Job Description

Department: Eighth Division Circuit Court

Position Control Number: 0435-002

FLSA Status: Personal Staff not subject to FLSA

Safety Sensitive Designation: This position is not designated as safety-sensitive.

Random Drug/Alcohol Test: No

Opening Date: February 11, 2025

Closing Date: February 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and minimum qualifications of this job. The incumbent(s) may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign job-related responsibilities and tasks to this job at any time. Certain functions are understood to be essential; these include, but are not limited to, attendance, getting along with others, working a full shift, and dealing with and working under stress. Any essential function of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant only to the extent medically and reasonably feasible.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Attention: certain duties are particular to case type and court and may not be performed by all employees.

JOB SUMMARY: Researches legal issues arising in any of the types of cases heard in the domestic relations, probate, civil, criminal, and juvenile divisions of Circuit Court; prepares memos outlining the legal research and/or prepares opinions or orders as requested by the Judge; drafts proposed orders for the court’s review and approval; ensures attorney submitted orders are accurate and filed in a timely manner.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Reviews case files prior to hearings to ensure procedural and substantive legal requirements are met and provides any additional case-related information the Judge requests.
• Researches and becomes knowledgeable on a wide range of legal issues and subjects heard in Circuit Court, including:
  • Domestic relations law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence, etc.)
  • Probate law (decedent’s estates, guardianships, adoptions, conservatorships, etc.)
  • Civil law (constitutional law, personal injury, medical malpractice, breach of contract, appeals from administrative agencies, appeals from District Court, etc.)
  • Criminal law
  • Juvenile law
• Monitors changes in the law and in the rules of the Arkansas Supreme Court.
• Prepares a summary of each case prior to hearings to assist the Judge, including a summary of the facts and citations for any relevant case law.
• Researches legal issues and prepares memoranda and/or opinions for review by the Judge on issues related to any subjects addressed.
• Drafts court orders consistent with the Judge’s rulings and decisions; e-file orders as needed.
• Maintains checklists and calendars to ensure orders are timely submitted by attorneys, and ensure the orders are accurate and filed in a timely manner.
• Reviews all incoming pleadings requiring the Judge’s attention; coordinates requests for hearings with counsel and Trial Court Administrator.
• Analyzes motions that do not require hearings for procedural and substantive legal accuracy, as well as for the completeness of all information the Judge requires for adjudication; communicate with attorneys and self-represented litigants to obtain any missing, necessary documents before presenting the matter to the Judge for adjudication.
• Attends hearings and trials, noting legal issues requiring resolution.
• Maintains legal library and online research materials.
• Maintains knowledge of the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and all other court rules that affect cases brought before the Court.
• Reviews and adheres to the Arkansas Code of Judicial Conduct and rules that affect the conduct of attorneys.
• Communicates with the Pulaski County Circuit Clerk’s Office and the Perry County Circuit Clerk to obtain relevant information concerning case filings, orders, appeals, and other matters.
• Communicates with the Arkansas Supreme Court Clerk’s Office regarding case filings, orders, appeals, and other matters.
• Communicates with Arkansas courts, out-of-state courts, and federal courts regarding inter-jurisdictional transfers, venue issues, jurisdiction issues, and other matters.
• Communicates with attorneys and self-represented litigants regarding case filings, submitted orders, hearings, appeals, and other matters.
• Assists the Judge as needed concerning new issues raised during hearings and trials by conducting research in an expedient manner.
• Conducts special projects as requested, e.g. organizing a trial binder for jury trials.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs other related duties as required.

PERSONNEL SUPERVISED: None

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a smoking-restricted office environment. May occasionally attend court in Perry County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• • Considerable knowledge of court proceedings and processes.
  • Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and precedents.
  • Ability to review, handle, and maintain confidential case information in a reliable and secure manner.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, attorneys, and staff members.
  • Ability to establish and maintain a detailed case management system.
  • Ability to conduct legal research utilizing previous case decisions and law interpretations.
  • Ability to prepare legal memoranda, opinions, and orders.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
  • Ability to work within strict time deadlines.
  • Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
  • Skill in analyzing and interpreting laws, rules, and regulations and applying them to specific situations.
  • Skill in the operation of a computer and related software including Microsoft Office and court management software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• • Visual acuity is required for use of a computer monitor.
  • Digital dexterity is necessary for keyboard operation.
  • Ability to orally communicate effectively, in person, and by telephone.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school; some experience with courtroom procedures or a related area; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Prefer Arkansas Attorney's License in good standing with the Arkansas Supreme Court.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation or you are having difficulty using or website to apply for employment, please contact [email protected] or call (501) 340-6110.

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