Assistant Clerk - Massachusetts Appeals Court

Title: Assistant Clerk - Massachusetts Appeals Court

Starting Pay: The annual salary of an assistant clerk is established by G. L. c. 211A, § 6, and is currently $154,408.79. 

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, treating all those who come before the court fairly and impartially.

Mission Statement of the Massachusetts 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 Appeals Court judges and staff, members of the Bar, the public, government agencies, and the Commonwealth's trial courts and the Supreme Judicial Court.

Organizational Profile:

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

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.
• Appeals Court currently has a remote work policy under which employees may be allowed to work remotely for part of their weekly schedule.

Position Summary: Working within the Appeals Court clerk's office, an assistant clerk assists the clerk in performing the legal and administrative duties set forth in G. L. c. 211A, §§ 6 and 8, and the Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure. An assistant clerk works closely with the single justice and three-justice panels, analyzing and discussing complex legal issues and recommending appropriate action by the court when required, and serving as a contact between the court and the parties or counsel. An assistant clerk prepares and maintains all court papers and records and performs administrative tasks to ensure that cases move rapidly and smoothly to a determination by the court. Work is performed under the direction of the clerk although considerable independence is expected in performing assigned tasks. Assistant clerks supervise clerk's office team members.

Pursuant to G. L. c. 211A, § 6, the Justices of the Appeals Court appoint an assistant clerk for a term of three years.

Duties:

Receives and reviews filings from attorneys and self-represented litigants and provides oral and written responses to inquiries regarding court procedure and compliance with the Massachusetts Rules of Court.

Specifically:

• Acts on behalf of the Appeals Court to independently enter actions and orders on procedural motions and matters.

• Reviews, analyzes, and presents daily motions and petitions to the single justice.

• Reviews, analyzes and presents motions filed in appeals which have been assigned to three-justice panels. Drafts and issues orders at the direction of the justices.

• Provides legal guidance to clerk's office team members, Appeals Court personnel in other departments, and trial court staff.

• Provides courteous and expert customer service to court users, including attorneys and self-represented litigants.

• Schedules hearings, notifies counsel, and attends sessions of the court as required.

• Maintains the docket of all materials submitted to the court.

• Prepares, accepts, and preserves all files.

• Reviews filings for compliance with the court rules and orders.

• Maintains the index of all cases entered.

• Accepts and records all fees and other monies received.

• Supervises clerk's office team members.

• Represents the clerk's office on various committees, in continuing legal education programs, and other public events and duties.

• Assists the clerk in the development, preparation and review of informational handouts and materials included on the court's public website for the purpose of guiding lawyers and self-represented litigants through the appellate process and keeping the public informed of the latest rule changes and orders.

• Performs other related work as required.

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 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 Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner toward co-workers, counsel, and the public, and commits to continuous improvement of such 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.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Assistant Clerk:

Law degree from an accredited law school.

Admitted to practice before the Courts of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a member of the Massachusetts Bar in good standing.

At least seven (7) years' experience as a practicing attorney, preferably at the appellate level, and preferably in Massachusetts; or equivalent experience in the Massachusetts judicial system.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered for meeting minimum qualifications.

Other Position Requirements:

Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related software including Microsoft Office, Adobe, electronic filing system, and case and document management systems.

Commitment to high standards of work product and attention to detail.

Ability to establish work priorities, take initiative, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Dependability and appreciation for the importance of being on time and prepared to work.

Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Appeals Court seeks out, welcomes, and encourages applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.