THIS POSITION IS TERM-LIMITED -TEMPORARY AND ANTICIPATED TO LAST THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022. THIS POSITION IS BENEFITS-ELIGIBLE.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the court’s operations resulting in pending cases and increased workloads. King County Superior Court is seeking several temporary bailiffs to provide support to judges in this important work and to ensure access to justice.

Term-Limited Temporary Bailiffs will assist TLT judicial officers as well as provide occasional coverage for elected judges and serve as a public representative as assigned.

With limited supervision from the Judge, the bailiff facilitates the effective operation of the department. The bailiff is a sworn officer of the Court, serving as the Judge’s case manager, trial administrator, executive assistant, and liaison to the attorneys, litigants, jurors, and the general public. The incumbent acts as the contact person for the Judge and communicates technical and sensitive information to attorneys, litigants, jurors, court personnel, government agencies, law enforcement, media, and members of the public regarding case information, court related procedures, scheduling, and any other matters related to the operation of the department. 

 Who may apply:  This position is open to all qualified applicants.    
 
  Work location:  This position may be based in the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle, the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, or the Clark Children and Family Justice Center in Seattle.  Incumbents may be required to work at other facilities as assigned.
 
  Work schedule and terms:  The workweek for this position is normally Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. depending on the assignment. This at-will Term-Limited Temporary position is hourly (overtime-eligible) and is eligible for benefits.
 
 Additional materials required:  Please include a resume and cover letter describing how you meet or exceed the requirements for this position.  These materials are supplemental to your application.  You must still completely fill out the on-line application with your relevant education and work experience. Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you include relevant information only on the resume or cover letter, or if you reference "see resume" on your application.
 
  Please note that you can attach multiple documents to your application.  Your options are:
  1) Copy and paste one or more documents into the text resume section of the application.
  2)  Attach multiple documents/files in the resume attachment section.

Job Duties

The following duties are representative of varied assignments within the classification. Not all listed duties will be performed by any one position in the classification.

Manage the Court’s caseload and determine trial readiness of cases set for trial. Prepare and distribute related reports. Notify and coordinate with applicable attorneys, litigants, court personnel and any other parties on reassignment of cases for trial. Inform attorneys and parties of a case’s status and provide various legal resources, policies and procedures for non-compliance per court policy.

Manage general courtroom logistics, including monitoring proceedings, cases and participants, scheduling hearings, motion tracking and conferencing. As the Court’s contact person, the bailiff provides appropriate responses to all inquiries and issues referred to the Judge’s department from a diverse customer base.

Prepare, maintain and distribute calendars for the Judge and other court personnel.  Coordinate activities that require contact with state and national organizations, including government entities and their administrative support agencies.

Direct and assist jurors during trials regarding questions and concerns while complying with and applying appropriate statutes, court rules, policies and procedures. This may frequently involve multiple jury panels. Some proceedings are held in person and others are virtual over Zoom and other platforms.

Assess the need for additional security measures and advise the appropriate law enforcement agency.

May be required to perform legal research and analysis, and prepare legal correspondence, memoranda, court orders, and jury instructions. This includes drafting, preparing, proofreading, and editing of those legal documents.

Use a wide variety of software programs including the Court’s civil case management system and domestic case reports and applications to manage the Judge’s department and individual caseload. Update and maintain accurate databases.

Develop and employ office procedures for the preparation, maintenance, and processing of documents and records using provided training and manuals. 

Research, interpret, and comprehend policies, procedures, state and local court rules, statutes and other relevant sources to provide information relating to specialized or technical services for internal and/or external customers over the phone, in writing and/or in person.

May be assigned in other departments when the assigned Judge is absent, and may be required to provide assistance in another department, or assume duties of absent bailiffs even when the assigned court is in session. Moves to other courthouses may be required, however preferences and distances will be considered.

Maintain the Judge’s library by shelving and replacing books and supplements as they arrive. Ensure the Judge has access to the most current editions of required legal references.

Process mail, email, voicemail, motions, legal pleadings and submissions, legal files, and requests from the Judge. Respond appropriately. Provide copies of court orders to parties and counsel.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

High School Diploma, and experience in a legal setting or public administration related field; or combination of education and legal experience to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Experience supporting a principal in a highly complex organization.  Excellent organizational, time management and communication skills.  Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements of this position.

Supplemental Information

Special requirements:  The ability to reliably travel throughout the county is required.  Finalists are subject to the Washington State Patrol criminal background check and a reference check.  Criminal background records are not automatically disqualifying.
 
 Selection process:  Application materials will be screened for qualifications and the most competitive candidates will be invited for interviews.
 
 Union membership:  This position is not represented by a union.
 
 If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at 206-477-1536.