ANNOUNCEMENT DATE: January 8, 2024
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled. Preference given to applications submitted by January 24,
2024, 4:00 p.m. Central Time.
POSITION: Courtroom Deputy/Judicial Assistant, Full-time
STARTING LEVEL/SALARY: CL 27 ($63,162 – $102,680/annually)
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Internal and External
LOCATION: St. Paul, MN

POSITION OVERVIEW
The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota is accepting applications for a Courtroom
Deputy/Judicial Assistant for District Court Judge Jerry W. Blackwell, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The
Courtroom Deputy/Judicial Assistant performs a wide range of du�es including managing the
judge’s caseload, processing orders and handling scheduling maters, and performing
administra�ve and clerical du�es as assigned by the Judge. The Courtroom Deputy/Judicial
Assistant also assists in the day-to-day conduct of court business. In addi�on, this posi�on
interacts with lawyers and members of the public on behalf of the judge. Since the Courtroom
Deputy/Judicial Assistant is generally the first member of a judge’s staff whom outsiders meet,
candidates must have a pleasant and posi�ve a�tude, excellent organiza�on skills and refined
customer service skills. The typical work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (additional hours may be required).
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Manages the Judge’s caseload by calendaring and regulating case movement;
  monitoring filing of pertinent documents and timely responses to judicial orders;
  scheduling hearings, trials, and conferences.
• Makes entries of all documents, orders, minutes, notices, and proceedings on the
  docket. Transmits notices, judgments, and orders to appropriate parties.
• Drafts judgments and orders for the Judge’s approval.
• Prepares and edits legal documents, proofreads, and verifies citations.
• Reviews information relating to pending cases to ensure that all records and reference
  materials are available for use by the judge and counsel.
• Coordinates appearances of custodial parties; and schedules and attends court
  proceedings. Enters orders, minutes, notices, and proceedings on the docket.
  Transmits notices, judgments, and orders to appropriate parties.
• Assists with the docketing of cases and keeps the Judge and Chambers staff informed of
  case progress.
• Assists the Judge and parties in jury selection and maintains records of jury selection
  and attendance.
• Reviews information related to pending cases to ensure that all records and reference
  materials are available for use by the Judge and counsel.
• Assists with preparation for and the orderly flow of court proceedings by setting up the
  courtroom, troubleshooting the evidence presentation system, arranging for any
  necessary equipment, assuring presence of all necessary participants, and managing
  exhibits.
• Schedules interpreters and processes transcripts.
• Reviews pro se filings for appropriateness for public access.
• Maintains the judge’s day-to-day calendar. Arranges meetings, conferences, private
  attorney admissions and naturalization ceremonies as well as wedding ceremonies over
  which the judge may preside. Assists Judge with committee work, presentations and
  speaking engagements.
• Serves as the primary source of information on scheduling conferences, hearings, trials,
  and other case processes and is responsible for maintaining accurate and timely
  communications on case status.
• Prepares travel authorizations and travel vouchers as directed.
• Reviews CJA eVouchers for compliance with CJA regulations. Prepare appropriate
  documentation for judicial review, enter judge’s decision into eVoucher system.
• Greets callers both in person and over the phone. Respond to inquiries and direct
  callers to the appropriate court staff.
• Assists with incoming and exiting law clerk logistics and extern onboarding.
• Prepares and maintains the judge’s travel itineraries and arrangements. Prepares and
  submits travel vouchers on behalf of the judge and law clerks.
• Prepares and files required reports on the judge’s behalf, including the Financial
  Disclosure Report, the Governance and Travel Report, and other reports as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent; and
• Two years of general administrative experience; and
• Two years of specialized experience. Specialized experience is progressively responsible
  clerical or administrative experience requiring the regular and recurring application of
  clerical procedures that demonstrate the ability to apply a body of rules, regulations,
  directives, or laws and involve the routine use of specialized terminology and
  automated software and equipment for word processing, data entry or report
  generation.
  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• A law degree is preferred, but not required.
• Experience working for a District Judge is preferred, but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; excellent ability to communicate well both verbally and in
  writing, and to maintain confidentiality.
• Good judgment and the ability to organize work to meet deadlines and complete
  multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• The ability to work independently but also to work as a team player in support of the
  Court’s overall mission.
• Skill in communicating and working with judges, Chambers staff and attorneys during
  the process of scheduling events and managing courtroom and Chambers logistics.
• Ability to take notes and summarize material for minute entries/judgments in a
  sometimes-distracting setting.
• Excellent computer and typing skills including skills in word processing (MS Word, Power
  Point, and Excel), proficiency with the databases, scanning and uploading documents,
  email, and web browsers.
• Familiarity with federal and local rules. Knowledge of legal terminology and legal
  documents.
  ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
• Work is performed primarily in Judge Blackwell’s Chambers, in other office settings, or
  in the courtroom.
• Some travel may be required.
• Some lifting may be required to handle and set up equipment in the courtroom or to
  address the needs of Chambers, as requested.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply, email the PDF documents to hr-usdc@mnd.uscourts.gov and add “2023-16 Courtroom
Deputy position” in the email subject line.
Please include the following in PDF format:

• Application for Employment (AO78) Found here –
  https://www.uscourts.gov/forms/human-resources-forms/application-judicial-branchfederal-employment;
• Resume; and
• Name and contact information for three (3) professional references.
  All application materials received will be reviewed to identify the best qualified candidates.
  Only applicants selected to proceed to the next phase of the selection process will be
  notified. All application materials must be attached to the email as directed.
  If interviews are held in person, applicants are responsible for any travel costs.
  The U.S. District Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to
  withdraw the announcement, and to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing
  date is shown, any of which actions may occur without prior written notice.
  CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Noncitizens
  must execute an affidavit indicating their intent to apply for citizenship when they become
  eligible to do so. Judiciary employees serve under excepted appointments and are considered
  “at-will” and may be terminated with or without cause or notice by the court.
  The U.S. District Court requires employees to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial
  Employees.
  This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.
  The final candidate is subject to FBI Fingerprinting and a background investigation, including
  criminal history. Employment is provisional and contingent upon a successful background
  check.