Massachusetts Trial Court
Assistant Clerk Magistrate - Cambridge District Court
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Assistant Clerk Magistrate - Cambridge District Court
Pay Grade
Asst. Clerk
Starting Pay
$134,389.69
Salary Notes
Salary for this position is set by Statute.
Departmental Mission Statement
As a gateway to justice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the District Court is dedicated to the administration of justice in a fair, impartial, and timely manner in accordance with the rule of law. In fulfilling this role, the District Court shall provide the communities it serves with an environment that is safe, accessible, and respectful to all. The District Court shall conduct its business with integrity, competence, and a commitment to excellence in order to promote public trust and confidence in the judicial system.
Organizational Profile
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/district-court
Notes
- Prior Attorney preferred.
- This position is designated as a management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
Successful Candidate Attributes
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively and respectfully with judges, Clerk’s Office staff, Probation, court officers, attorneys, self-represented litigants, and other court users.
- Reliability, accountability, and sound professional judgment, including consistent follow-through and the ability to respond effectively to the day-to-day operational needs of a busy Clerk’s Office.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills, particularly when managing court records, deadlines, scheduling, and matters requiring accuracy and discretion.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, coordinate people and workflow, adapt as circumstances change, and bring matters to timely resolution.
- A steady, collegial, and solution-oriented approach to workplace challenges, including the ability to communicate directly and professionally, resolve issues constructively, and contribute positively to the functioning of the office.
- Initiative and adaptability, including the ability to anticipate operational needs, identify practical solutions, assist colleagues when needed, and recognize when independent action or consultation is appropriate.
- Maturity, perspective, and practical judgment developed through professional and life experience, with an ability to understand and work effectively with people from varied backgrounds and circumstances and to approach difficult or sensitive situations with common sense, discretion, empathy, and appropriate perspective.
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Position Summary
This position involves responsible legal work and supervisory responsibilities. The employees in this position assist the Clerk of Court in performing administrative duties as set forth in state statutes and court rules. Administrative responsibilities include the preparation and maintenance of all court papers and records and performance of 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 or First Assistant Clerk. Supervision is exercised over support personnel within the Clerk-Magistrate's Office.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Any one position may not include all of the duties and responsibilities listed below nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in these positions.
- Receives applications for criminal complaints and reviews them for probable cause.
- Reviews applications for search warrants filed by police and others and determines whether such warrants may issue.
- Conducts hearings and determines whether criminal complaints and/or arrest warrants may issue, determines appeals from civil motor vehicle citations, municipal by-law violations, and environmental citations.
- Conducts trials of small claims and makes judgments of the same. In the absence of a justice, arraigns defendants, determines questions of bail, and conducts preliminary probation violation hearings.
- Calls the list of cases scheduled before a justice and makes the official record of the proceedings.
- Reviews filings from attorneys and Pro Se litigants and informs them on court procedure.
- Arranges for hearings and notifies counsel.
- Certifies and transmits official copies of court records as required.
- Issues process as required by the court or prescribed by statutes and rules of court.
- Receives, examines, and reviews all filings and has responsibility to ensure they comply with rules of court, and to establish their suitability for filing.
- Maintains electronic and written indexes of cases entered.
- Supervises the receipt, recording, and disbursements of fees and money by the court.
- Distributes and implements changes in court rules and office procedure.
- Administers hearings inside and outside of court where no judge is present.
- Performs related work as required.
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Job Competencies
- Thorough knowledge of state statutes, case law, and court rules which prescribe the powers and duties of the Clerk-Magistrate and ability to interpret and apply them to the administrative procedures of the office.
- Thorough knowledge of court procedure, legal documents, laws, and legal factors pertaining to the court.
- Thorough knowledge of the organization, functions, jurisdiction, and authority of the court.
- Knowledge of and ability to use computer software such as MS Office, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to maintain complex and accurate court records.
- Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
- Good communication skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with court officials, attorneys, subordinate employees, government agencies, and the general public.
Minimum Requirements
These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for a position of Assistant Clerk.
- A Bachelor’s Degree; and knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through 6 or more years of relevant work experience in criminal justice, public administration, or business administration including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of higher education and relevant experience equal to 10 years total; or
- A law degree or a graduate degree in a relevant field (for example: criminal justice, public administration, or business administration); and knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired through 2 or more years of relevant work experience.
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