Third Assistant Clerk, SJC Clerk's Office for the County of Suffolk

Supreme Judicial Court Job Opportunity - Third Assistant Clerk for the SJC Clerk's Office for the County of Suffolk

This posting will remain open until filled, but consideration of candidates will begin as of June 30, 2025 (deadline revised on June 11, 2025). To be formally considered for this position, please view the full job description and submit all application requirements on:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/supreme-judicial-court-job-opportunity-third-assistant-clerk-for-the-sjc-clerks-office-for-the-county-of-suffolk

SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT MISSION STATEMENT:

To promote the rule of law and foster public trust by leading an independent judiciary that assures every person equal access to the fair, timely, and impartial resolution of disputes in Courts managed with efficiency and professionalism.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Third Assistant Clerk, in collaboration with the First and Second Assistant Clerks, assists the Clerk for the County of Suffolk (Clerk) in performing the legal and administrative duties as set forth in statutes and rules and must have the ability to analyze and discuss complex legal and procedural issues. Responsibilities include the professional, timely, and efficient preparation, handling, and maintenance of court papers and records. Work is performed under the direction of the Clerk or the Clerk’s designee, with considerable independence expected in performing assigned tasks. The Third Assistant Clerk also directs support staff regarding case management.

MAJOR DUTIES:

The following duties and responsibilities of the Third Assistant Clerk, which can vary depending on the needs of the Clerk and/or the Court, include the following:

• Assist the Clerk in performing those duties specified in G.L. c. 221, §15.
• Serve as liaison between the Single Justice and the parties and/or counsel.
• Receive and review Court filings in all Single Justice and bar docket cases, as well as administrative matters.
• Maintain the dockets of all pleadings submitted to the Court.
• Review, analyze, and present daily motions and petitions to the Single Justice.
• Draft and issue orders and judgments at the direction of the Court and/or the Clerk or the Clerk’s designee.
• Attend sessions of the Court as required.
• Assist the Single Justice in the drafting and editing of memoranda of decision, orders and judgments.
• Address requests by the bar, self-represented litigants, and the public for information concerning Single Justice practice and procedure, bar docket practice and procedure, appellate procedure and jurisdiction.
• Administer oaths of office to new attorneys.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• A member in good standing of the Massachusetts bar for a minimum of five (5) years.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience as a practicing attorney. Court management experience and/or litigation experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Extensive knowledge of state statutes, applicable case law, appellate and trial court rules, and the ability to interpret and apply them in making recommendations on petitions, motions, and written and oral inquiries to the Clerk’s office on Single Justice practice and procedure.
• Thorough knowledge of the organization, function, jurisdiction, and authority of the trial and appellate courts.
• Working knowledge of civil and criminal law and related appellate practice and procedure.
• Working knowledge of Single Justice and bar discipline practice and procedure.
• Sound technology skills and ability to use various computer systems, such as case management systems and document management systems, and programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Sound electronic, legal research skills and ability to use Westlaw and/or Lexis.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and organize facts and precedents, and to present recommendations effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain complex, accurate court records.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and independently without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage the work of others.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective, respectful, courteous, and considerate professional working relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, advise and assist members of the Bar and the public, including self-represented litigants.
• Ability to assist the Clerk’s office in educational and community events that promote understanding of the independent role of the Judiciary.

RESIDENCY:

By law, only persons who are residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may serve as officers in or as employees of the judicial branch.

SALARY:

The annual salary of the Third Assistant Clerk is set by statute, G.L. c. 221, § 94 and is currently $156,193.

LOCATION:

This position is a full-time, in-person position and located at the John Adams Courthouse in Boston. Normal work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Application Requirements:

Each candidate must submit the following: (1) a current resume; (2) a writing sample of no more than ten (10) pages, double-spaced; and (3) a completed SJC Employment Application and Addendum.

Applications for employment and the addendum to the application are available online at https://www.mass.gov/doc/supreme-judicial-Court-application-for-employment-with-addendum

All materials should be submitted by email to Blanca Tosado at blanca.tosado@jud.state.ma.us.

This posting will remain open until filled, but consideration of candidates will begin as of June 30, 2025.

The Supreme Judicial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.