing to a variety of questions
relating to legal procedure and other process posed by pro se
litigants; answering correspondence and telephone inquiries from
pro se litigants; evaluating current procedures and process to
determine whether they can be made more efficient and promote
more expeditious processing of pro se litigation; and preparing
and updating pro se litigant forms and instructional packets
designed to assist unrepresented parties in drafting complaints
and to avoid time-consuming procedural errors so cases can be
processed efficiently. Qualifications:
Applicants must have earned a law degree from an
accredited law school and be members in good standing of the
Utah State Bar in either active or inactive status. A minimum of
one year of relevant legal experience in a court environment or
as a practicing attorney at law is required. Applicants should
provide evidence of excellent communication skills, both oral
and written, and should include three relatively brief writing
samples with their applications. Applicants must demonstrate
excellent legal research skills in both automated and manual
systems. Experience with prisoner/pro se litigation or other
civil rights litigation is preferred. Acceptance of the position
precludes engaging in private practice. Salary: $34,575 (JSP
9/1) - $91,589 (JSP 14/10) (2007)
COURT EXECUTIVE 1B (OMBUDSMAN): Morris/Sussex
Vicinage, Morristown, New Jersey. Summary:
The Morris/Sussex vicinage is seeking a pro-active leader
with a keen organizational awareness, exceptional interpersonal
and conflict management skills and an ability to think
creatively under stressful circumstances to serve as Court
Executive 1b (Ombudsman). Duties:
Under the general direction of the Court Executive 3b (Trial
Court Administrator), the individual will serve as the liaison
for the delivery of superior customer service Vicinage wide. A thorough and complete understanding of the
organization, coupled with a high degree of interpersonal and
conflict management skills, are essential for the position.
The incumbent must be comfortable interacting with the
public, internal customers, including judges, and external
entities in a challenging, fluid court environment.
Duties will include, but not be limited to: providing
assistance to customers, including self-represented (pro-se)
litigants, by explaining court operations, processes and
procedures; educating the public regarding programs and
services; facilitating the resolution of customer complaints by
providing information, assistance, guidance, referrals, or
making appropriate inquiries; providing resource materials;
developing and coordinating public education programs;
maintaining a resources library of lists including lists of
state and local social service agencies and lawyer referral
services for the use of court customers; making recommendations
to the Assignment judge or Trial Court Administrator for
improvement in court services for the public; developing and/or
providing training related to customer service and the role of
the Ombudsman; compiling, inputting and assessing data from
customer satisfaction surveys; developing appropriate reports,
brochures and other informational materials; participating in
and staffing various local and statewide committees;
supervising, mentoring and coaching staff, and other duties as
assigned. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s
degree. Three years of increasingly responsible administrative
experience, one of which shall have included experience in
planning, organizing and coordinating program or case related
activities. Applicants who do not possess the required education
may substitute paraprofessional and professional experience on a
year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree may be substituted for
one year of experience as indicated above. A law degree may be
substituted for two years of experience as indicated above. Salary:
$64,245.54 - $95,832.92 (2007)
COURT
EXECUTIVE 2A: Office
of Trial Court Services, Programs and Procedures Division, AOC, Trenton, NJ. Summary: The New Jersey Judiciary is seeking a strong manager with
exceptional project management and writing skills to lead a
statewide effort to coordinate and improve the delivery of
services to all litigants, with an emphasis on the
self-represented litigant. Duties:
Working with division managers, ombudsmen, and others within
the Judiciary, the selected individual will be responsible for
spearheading the creation, production, and distribution of
materials for use by self-represented individuals; developing an
integrated organization-wide approach to increasing access to
the courts by self-represented litigants; and working to improve
the court experience for all court users. The selected
individual should have an understanding of court rules;
excellent communications skills; and the ability to produce
legally sufficient documents written to the average lay
person’s comprehension level. A law degree is helpful. Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
bachelor’s degree. Five years of professional administrative
and/or program management experience, three of which shall have
included responsibility for program development and/or
implementation and for supervision of staff. Applicants who do
not possess the required education may substitute
paraprofessional and professional experience on a year-for-year
basis. A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of
experience. A law degree may be substituted for two years of
experience. A detailed writing sample may be required at the
time of interview. Salary: $69,599 - $101,186. (2007)
Top
COURT
EXECUTIVE 1B (OMBUDSMAN): Superior
Court of New Jersey, Passaic
Vicinage. Summary: The
Passaic Vicinage is seeking a proactive manager with exceptional
customer service, interpersonal and organizational skills to
function as an ombudsman for court users. The selected
individual will be responsible for the development and
management of programs designed to promote public trust in the
courts and enhance customer service, provide procedural
assistance to self-representing litigants (pro se litigants),
educate the public regarding programs and services and
facilitate the resolution of complaints. Duties:
Specific duties will include: assisting court users,
including pro se litigants, by explaining court operations,
processes and procedures and providing resource materials;
responding to complaints by providing information, assistance or
guidance and, as appropriate, referring the court user to an
appropriate court division for resolution; serving as the
vicinage information and customer service liaison with the
public; developing cooperative working relationships with
vicinage management and staff to ensure overall quality customer
service; developing and coordinating public information
initiatives such as court tours, speakers’ bureau, public
reception service areas and information services and materials;
maintaining a resource library including lists of state and
local social service agencies and lawyer referral services for
the use of court customers; documenting complaints and
monitoring resolution; making recommendations to the Assignment
Judge or Trial Court Administrator for improvement in court
services to the public; training vicinage staff on customer
service, sensitivity and to the role of the ombudsman;
recommending improvements in the operations of the ombudsman’s
office and public information activities to the Assignment Judge
or Trial Court Administrator; participating in the development
of brochures and other informational materials; and performing
related duties as required. Qualifications:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a
bachelor’s degree. Three years of increasingly responsible
administrative experience, one of which shall have included
experience in planning, organizing, and coordinating program or
case related activities. Applicants who do not possess the
required education may substitute paraprofessional or
professional experience for education on a year-for-year basis.
A master’s degree may be substituted for one year of general
experience as indicated above. A law degree may be substituted
for two years of experience as indicated above. Knowledge of
court operations, processes and programs is helpful. Legal
experience or graduation from law school, the ability to
communicate in both Spanish and English and experience working
with diverse populations are helpful as well. Familiarity with
and ability to effectively use Microsoft Office Suite
applications are also helpful. Salary: $64,245.54 - $95,832.92.
(2007)
SELF-HELP
LAW PROJECT INTERNSHIP:
Helena, MT.
Summary:
The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) provides free
legal assistance in civil cases to low-income people. It is the
mission of MLSA to protect and enhance the civil legal rights
of, and promote systemic change for, Montanans living in
poverty. MLSA summer interns will work side by side with MLSA
staff in an effort to provide, protect and enhance access to
justice. MLSA law student interns will be exposed to various
areas of poverty law and gain experience through: Duties:
MLSA summer interns will work side by side with MLSA staff in an
effort to provide, protect and enhance access to justice. MLSA
law student interns will be exposed to various areas of poverty
law and gain experience through: Interviewing clients seeking
advice or assistance; Undertaking
direct assistance and responsibilities to clients; Drafting
petitions, motions and other court documents; Engaging in
investigation and formal discovery; Counseling and advising
clients; Researching case specific legal issues; Court
appearances. Self-Help Law Project internship:
The intern’s role will be as a legal assistant, working
primarily on the self-help law project. Duties will include
working directly with pro se clients, reviewing and editing
legal documents and organizing the monthly self-help law
clinics. Qualifications:
1st or 2nd year law students. Unpaid. (2007)
D.C.
LAW STUDENTS IN COURT PROGRAM INTERNS: Washington,
DC. Summary: The D.C. Law Students in Court Program (“LSIC”) is a
client-centered litigation clinic in the District of Columbia
with students from five D.C. law schools participating. In
addition to being one of the city’s oldest law school clinics,
LSIC is also one of its largest and most successful legal
service providers. Each year, representatives from LSIC provide
free legal assistance to nearly seven thousand individuals and
make thousands of appearances in court. Summer internships are
with the Civil Division, which primarily represents low-income
tenants facing eviction and/or uninhabitable living conditions.
We also provide advice and pro se assistance to persons with
matters concerning contract and property disputes, disabilities,
receiverships, torts, and bankruptcy. Duties:
The primary responsibility of LSIC summer interns is
staffing the Program’s walk-in clinic. Our clinic is open
daily to anyone with legal questions or who seeks legal advice.
Students interview individuals who call or come into our office,
and advise them of their rights and responsibilities in a
variety of legal situations. Interns work one-on-one with
experienced supervising attorneys. Types of assistance include
drafting pleadings for pro se litigants, writing
persuasive letters, negotiating with other attorneys, and
educating litigants on their legal rights and options. In
addition to staffing our clinic intake, interns perform
investigations for on-going LSIC cases at clients’ homes,
administrative offices, and the D.C. courts. When feasible,
interns may represent clients in administrative hearings before
the D.C. Office of Adjudication. When time and workloads permit,
interns undertake research and writing projects related to
current legal issues. Qualifications: The clinic is normally restricted to participation
by court-certified third year law students, but the summer
internships offer students an earlier opportunity to provide
direct-client services and to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Unpaid. (2007)
VOLUNTEER TRANSLATOR: inMotion:
Justice for All Women, New York City. Duties The
student/volunteer will translate or review a translation of a
pro se law library into various languages used throughout New York City
--the student/volunteer may translate as many booklets as he/she
wants. The pro se library addresses the limited availability of
representation for an increasing number of women who cannot
afford legal assistance. The Library consists of 11 booklets
that cover the following subject matters: Paternity Proceedings,
Adoption, Custody and Visitation, Guardianship, Divorce, Spousal
Support, Child Support, Orders of Protection, Domestic Violence
and Immigrant Women, Social Security Number and Name Changes,
and New York City Courts. It is our hope that the library will
be translated into numerous languages so that they can be used
by pro se litigants, volunteer attorneys and community
organizations who deal with clients whose first language is not
English. Students/volunteers who can do written translations
into Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, German, Hindi, Japanese,
Korean, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Turkish, Urdu, and Yiddish are
needed. Speakers of other languages not listed here are
encouraged to inquire. Estimated time to completion of project:
depends on booklet, 5-15 hours per booklet. Qualifications:
Proficiency in written translations from English to another
foreign language. (2007)
PRO SE
LAW CLERK: The
United States
District Court, Western District of Arkansas. Summary: The United
States District Court, Western District of Arkansas, has a
position vacancy for pro se law clerk. The position is half-time
or 20 hours per week. The position will be located in Fort Smith,
Arkansas, and will provide legal support to two U.S. Magistrate Judges. Duties:
The Pro Se Law Clerk provides legal advice and assistance in
connection with prisoner petitions and complaints and will be
required to perform duties including, but not limited to, the
following: (1) Perform substantive screening and make
recommendations with respect to all in forma pauperis pro se
filings. Provide substantive legal review of pro se petitions
referred by the Court, this review to include research of issues
raised by pleadings. (2) Research case law, recommend
disposition of motions, draft orders and opinions for the
Court's signature. (3) Communicate with counsel and pro se
litigants regarding handling and progress of cases. Qualifications:
To qualify, a candidate must be a law school graduate and
have passed the bar examination. Salary range is $26,456 to $31,
708. (2007)
LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR WOMEN VOLUNTEER: Chrysalis
(Center for Women and Girls), Limited Legal Services Clinic
& Representation. Summary:
The
Legal Assistance for Women (LAW) Program volunteer assists
volunteer attorneys in: Providing pro se assistance and other
limited legal services to low-income women in family law matters
at Limited Legal Services Clinics and follow-up services
off-site; and Providing pro bono legal representation in family
law cases to low-income women screened by Chrysalis.
LAW Program Volunteer
Attorneys are supervised by the Chrysalis Family Law Attorney
and the volunteer attorney whom they are assisting. Duties:
Attend 12-hour training program provided by
Chrysalis. Attend volunteer
orientation and observe trained volunteers at a “buddy
shift” for the Limited Legal Services Clinic. Assist at Limited Legal
Services Clinic by interviewing clients, helping clients
organize documents and gather information, drafting documents
for review by attorney, and providing referrals. Assist volunteer attorneys with Pro Bono Family
Law Representation by helping clients organize documents and
gather information, drafting documents for review by attorney,
and researching legal issues. Complete paperwork related to Limited Legal
Services Clinic and report the number of hours volunteered
off-site. Honor volunteer commitments. Notify LAW Program
staff in advance of any schedule conflict, absence, and change
in contact information. Qualifications:
Interest
in family law issues. Law student or
paralegal (preference given to 2nd or 3rd year law students and
experienced paralegals). Awareness of and respect for diversity. Good communication, organization, and time
management skills. Ability to maintain client confidentiality. (2007)
LIBRARIAN 1: Superior
Court of New Jersey, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren
Counties. Summary: Under the
direction of the Operations Division Manager and other
supervisory personnel, is responsible for determining and
coordinating the requirements and acquiring books, periodicals
and other materials for the law library and judges’ chambers
libraries within budget constraints and based on established
policy. Duties: Specific duties will include coordinating
purchasing requirements including submission of bills for
processing; updating the library collection; coordinating the
content of law library collections and library policies and
procedures vicinage-wide; maintaining an up-to-date inventory of
current library holdings; researching and implementing
improvements to the library; keeping detailed records of library
expenditures; assisting library customers, including pro se
litigants in accessing legal materials; making projections of
library spending for the preparation of budgets and spending
plans; preparing technical and financial review and evaluation
reports as required; maintaining and re-shelving books and
publications in the law library and performing other related
duties as assigned. Although this position will be based in the
Somerset County Courthouse (Somerville,
NJ), it will require travel to the Hunterdon County Courthouse (Flemington,
NJ) and the Warren County Courthouse (Belvidere,
NJ). Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university
with a bachelor’s degree. Three years of professional
experience in the area of Administrative Operations: purchasing,
finance, facilities management, investigation or library
administration. Applicants who do not possess the required
education may substitute paraprofessional and professional
experience for education on a year-for-year basis. A master’s
degree may be substituted for one year of experience. A law
degree may be substituted for two years of experience. Extensive
knowledge in library administration, legal research and/or a
degree in Library Science would be helpful. Knowledge of
automated systems such as Word, PowerPoint, Access and Excel is
also helpful. Salary: $41,684.28 - $67,609.64. (2007)
Top
PRO SE LAW CLERK: United States District Court
Central District of California. Summary: United States
District Court Central District of California invites
applications for the position of full-time Pro Se Law Clark. The
Pro Se Law Clerk will work under the supervision of a United
States Magistrate Judge on pro se habeas corpus, civil rights
actions and Social Security cases. Duties: At present,
the Court anticipates that the applicant will work primarily in
conjunction with cases assigned to the Western Division of the
Court and would be assigned a duty station at the federal
courthouse in Los Angeles. More than one vacancy may be filled
through this recruitment. Qualifications: Candidates must
have strong academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law
school, polished writing skills and superior analytical ability.
Bar membership and litigation experience preferred. Applicants
must be computer literate. Salary: $56,896 to $124,572 per year.
(2006)
ADMINISTRATIVE
SPECIALIST 2: Superior
Court of New
Jersey, Ocean Vicinage. Duties:
Under the general direction of the Court Executive 2b
(Operations Division Manager) assists pro se litigants and
directs to appropriate resources; assists in the resolution of
customer complaints; coordinates use/maintenance of vicinage
vehicle fleet; duplicates copies of court proceedings for
litigants and judges; coordinates storage and retrieval of court
records; assists in maintaining law library; coordinates
sessions calendar; generates reports of statistical nature and
coordinates complimentary dispute resolution program. Does
related work as required. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university
with a bachelor’s degree. One year of experience in the
coordination of calendars and scheduling of events. A minimum of
two years experience in the area of customer service and
administration of policies and procedures. Applicants who do not
possess the required education may substitute paraprofessional
and professional experience for education on a year-for-year
basis. Salary: $36,025.61 - $59,021.95. (2006)
COURT
EXECUTIVE 1B (OMBUDSMAN): Superior
Court of
New Jersey, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren
Counties. Summary: The
Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Vicinage is seeking a pro-active
manager with exceptional customer service, interpersonal and
organizational skills to serve under the direction of the Court
Executive 3b (Trial Court Administrator), as the Vicinage
Ombudsman. This individual will be responsible for the further
development and management of programs designed to promote
public trust in the courts and enhance customer service. Duties:
Duties will include, but not be limited to: providing
assistance to customers, including self-represented (pro-se)
litigants, by explaining court operations, processes and
procedures; educating the public regarding programs and
services; facilitating the resolution of customer complaints by
providing information, assistance, guidance, referrals or making
appropriate inquiries; providing resource materials; developing
and coordinating public education programs; serving as the
vicinage information and customer service liaison with the
public; developing cooperative working relationships with
vicinage management and staff to ensure overall quality services
for the use of court customers; making recommendations to the
Assignment Judge or Trial Court Administrator for improvement in
court services to the public; developing and/or providing
training relating to customer service and the role of the
Ombudsman, compiling, inputting and assessing data from customer
service satisfaction surveys; developing appropriate reports,
brochures, signage and other informational materials;
participating and staffing various local and statewide
committees; supervising, mentoring and coaching staff; handling
certain librarian duties; and other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university
with a Bachelor’s degree. Three years of increasingly
responsible administrative experience, one of which shall have
included experience in planning, organizing and coordinating
program or case related activities. Applicants who do not
possess the required education may substitute paraprofessional
and professional experience on a year-for-year basis. A
Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience
as indicated above. A law degree may be substituted for two
years of experience as indicated above. Knowledge of court
operations, processes and programs, as well as bilingual skills
in English and Spanish would be helpful. Excellent interpersonal
and communication skills are desired. Familiarity with and
ability to effectively use Microsoft Office Suite applications
would also be helpful. Salary: $62,985.82 - $93,953.84. (2006)
LAW LIBRARY DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATOR OF SELF-HELP
CENTER:
Trial Courts of
Arizona
in Maricopa
County, AZ.
Summary: Oversees all
aspects of the Law Library, Self-Service and Family
Violence
Prevention
Centers
administration. Duties: Procurement,
facilities planning, personnel management, technology matters,
problem-solving, and assisting in long-range planning. Reviews,
develops and oversees the development and implementation of
internal policies and procedures. Prepares and controls the Law
Library budget and ongoing expenditures. Compiles data and
prepares written reports. Advises Court Administration on
technology issues including access to legal information,
collection development, and other departmental services.
Prepares evaluations and performs supervisory functions for
library supervisors and Self-Service
Center
supervisor. Performs legal research as needed by Court
Administration. Represents the Law Library and Self
Service
Center at departmental meetings. Qualifications:
A degree in law from an ABA
approved law school or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited
college or university in Library Science plus five years of
related experience. A Master’s degree from an accredited
college or university in Library Science from an ALA
approved university may substitute for two years of the required
experience. Salary $57,012 - $81,494. (2006)
PRO
PER ATTORNEY – MANAGER OF THE SELF
HELP CENTER: Second Judicial District
Court-Washoe
County. Summary: Under Family Court direction, coordinate the
development, implementation and management of a program of
informed access for pro per litigants by providing information,
form pleadings and other general legal and procedural
assistance. Develop, coordinate and conduct educational outreach
and support services for Self Help Center Customers. Review,
revise and create appropriate generic form pleadings consistent
with Nevada
law. Participate in local and statewide initiatives concerning
access to justice and coordinate Self
Help
Center services with available community legal and related services. Duties:
Work with the Family Court Self Help Center Advisory
Committee, to which a Family District Judge is assigned, in
developing the programmatic direction of the Center. Exercise
direct supervision over clerical staff, volunteers, and
interns/externs, including participating in interview process,
training and performance reviews, assume management
responsibility for the Self
Help
Center
and associated activities. Assume responsibility for the
management of the Self Help
Center
budget along with the Assistant Court Administrator – Family
Division and for daily accounting from sales of pro per packets.
Provide customer service to pro per litigants through the
development and management of a program that will reduce the
complexity of the court process, establish an environment of
informed access, provide procedural assistance, and reduce
economic barriers to the litigant population. Provide legal
information, resources, education, and assistance to pro per
litigants; ensure that all forms, processes and procedures
conform to the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure, Nevada Revised
Statutes and District Court Rules; develop pro per forms and
packets. Develop partners in the legal community; direct pro
pers to other legal resources within the community. Communicate
effectively with clients of differing economic status, cultural
backgrounds, and educational levels who are often in crisis or
under stress. Communicate effectively with Self Help Center
staff and clients regarding the ethical restrictions and
perimeters in providing legal assistance. Present talks and
lectures to law enforcement and other agencies regarding family
court. Maintain program statistics and prepare a variety of
technical, statistical and narrative reports, correspondence and
other written materials for in-house and public distribution. Qualifications:
Graduate of an accredited law school. Must be a Nevada
licensed attorney and in good standing with the Nevada State
Bar. Must have a minimum of two years of practice in family law
and one year of program management experience. (2006)
SUPREME
COURT SELFHELP CENTRE COORDINATOR: Court Administration Vancouver
Law Courts, Vancouver Centre Area, Court Services Branch. Summary:
The Coordinator provides legal information,
assistance and referral services to unrepresented litigants who
are involved or considering bringing civil actions (including family) in the Supreme
Court of British Columbia. Duties:
Makes independent decisions in assessing Self Help Centre
user needs and manner in which help will be provided. Responds
to diverse technical questions and provides information
concerning rules, procedures and forms completion. Collects and
manages confidential intake information on users and inputs in
database to allow for formal evaluation of the Self Help Centre
services. Maintains inventory of approved legal pamphlets and
brochures available at the Self Help Centre and establishes
reorder procedures. Makes Pro Bono and Legal Services referrals
and appointments in accordance with financial eligibility
criteria established by service providers. Provides assistance
using the public access computer terminals at the Self Help
Centre and browsing legal research and information resources.
Participates in delivering workshops by means of lectures film
media and other mediums in providing education and access to
justice. Identifies and manages Self Help Centre library
materials and resources. Manages Self Help Centre facility to
ensure safekeeping of resources and equipment as well as access
and use of the public computer terminal workstations. Manages
Self Help Centre website and recommends additions or changes to
be made. Attend Self Help Centre committee operational meetings
and provide input on continual improvement of business practices
and procedures. Qualifications: Secondary
school graduation or equivalent, preferably supplemented by
course in law, business or public administration, or an
equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum two
years working with Court Registry related documentation and
processes. 50 wpm keyboarding speed. Good working knowledge of
computers (Windows, word processing and electronic mail
systems). Work independently using initiative, tact, diplomacy
and sound judgment with minimal supervision or direction.
Communicate effectively and professionally with the judiciary,
legal profession, government agencies and general public, both
verbally and written. Communicate effectively with a broad
diversity of users who may be difficult, upset, abusive,
demanding and in some instances potentially violent. Interpret
Supreme Court Rules, related provincial and federal statutes and
regulations, court orders, policies and procedures. Effective
interviewing and probing skills in trying to determine nature
and scope of issues facing unrepresented litigants and how best
to assist. A sound understanding and application of the
principles governing the provision of legal information as
opposed to legal advice and how to effectively communicate these
limits to users. Maintain strict confidentiality and
impartiality. (2006)
COURT
SELF HELP
CENTER CLERK:
Lancaster
County
Law
Library, Lancaster, PA.
Summary:
This is a specialized clerical
position overseeing the daily operation of the Court
Self
Help
Center. Duties: Answer questions and educate potential self -represented
litigants about materials and resources available in the center;
distribute appropriate brochures and information packets;
collect money for sale of packets.
Handle daily correspondence by mail and e-mail; prepare
information and referrals as appropriate.
Provide information about Lawyer Referral Service and other
available legal services, mediation services and appropriate
community resources and services. Document use of Center, including keeping statistics on number of
packets sold and number of referrals made.
Maintain stock of printed materials.
Reconcile cash register after each shift; deposit cash and
checks daily. Lock
office and turn off equipment after each shift.
Perform related duties as required. Qualifications:
Education equivalent to completion of high school; one year
of clerical experience in an administrative, governmental,
judicial or law related setting, OR any combination of
acceptable education and experience which has provided the
knowledge, skills, and abilities cited above. Ability to
communicate effectively with
different types of people. Ability to handle and manage money
accurately. Ability to work independently. Ability to answer
phone, make recommendations, and follow up with information as
necessary. Ability to effectively use a computer. Core
Competencies: Communication:
Personal responsibility to give and receive information and
feedback in order to provide a more complete result. Interpersonal:
The ability to demonstrate respect for and awareness of others,
good judgment in responding to conflict, and flexibility to
adapt to changes in one’s work environment. Accountability:
The ability to contribute one’s very best to the County with a
focus on continuous improvement and excellence. Customer
Focus: The
ability to understand and anticipate customer wants and resolve
customer needs. (2006)
ASSISTANT
FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR: Superior Court in Contra Costa
County, California. Summary:
Assistant Family Law
Facilitator positions serve in support of the courts
new Family Law Expansion project. The Family Law Expansion project is
designed to provide
expanded services to family law litigants. Duties:
The
individuals appointed to these positions will
perform a wide variety of duties under the
supervision of the Family Law Facilitator
including but not limited to:
providing educational materials to
parents regarding the process of establishing
parentage; establishing, modifying and enforcing
child and spousal support in the courts;
distributing necessary court forms and voluntary
declarations of paternity; providing assistance
in completing forms; preparing support schedules
based upon statutory guidelines; providing
referrals to the local child support agency,
Family Court Services and other community
agencies and resources that provide services for
parents and children; mediating issues of child
and spousal support and the maintenance of
health insurance; drafting stipulations agreed
to by all parties; preparing orders after
hearing and judgments; preparing tentative
rulings; reviewing paperwork, examining
documents and advising the judge on the
readiness of cases; and performing other duties
at the direction of the Family Law Facilitator. Qualifications: Possession of a law degree from an accredited law school.
Law courses taken and successfully
completed in the areas of family law and California
community property law are highly desirable. Membership in the State Bar of California by no later than June 30, 2006.
(Note: a person appointed who does not possess
Bar membership by June 30, 2006,
will not be eligible for continued employment).
Work experience in the practice of family
law (as an attorney or in another capacity) is
highly desirable. Salary:
$51,628.17 - $62,754.43 annually. (2006)
Top
FAMILY
LAW FACILITATOR: Orange County, California. Summary: The
Family Law Facilitator, specializes in family law and has direct
contact with litigants. This position differs from the Research
Attorney series whose primary duties are to perform legal
research or judicial officers. The Family Law Facilitator also
supervises a staff of attorneys, paralegals, and clerical
support. Under general direction, this single position
classification is responsible for providing services mandated by
Family Code 10000-10015 which includes the development,
planning, implementation, and administration of a family law
program to provide services to litigants not represented by
counsel. Incumbents facilitate and expedite family law
program services such as providing assistance in completing
court forms and providing educational materials , as well as
other services related to Family Law proceedings, without
representing any party or creating attorney-client
relationships. Duties: Plans, implements, and administers
family law program activities consistent with applicable
statute. Develops and implements operational policies and
procedures consistent with court policy, local and state court
rules. Designs and conducts clinics/classes for litigants
unrepresented by counsel in Family Court for the purpose of
enabling the litigants to self-represent in family law matters
such as child and/or spousal support and child custody and/or
visitation. Provides educational materials to parents concerning
the process of establishing parentage and establishing,
modifying, and/or enforcing child and spousal support in
courts. Distributes necessary court forms, such as
voluntary declarations of paternity. Provides information in
completing child support, paternity, or other court forms.
Prepares child and/or spousal support schedules based upon
statutory guidelines using specialized software programs.
Provides information and assistance on child support, spousal
support, and paternity issues. Qualifications: Active
membership in the State Bar of California. Three or more years'
post-Bar experience in the practice of family law and mediation
of family law disputes; or two years as a Research Attorney for
a California Trial Court, with demonstrated application of the
required knowledge and abilities related for family law matters.
Salary: $76,107.20-$102,460.80. (2005)
FAMILY
LAW ATTORNEY: County of Los Angles, California. Summary: Under
guidance from the Family Law Facilitator, the Family Law
Attorney assists in planning, coordinating and implementing
programs, activities and policies for the Family Law
Facilitator's Office. The Family Law Attorney trains, evaluates,
and supervises the paralegal and administrative support staff;
coordinates facility, security and automation needs fro the
Family Law Facilitator's Program at various Court locations and
provides legal services mandated by the California Family Code
Sections 10000- et seq. Duties: Manages and supervises
assigned Paralegal staff at Family Law Information Centers
throughout the County. Reviews the work performed by
paralegals for technical accuracy. Assists in planning,
implementing, and administering established policies and
procedures and functions consistent with legal, court and
departmental requirements. Assists paralegals in the day-to-day
preparation of documents for pro per litigants; answers legal
and procedural questions. Assists in developing bar and
community outreach programs for unrepresented and financially
disadvantaged litigants. Qualifications: Graduation from
an accredited law school; forty hours of training in mediation
techniques and approaches, including training in domestic
violence and a member of California State Bar in good standing
and five years admission to practices law before the Supreme
Court of the State of California and three years experience as a
family law attorney. Salary: $6,122.09- $7, 605.45 monthly.
(2005)
PRO
SE DIRECTOR: Family Court, Wilmington, Delaware. Qualifications:
Current member of the
Delaware Bar. Experience with
Delaware law as it relates to the jurisdiction of Family Court. Experience in developing
informational resources in conjunction with training programs. Able to communicate effectively.
Salary range is $41,902 minimum, $52,377 midpoint and $62,852
maximum. (2005)
PRO
SE COORDINATOR: Iowa Legal Aid, Des Moines, Iowa. Duties:
The Coordinator will have wide range of responsibilities
dealing with the planning, research and development of pro se
resources in coordination with the judicial and legal
communities in Iowa. The project will also focus on the
technology best suited for the public’s use of on-line pro
se resources. The project will include work with national
groups involved in self-help projects in other states. The
individual will represent Iowa Legal Aid at national training
events dealing with these issues. The project will also
involve work with Iowa Legal Aid’s Managed Pro Se Project,
developing resources to post on appropriate web sites. It is
expected that the position will be located in Iowa Legal
Aid’s office in either Des Moines, Iowa City or Cedar Rapids
and continue for a period of at least one year. Qualifications:
Applicants for the position should have a license to
practice law in the state of Iowa and preferably experience
working with the judicial branch or providing legal services
to low-income Iowans. A background in the use of web based and
document assembly technology is also desired. (2005)
PRO
SE PROJECT SUPERVISING ATTORNEY: Rockville, Maryland. Summary:
An employee in this class performs a variety of legal and
administrative duties associated with the provision of legal
assistance to litigants who are proceeding in Family Law matters
without legal representation. Employee is expected to have
a thorough knowledge of Maryland Family Law and Rules of
Procedure, federal law as it applies to family matters, uniform
interstate laws, local Family Division services, policies and
procedures, as well as resources and referrals for pro se
litigants and indigent persons. Employee is expected to have a
thorough knowledge of office practices, and make independent
decisions in dealing with the public and employees. The
incumbent of this position reports directly to the Family
Division Coordinator and is ultimately responsible to the Court
Administrator. Duties: To
perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to
perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge,
skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential functions. Directly manage and supervise the Pro
Se Project Attorneys and Legal Assistant and carry out
supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Court’s
business practices and policies including, but not limited to,
interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning,
assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding
and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving
problems. Perform all administrative duties relating to personnel
issues, i.e., manage leave and attendance schedule, approve
leave and verify timesheets; manage staff performance, complete
performance evaluations; communicate with staff office
procedures, policy changes and information from management;
resolve problems, complex issues or conflicts which may arise
among employees. Attend and participate in meetings to discuss
various court-related issues including, but not limited to,
differentiated case management/quality control, procedural
changes and employee issues. Provide
advice, legal counseling or general legal information to pro se
litigants and applicants regarding divorce, separation,
annulment, custody, visitation, child support, alimony, marital
property, and domestic violence, as well as procedural rules and
practices. Assist litigants with the preparation and filing
of Pro Se Domestic Relations Forms, and other pleadings that
have been approved for use in the Family Division. Provide
referrals for other services or organizations, as well as other
legal sources, such as the Montgomery County Bar Association Pro
Bono Program, Lawyer Referral Service, and Legal Aid, as well as
Internet websites designed to assist self-represented litigants.
Identify domestic violence or child
abuse and neglect issues and make referrals where appropriate. Review individual intakes to
determine eligibility, including financial, for services. Educate pro se litigants about
proper courtroom etiquette, what to expect in court, and the
flow of their case through the system. Provide
information to applicants regarding emergency or ex-parte
proceedings. Communicate
effectively with clients of differing economic, cultural
backgrounds and educational levels who are often in crisis or
under stress. Cooperate with
colleagues and other court staff to provide a high level of
customer service to the general public. Apply
Rules of Professional Conduct, confidentiality, privilege and
conflict of interest rules at all times to the provision of
limited legal services to self-represented litigants. Prepare
monthly and quarter statistical reports; audit intake data. Transport court files from one
department to another within the Court. This
job description reflects management’s assignment of essential
functions. It does not prescribe or restrict additional
various diversified tasks and assignments that may be required
by the Judicial Officers and/or Court Administrator. Qualifications:
Member of Maryland Bar, with two (2)
years of litigation experience in Family law. Two
(2) years supervisory experience including team building,
mentoring and human resources management in the areas of
staffing, recruitment, and employee training and development,
for a mid-size organization. Expertise
in the application of Maryland Family Law statutes and the
Maryland Rules of Procedure is mandatory. Proficiency
in Spanish is preferred. Proficiency
in computer systems and word processing, database and
spreadsheet programs are required. Starting Salary Range:
$55,000-$65,000. (2005)
PRO SE CASE MANAGER: Colorado. Summary:
Assist
pro se litigants in the effective and efficient processing of
court cases while educating pro se litigants on court
statutes, rules, policies and procedures within legal
limitations to ensure that court cases are handled properly
and expeditiously. The Pro Se Case Manager classification is distinguished from
other classifications due to working with a specialized
population of pro se litigants who represent themselves in
court in order to effectively process court cases and minimize
impact of pro se litigants on courtroom personnel and
clerk’s office. The person in this position is responsible
for communicating to pro se litigants that they are
representing themselves in all aspects of their court cases.
Duties:
Provides
information to pro se litigants regarding state statutes,
courtroom statutes, rules, policies and procedures. Assists pro se litigants in effectively processing court cases
through interactions in person or over the telephone. This includes explaining and assisting in the
completion of forms.
Determines and communicates appropriate forms needing filed by
pro se litigants. Explains scheduling hearings and mediation, status checks, and
general follow-up.
Also
explains court limitations to pro se litigants.
Provides
detailed customer service to Pro Se litigants to assist in
case processing to ensure implementation of proper procedures
and eliminate unnecessary delays in the courtroom. Provides customers with instructional packets explaining
contents and answers questions from pro se litigants. Acts
as liaison between pro se litigants and Clerk of Court office
personnel.
Reviews procedures and recommendations from Clerk of Court
personnel, judges and magistrates to improve court
representation and case processing advice provided to Pro Se
Litigants. Follow-up
with outside agencies, courtroom personnel and internal
offices to check on case progression. Corresponds with pro se litigants who are inmates seeking
modification of court orders making arrangements with the case
managers for their telephone testimony.
Educates pro se litigants on courtroom procedures and policies
within legal limitations.
Attends meetings and training as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Bachelor's
degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or
university with major course work preferably in the legal
administration, criminal justice, sociology, social work or
related field and one year of legal experience working in a
court setting or possession of a paralegal certificate. An
Associate's degree in paralegal or a paralegal certificate
and two years of legal experience working in a court or law
office setting. (2005)
Top
Contact
the Knowledge
& Information Services Office
with
inquiries regarding
Job
Description Database
Online
Request Form
1-800-616-6164
Last
Modified: October 26, 2007
© 2004
The National
Center
for State Courts.
All rights reserved.
|