Job Description: Clerk of the District Court & Jury Commissioner

 

Position Title: Clerk of the District Court & Jury Commissioner

Status: Elected in Douglas County

Position Summary

The Clerk of the District Court & Jury Commissioner is a pivotal judicial officer responsible for the administration, management, and operation of all clerical functions of the District Court within the county. This role demands the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and efficiency. As an ex-officio Jury Commissioner, the Clerk is also responsible for the entire jury management process, ensuring the constitutional right to a trial by jury is upheld. The individual in this position serves the court, the legal community, and the public by maintaining accurate and permanent legal records and facilitating the smooth operation of the justice system

 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

 

A. Court Clerk Responsibilities:

 

1. Case Management:

  · Accept and process the filing of all new civil, criminal, juvenile, and domestic relations cases.

  · Assign case numbers, assess and collect statutory filing fees, and ensure proper case initiation.

  · Docket all judgments, orders, decrees, and filings with meticulous accuracy and timeliness.

  · Process and issue writs, summons, subpoenas, warrants, and other legal processes.

Act as the clerk for the Board are of Mental Heath.

2. Record Custodianship:

  · Serve as the official custodian of all court records, ensuring their integrity, security, and proper retention according to state law and court rules.

  · Manage both physical and electronic court records (as applicable).

  · Provide public access to court records in accordance with Nebraska’s public records laws and confidentiality statutes.

3. Financial Management:

  · Collect, record, and deposit all court costs, fines, restitution, and other funds.

  · Maintain detailed financial accounts and prepare regular reports for submission to the State Court Administrator and County Treasurer.

  · Manage trust accounts for funds held by the court.

4. Customer Service and Public Interaction:

  · Provide information and assistance to judges, attorneys, law enforcement, litigants, and the general public.

  · Explain court procedures, forms, and deadlines without providing legal advice.

  · Respond to inquiries in person, by phone, and in writing.

5. Office Administration:

  · Supervise, train, and evaluate deputy clerks and other office staff.

  · Develop and implement office procedures to improve efficiency and service.

  · Manage the court's budget, supplies, and equipment.

 

B. Jury Commissioner Responsibilities:

 

1. Jury Pool Management:

  · Oversee the creation and maintenance of a master jury list, typically sourced from voter registration and driver's license records, as mandated by Nebraska law.

  · Ensure the jury list represents a fair cross-section of the community.

2. Juror Summoning and Qualification:

  · Prepare and mail juror qualification questionnaires and summonses.

  · Process returned questionnaires to determine juror eligibility and exemptions.

  · Maintain current and accurate records of qualified jurors.

3. Trial Jury Logistics:

  · Coordinate with judges to determine the number of jurors needed for trial terms.

  · Manage the logistics for juror orientation, check-in, and service.

  · Arrange for juror payments and other accommodations as required.

4. Juror Support and Communication:

  · Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective jurors, answering questions and providing clear instructions.

  · Ensure jurors are treated with respect and their service is valued.

5. Compliance and Reporting:

  · Adhere to all state statutes and court rules governing jury management.

  · Prepare and submit required reports on juror usage and statistics to the State Court Administrator.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

 

· Must be a registered voter and resident of the county (for elected positions).

· High school diploma or equivalent; associate's or bachelor's degree in business, criminal justice, public administration, or a related field is preferred.

· Considerable experience in court operations, legal administration, or a similarly complex office environment, including supervisory experience.

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

 

· Extensive Knowledge of Nebraska court rules, procedures, and statutes, particularly the Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapters 25 (Courts; Civil Procedure) and 24 (Courts) through 29 (Criminal Procedure).

· Exceptional Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain extreme accuracy, and meet strict deadlines in a high-volume environment.

· Superior Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a diverse range of individuals.

· Technological Proficiency: High level of competency with case management systems (e.g., JUSTICE), Microsoft Office Suite, and other office technology.

· Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of basic accounting principles for managing and reconciling public funds.

· Discretion and Ethics: Unquestioned integrity and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion.

· Leadership and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and manage a team while fostering a collaborative work environment.

· Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex procedural issues.

 

Working Conditions

 

· Standard office environment within a courthouse setting.

· Requires prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.

· Interaction with individuals who may be stressed, emotional, or upset.

· Adherence to strict confidentiality and security protocols is constant.