About This Role
This judicial clerkship involves providing legal research, analysis, and administrative support to The Honorable Judge Richard T. Okrent. The role requires drafting legal memoranda, reviewing motions and documents, and advising the court on legal issues, while also managing courtroom security and juror supervision.
Responsibilities
- Perform basic research on legal issues before court
- Brief and summarize files in preparation for sentencing
- Collect trial related data
- Validate authority in legal documents
- Assist in the preparation of written opinions and memorandum decisions
- Receive, review and summarize issues for pre and post trial motions
- Screen persons desiring to see judges (such as attorneys, pro se litigants, and the general public)
- Maintain judges' appointment and hearing schedules
- Maintain orderly conduct and security in courtrooms, including the opening and closing of court
- Ensure the courtroom is trial ready with both counsel tables clear, equipment in working order, and jury deliberation rooms stocked, cleaned and ready for proceedings
- Keep all library and research material current including delivery of replacement materials and recycling of outdated material
- Prepare jury instructions
- Supervise jurors during times when not seated in jury box such as providing beverages and services while in the deliberation room
- Arrange for and may escort to and from meals
- Assume responsibility for sequestration when mandated
- Provide administrative assistance to Superior Court Judges combined with the traditional function of bailiff
Requirements
- J.D. Degree from an accredited law school
- Pass job related tests
- Knowledge of Superior Court procedures
- Knowledge of laws of the State of Washington
- Knowledge of on-line legal research resources
- Ability to exercise good judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer situations to higher authority
- Ability to perform legal research, and analyze and apply legal principles and precedents to legal problems
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Ability to maintain required records and prepare clear, concise written reports
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with jurors, attorneys, associates, other county employees, and the general public
- Ability to effectively and efficiently navigate numerous computer applications and systems
- Ability to demonstrate flexibility by providing on-call law clerk coverage for other members of the bench as the need arises
