Docket Clerk

SUMMARY

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), New Orleans, Louisiana, provides care, custody, control, and rehabilitation of its residents in the Orleans Justice Center (OJC). The Mission of the OPSO is to provide community safety and service to the people of Orleans Parish by protecting the rights and humanity of people in custody, supporting the wellness of our staff, and facilitating connections to the community to restore public trust and maintain a healthy community. OPSO, is also committed to providing the highest level of service and security by executing mandates and protecting individuals’ rights and freedoms. Our Mission will be achieved through innovative leadership and programs, as well as the dedication and diligence of our employees.

The Docket Clerk schedules civil court sessions, legal hearings, and all proceedings related to the judiciary branch of the government. They are the frontline when questions arise about court sessions, court appeals, and even the communication of judges and parties involved in the case. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities:

•    Maintains calendars for all judges assigned to them. 

•    Responsible for assigning a date and time for the hearing or trial.

•    Maintains tracking of courtrooms that are out of service for repairs or renovations so that no trials are scheduled for that room during that time.

•    Schedules new court dates by ensuring the availability of court sessions

•    Handle phone calls from defendants, plaintiffs, attorneys, or interested parties seeking information on scheduled trials. 

•    Print schedules outside of courtrooms or in courthouse lobbies. 

•    Prepare case files, review filings for accuracy, or prepare correspondence.

•    Assist private individuals who are attempting to file a proceeding by explaining which forms are needed and how they must be completed.

•    Developing ideal arguments and representing clients in civil and criminal legal proceedings

•    Generates reports detailing action items and due dates.

•    Monitors deadlines and notes completed tasks.

•    Preparing legal documents such as dispositions, pleadings, and contracts in a timely and accurate manner

•    Handle a variety of other clerical tasks. problem­ solving guidance for residents, recognizes the steps in resolving resident conflicts, and manages the behavior of residents involved in confrontational situations.

Miscellaneous:

•    Ability to work with attorneys to develop strategies for a case

•    Ability to communicate in writing and verbally effectively

Requirements:

•    High School Diploma; Some College Preferred.

•    Relevant clerical experience.

•    Requires 1 – 3 years of related experience, or may need 0 years of experience with additional specialized training and/or certification.

Preferred Abilities:

•     Excellent judgment skills and the ability to draw logical and reasonable conclusions from the information available to them

•    Good analytical skills and the ability to turn large amounts of information into manageable and usable data to be used for a case

•    Strong communication skills and the ability to articulate information effectively in various forms, including speaking and writing

•    Solid listening skills to effectively obtain all necessary information from clients and other people important to a case

Required Skills and Competencies:

•    Ethical Practice

•    Computer aptitude

•    Organizing and prioritizing

•    Confidentiality

•    Judgment

•    Problem-solving skills

•    Teamwork

•    Ability to meet deadlines