Career Opportunities

Law Library Assistant

Job Location

South County Courthouse

Position Type

Part-time

Position Available

Open until filled

Salary

The part-time Law Library Assistant will be paid $20/hour up to 20 hours per week. Benefits are available through the Clerk of Circuit Court. 

Job

The position of Law Library Assistant (also referred to as Self-Help Program Assistant) requires someone who has a keen eye for detail, strong customer service skills and the ability to ensure that all persons are treated with courtesy, dignity and respect, while providing equal access to the Court.  The Law Library Assistant must be resourceful, able to multi-task and capable of prioritizing assignments.  The Law Library Assistant handles administrative tasks and is always present during set work hours (part time position) the office is open unless at a previously scheduled training or court hearing. 

The Law Library Assistant aids the citizens of Sarasota County by providing individuals not represented by an attorney with procedural assistance in civil law matters. The position is responsible for providing information to litigants, reviewing filings and making referrals to community-based services, assisting patrons with basic legal research requests, maintaining the needs of the South County Self Help Center and Law Library, and performing related administrative support functions. 

The Law Library Assistant will be based out of the law library at the RL Anderson Annex in Venice, Florida, although training and travel may be required to the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center in Sarasota, Florida.  The Law Library Assistant will work under the direction of the Law Librarian.    

Essential Duties

·        Assist visitors to the South County Self-Help Center and Law Library by reviewing customer pleadings and filings. Further assist visitors with basic law research and printing.
·        Assist visitors in scheduling appointments, answering/returning phone calls, and conversing with visitors over email.
·        Perform daily administrative functions, including data entry and statistics.
·        Attend training opportunities, make referrals to community-based services.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

·        Basic knowledge of the legal system; court processes and procedures;
·        Knowledge of the rules of English grammar, spelling and punctuation;
·        Compute basic mathematical and statistical functions such as percentages and averages;
·        Communicate clearly and effectively, particularly with litigants who are under the stress
inherent in family-related legal conflicts;
·        Interact effectively with the general public;
·        Maintain confidentiality concerning sensitive information;
·        Works well under pressure and meets deadlines;
·        Establish work priorities;
·        Works independently;
·        Organize and automate office procedures and maintain an effective filing system;
·        Ability to coordinate schedules and maintain court hearing calendars, if needed;
·        Ability to plan, organize and complete special assignments with minimum supervision;
·        Ability to understand case management limitations and what constitutes the unauthorized practice of law;
·        Analyze court files for completeness of appropriate legal documentation;
·        Maintain effective working relationships with other court personnel, outside agencies, legal professionals, and the general public.  

Education

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, criminal justice, psychology, sociology or a closely related field. Additional relevant experience may substitute for the educational level on a year-for-year basis.

Benefits

Benefits are available through the Clerk of Circuit Court. 

Apply

Interested applicants must submit a current resume to the Human Resources Manager of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. A cover letter is encouraged. Application materials may be submitted electronically (preferred) or via mail delivery. 

Email: HR@jud12.flcourts.org

Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Human Resources Manager
P.O. Box 48927
Sarasota, FL 34230
Fax (941)861-7904

The successful applicant will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.  The Florida State Courts System is a criminal justice agency. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application/selection process, please call 941-861-7811.
Pursuant to 110.205(2)(c) of the Florida Statutes, employment with the State Courts System is not covered under the Career Service System and all employees of the State System serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not attain tenure rights.