Judicial Proceedings Technician

Overview of Responsibilities

The role involves meticulous recording, clerical, and transcription tasks for the District Court in Grand Rapids.

Responsibilities include operating advanced digital recording software and equipment to ensure accurate documentation of courtroom and trial activities in real-time. Additionally, the position requires the production of verbatim transcripts upon request, contingent upon certification by the relevant state authority. The role also encompasses the organization of exhibits and the logging of proceedings as necessary. Administrative support tasks include scheduling docket times for the assigned judge and monitoring pending cases to adhere to legal timelines. Preparing the courtroom for daily sessions and performing various clerical duties during court proceedings are also essential aspects of the job. The position operates under the general supervision of the assigned Judge and court administration, with performance evaluated through observation and report analysis.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Accurately records judicial proceedings in the District Court.
• Conducts audio/visual checks on recording equipment prior to court sessions to ensure functionality.
• Utilizes court-designated software and equipment to digitally capture and transcribe court proceedings, ensuring high-quality recordings.
• Completes necessary log sheets and documentation during proceedings.
• Maintains records of judges, attorneys, parties involved, and matters at hand.
• Documents witnesses called, interruptions, recesses, and adjournments.
• Records sentences or other case dispositions.
• Plays back portions of court proceedings as directed by the judge.
• Manages the marking of exhibits and preservation of evidence.
• Demonstrates knowledge in preparing and disseminating Jury Instructions.
• Willingness to attend off-site arraignments as required.
• Inputs information into the court's case management system with accuracy and scans documents for electronic attachment to cases.
• Completes various forms and transmits documents as directed by the judge.
• Schedules individual docket times for the assigned judge, evaluating case requirements and urgency.
• Monitors the judge's pending caseload to ensure compliance with legal timelines.
• Reviews the judge's jail/bond list and provides necessary information for bond and sentence reviews.
• Performs administrative duties for the assigned Judge, including answering calls and managing correspondence.
• Assists the Judge with clerical support during courtroom activities.
• Provides the Clerk of the Court with transcript requests and related documentation in a timely manner.
• Engages in other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent, with preferred coursework in word processing, typing, and paralegal studies.
• A minimum of three years of experience in a legal or court environment or relevant secretarial work.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Successful completion of the State Certification Examination for Court Operators within the designated timeframe.

Additional Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Court rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to judicial operations.
• The functions and jurisdiction of the assigned courtroom.
• Court computer systems and data entry protocols.
• Modern office practices and procedures.

• Operating office equipment, including video recording devices and word processing software.

• Effectively operate technical recording equipment to capture courtroom proceedings.
• Maintain accurate legal and court records in compliance with regulations.
• Follow both oral and written instructions and communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with judges, attorneys, colleagues, and the public.