First Assistant Clerk of Court - Massachusetts Appeals Court - Massachusetts Trial Court
Boston, MA
About the Job
Title: First Assistant Clerk of Court - Massachusetts Appeals Court
Starting Pay: $167,446.53 - 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 First Assistant Clerk supports the Clerk in the 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. Work is performed under the direction of the Clerk of Court. The First Assistant Clerk has direct daily supervision of the assistant clerks and all office personnel. 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 Clerk in the hiring, training, and professional development of assistant clerks and office personnel; and the maintenance and improvement of case processing and case management procedures.
The First Assistant Clerk also performs all the duties and complies with all the position requirements of an Assistant Clerk of the Massachusetts Appeals Court, which includes the review of motions and petitions and recommending action on behalf of the court, assisting the public, and participation on court committees and in public educational programs. In the absence of the Clerk, the First Assistant manages the Clerk’s Office and has the authority to make necessary personnel and policy decisions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• In consultation with the Clerk, develop office objectives in furtherance of the Appeals Court's mission.
• Assist the Clerk to plan, direct, and coordinate the operational activities of the Clerk's Office.
• Assist the Clerk in overseeing 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.
• Assist the Clerk in overseeing office personnel's performance, education, and discipline, and ensure proper application of the collective bargaining contract and 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 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.
• 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, statuses of cases, the operative rules related to filings, etc.
• Oversee preparation of the court’s oral argument and non-argument case lists.
• Represent the Appeals Court or the Clerk's Office as active member of various court committees.
• Perform or manage special projects.
• Participate in or present at legal education seminars and conferences.
• Interact with state and local bar associations and organizations.
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 appellate 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 occasionally alter one’s duties to appropriately address changing court conditions at any moment.
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 mutual trust both personally and as First Assistant Clerk.
Personnel Management Demonstrated 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 seven 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. New hires are required to work in person for a designated period of time.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Appeals Court seeks out, welcomes, and encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.