Clerk of Court - Massachusetts Appeals Court - Massachusetts Trial Court

The Clerk of Court is the Chief Operating Officer for the Clerk's Office of the Massachusetts Appeals Court under G.L. c. 211A, §. 6. The Clerk reports to the Chief Justice of the Appeals Court. The Clerk is responsible for the development and imp...

Title: Clerk of Court - Massachusetts Appeals Court

Starting Pay:  $179,336.54 -  The salary is established by G.L. c. 211A, § 6.

Departmental Mission Statement:

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE MASSACHUSETTS APPEALS COURT

The Appeals Court is committed to providing justice under the law by rendering thoughtful, well- reasoned appellate decisions in a timely and efficient manner and treating all those who come before the court fairly and impartially.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE APPEALS COURT CLERK'S OFFICE

The Clerk's Office serves as the hub of the court's business and channels the flow of appeals to the court for resolution. As the administrative arm of the court, the Clerk's Office strives to promote and implement policies and procedures that support the court's mission to deliver justice in a fair, timely and efficient manner to individuals in each appeal. The Clerk's Office staff renders prompt and courteous service to the members of the Bar, the public, government agencies, Appeals Court judges and staff and the Commonwealth's trial courts and the Supreme Judicial Court.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

http://www.mass.gov/courts/appealscourt/about-the-court.html

Notes: This position is posted, open until filled, preference to those that apply in the first 14 days.

Position Summary: The Clerk of Court is the Chief Operating Officer for the Clerk's Office of the Massachusetts Appeals Court under G.L. c. 211A, §. 6. The Clerk reports to the Chief Justice of the Appeals Court. The Clerk is responsible for the development and implementation of court and office procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the handling of court business consistent with the Massachusetts General Laws and Massachusetts Rules of Court, and in the performance and professional development of office personnel. The Clerk has direct daily supervision of the Assistant Clerks, including the First Assistant Clerk, and all office personnel. The Clerk must be able to respectfully and thoughtfully hire and manage personnel from diverse backgrounds. This supervision includes but is not limited to: ensuring the timely and accurate docketing of all filings and their proper routing to and from judicial chambers; the courteous, timely, and effective assistance of the public; assisting the Justices in the hiring, training, and professional development of the First Assistant Clerk, additional Assistant Clerks, and other office personnel; and the maintenance and improvement of case processing and case management procedures.

The Clerk may also be called upon to perform all the duties and comply with all the position requirements of the Assistant Clerks of the Appeals Court, including that of the First Assistant Clerk, which include reviewing motions and petitions and recommending action on behalf of the court, assisting members of the public, and participating in court committees and public educational programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Conduct and oversee the business of the Appeals Court Clerk's Office, including case management, court sessions, court calendars and sittings, records maintenance, statistical reporting, and opinion publication and circulation.

Specifically:
• Develop office objectives in furtherance of the Appeals Court's mission.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the operational activities of the Clerk's Office.
• Oversee the office personnel's performance of all associated duties to ensure the timely processing and disposition of cases in accordance with applicable statutes, court rules, case law, and Appeals Court policies and procedures.
• Oversee the office personnel's performance and education, and discipline and ensure proper application of the collective bargaining agreement and the court's personnel policies.
• Resolve complex inquiries concerning appellate law and procedures raised by parties, attorneys, judges, or court personnel. Conduct legal research on issues as necessary to respond to inquiries.
• Monitor case management lists to ensure the timely processing and disposition of cases.
• Maintain the office's internal operating procedures and supervise their application.
• Oversee administration and improvement of case processing and case management procedures.
• Develop internal educational materials for the office and the court.
• Foster and contribute to a congenial work-place environment that welcomes and encourages diverse viewpoints.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Prepare legal memoranda and proposed orders to assist Justices' review of pending motions, petitions, and procedural matters.
• Oversee communication and cooperation with the clerk’s offices of the Supreme Judicial court and trial courts.
• Review newly docketed appeals and notices of appeal for jurisdiction and prepare legal memoranda and proposed orders on jurisdictional matters.
• Oversee and participate in the review of papers submitted for filing to determine their compliance with the Massachusetts court rules and advise attorneys or parties about defects in filings.
• Generate original correspondence to attorneys or parties to address defective filings or in response to written inquiries. Respond to letter and telephone inquiries regarding the Court’s practices, procedures or directives, reasons for rejecting filings, status of cases, operative rules related to filings, etc.
• Oversee preparation of the court’s oral argument and non-argument case lists.
• Represent the Appeals Court and the Clerk's Office as an active member of various court committees.
• Perform and manage special projects including the implementation of a new case management system.
• Participate in and present at legal education seminars and conferences.
• Interact with state and local bar associations and organizations and community groups.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Advanced computer skills.
• Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts Rules of Court, Massachusetts Appeals Court policies and procedures, and the Appeals Court's case records and processing systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Advanced legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to maintain complex and accurate court records.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with the Justices, Assistant Clerks, Appeals Court departments and staff, court officials, attorneys, subordinate employees, government agencies, and the public.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency, through the interview process, in the following competencies:

Communication Clearly conveys information and complex ideas, in both oral and
written form, in an engaging and respectful manner that promotes mutual understanding and also permits response and feedback.

Critical Thinking/Analytical Skills Collects, organizes, and reviews available data and applies correct legal standards and concepts to come to a reasoned, logical, and appropriate conclusion and recommendation under pressure and within the allotted time.

Professional Knowledge Possesses and develops knowledge base and understanding of current legal issues, all aspects of the Massachusetts court system, and civil and criminal law and related appellate practice and procedure, and is proficient in the use of electronic legal research and electronic document management.

Customer Service Behaves at all times in a courteous and professional manner toward co-workers, counsel, and the public, and commits to continuous improvement of outward-facing services.

Adaptability Understands the need to respond, sometimes on short notice, to changing court conditions and needs.

Collaboration/Teamwork Effectively works toward common goals of the organization by supporting, encouraging, and sharing information with colleagues.

Integrity Acts ethically and honestly in all interactions, maintains confidentiality, and builds professional relationships by promoting trust both personally and as Clerk.

Personnel Management Demonstrates ability to effectively supervise the work of others.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position:
• Law degree from an accredited law school.
• Member of the Massachusetts Bar in good standing.
• At least ten years of experience engaged in the practice of law or in a legal or managerial position in a court or legal office.
• Experience with appellate law and procedure.


Additionally, while not required, the following qualifications are preferred:
• Prior managerial or supervisory experience.

Special Notes:

• Court employees are not permitted to engage in the practice of law.
• Employees of the Massachusetts courts are required to be Massachusetts residents.
• This is a full-time position based in Boston, Massachusetts.
• The position includes a generous State benefit package including a defined benefit pension plan, subject to vesting. Information about the Court's benefit page is available at https://www.mass.gov/guides/trial-court-employee-benefits
• Employment is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check for all new hires.
The Appeals Court presently has a remote work policy under which employees may be allowed to work remotely for part of their weekly schedule. This policy is subject to future revision. The Clerk will be required to work in person for a designated period of time to be determined by the Chief Justice.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Appeals Court seeks out, welcomes, and encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.