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Under general supervision, performs specialized clerical and legal assistance for self-represented litigants regarding Court processes pertaining to case types assisted by the Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator’s Office, assists with providing routine legal referrals, resources and self-help legal information, and may perform other related work as assigned.

Examples of Duties: A Typical Day
A typical day for a Self-Help Program Clerk at the court can be busy and varied, as they interact with a wide range of people, answer question pertaining to various subject matters and handle different administrative tasks. Normally, there is a high volume of customers needing assistance each day, so assistance is provided at a quick pace.
Throughout the day, a Self Help Program Clerk must remain calm and patient, as they deal with individuals who are often facing stressful and unfamiliar situations. They help guide litigants through complex court procedures, ensuring they understand what is happening and what steps they need to take next. While they can't provide legal advice, they offer a critical role in making the court process more accessible for those who are representing themselves. The Self Help Center Supervising Attorney provides close supervision and guidance to staff.
Here's an overview of what a typical day might look like:
Assisting Walk-In Litigants:

  • Clerks spend the morning and afternoon sessions providing brief in-person one-on-one assistance to self-represented individuals who need help understanding court procedures or filling out forms. On average, each clerk assists approximately 20 people a day.
  • They may explain general court processes, such as how to file a petition, how to request a hearing, or how to serve documents on the opposing party.
  • If forms are required, they assist with ensuring that they are filled out correctly, checking for completeness, and providing guidance on any areas of confusion.
  • Self-Help Program Clerks often provide information about additional resources such as online resources, legal aid, mediation services, or referrals to other community organizations that can assist litigants.
  • Self-Help Program Clerks also help litigants understand what to expect in the courtroom, including how to present their case, what to bring, and how to interact with the judge and opposing parties.

Phone Calls and Emails:

  • During downtime and after we close to the public for the afternoon, clerks retrieve phone messages, return phone calls and respond to emails from individuals seeking assistance. This may involve explaining court processes, providing instructions on how to access resources, or helping with questions related to specific forms or filings.

Administrative Tasks & Projects:

  • Clerks are asked to complete a variety of administrative and clerical duties to keep the office running smoothly.
  • They also participate in staff meetings or briefings regarding updates to court procedures, new forms, or changes in policy.
  • Projects are assigned such as updating or creating new informational packets and samples.

 
Examples of Duties: In General
Examples of general duties for the Self-Help Program Clerk include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Assist the public in person and by phone; provide procedural information; answer questions and explain court filing processes and procedures, use of court forms, and basic rules of the program;
  2. Explain fees and fines; assists individuals in locating material and information; take messages and/or direct customers to appropriate resources; provide general non-legal information on court policy and procedure;
  3. Use of Computer software including, Word, Excel, Outlook, and applications that create court forms and documents; retrieve and access information; schedule and calendar cases and research various legal codes and rules of court;
  4. Review new law, legislation, and policy; maintain updates to materials provided to the public;
  5. Assists with the development of program advertising including news copy, flyers, and pamphlets; helps coordinate and schedules special events, seminars, and workshops;
  6. Research various legal codes and rules; prepare copies; review and prepare case folders and indexes; review orders and judgments for correctness prior to presentation to judges; review case files prior to court date to assure all necessary documents are presented and that proper legal procedures have been followed;
  7. Act as a liaison with community service agencies;
  8. Prepare statistical reports; track court performance data; provide technical assistance to staff; and perform other legal clerical assignments as directed; prepare copies;
  9. Front desk reception duties including customer check-in, interviewing, and reviewing case history; and
  10. General office duties, ordering supplies, and maintaining office organization; Communicate effectively with employees and the public.

 

Minimum Qualifications
Candidates for this position must have the knowledge and abilities described above in order to be considered for the job. Additionally, candidates must also have the following qualifications:

 1. A minimum of one year’s work experience in customer service, legal assistance, or court clerical fields; and
 2. Ability to pass an oral and written exam in Spanish.
 
 OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Incumbents may be required to work evenings and weekends on occasion and work in excess of an eight-hour day business hours.
  • Employment is contingent upon passing a fingerprinting criminal background check through the Department of Justice.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Thorough Knowledge of the Following is Required

·         Modern office practices and procedures including filing, operation of standard office equipment, personal computers and business correspondence.

A working knowledge of the following is required

·         Basic record keeping systems; current English usage, spelling and vocabulary; 

·         Customer service principles and practices;

·         Legal processes, court forms and documents, legal terminology, and rules of court; 

·         Functions, procedures, services and jurisdiction of the court;

·         Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; 

·         Time management and task prioritization principles and practices; and

·         Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Some knowledge of the following is required

·         California statutes related to Superior Court procedures such as the Civil Code of Procedure, Penal Code, Vehicle Code, Welfare and Institutions Code, and Rules of Court;

ABILITY TO:

Understand, explain, and apply specific statutes, codes, laws, regulations and procedures; prepare and process court documents; maintain records and files; locate, identify and correct technical inaccuracies; enter data into a computer; assist people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in various emotional states, including self-represented litigants; make presentations to groups, schedule and arrange events; ability to work independently; interview customers; and understand each area of the law.