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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Jury Officer Intern

💰 $15 - $25 per hour (stipend-based)

InternshipLegalGovernmentPublic Administration

🎯 Role Definition

Welcome! We’re looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Jury Officer Intern to join our team. This isn't just an internship; it's a front-row seat to the operational heart of the American justice system. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the court can seat fair and impartial juries, a cornerstone of our democracy. As an intern, you will provide essential administrative and public-facing support to the Jury Administration office. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in court operations, public administration, and legal procedures while developing exceptional communication and organizational skills. If you are a proactive individual with a passion for public service and a keen interest in the judiciary, we encourage you to explore this role.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Current undergraduate students (Sophomore or higher)
  • Recent graduates with an interest in public service and the legal field
  • Individuals exploring a career change into law or government administration

Advancement To:

  • Jury Officer / Jury Administrator
  • Courtroom Deputy / Court Clerk
  • Paralegal (with further certification)

Lateral Moves:

  • Legal Assistant
  • Administrative Officer in another government agency

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist with the comprehensive processing of both electronic and paper juror qualification questionnaires, ensuring all information is accurately entered and reviewed.
  • Respond to a high volume of telephone, email, and in-person inquiries from prospective jurors regarding jury service, excuse requests, and postponements with courtesy and accuracy.
  • Prepare, assemble, and process the mailing of jury summonses, informational packets, and other official correspondence to citizens selected for jury duty.
  • Utilize the court's specialized Jury Management System (JMS) to update juror records, process requests, document communications, and track attendance status.
  • Conduct the daily check-in and orientation process for jurors, providing a welcoming and informative introduction to their service and the courthouse environment.
  • Deliver clear and concise instructions to panels of jurors regarding their daily schedule, responsibilities, court procedures, and emergency protocols.
  • Accurately verify juror attendance and calculate juror attendance fees and mileage reimbursement for the court's financial department to process payments.
  • Escort jury panels to and from the courtroom for the voir dire process and during trials, ensuring their security and sequestration from any outside influence.
  • Prepare and organize the jury assembly room daily, ensuring it is stocked with necessary supplies, refreshments, and reading materials to create a comfortable waiting environment.
  • Support senior officers in the creation, management, and summonsing of jury pools for upcoming civil and criminal trials based on the court's docket.
  • Perform meticulous data entry tasks with a high degree of accuracy to maintain the integrity and randomness of the master jury wheel and qualified lists.
  • Provide direct support during the voir dire (jury selection) process by tracking juror numbers, attorney strikes, and the final seating of the petit or grand jury.
  • Maintain the strictest confidentiality of all juror personal information and sensitive court proceedings, adhering to all court rules and privacy regulations.
  • Professionally field and resolve juror issues, concerns, and complaints with empathy and sound judgment, escalating complex problems to the Jury Administrator when necessary.
  • Operate and maintain standard office equipment, including high-speed scanners, copiers, and postage machines, to support the daily operational workflow of the jury office.
  • Assist in compiling and analyzing statistical data on juror utilization, summons yield, demographic representation, and other key metrics for administrative reports.
  • Help create and update informational materials, such as juror handbooks, orientation presentations, and website FAQs, to improve public communication and understanding.
  • Support the random selection process of names from official source lists (like voter registration and DMV records) to create new prospective jury pools.
  • Prepare payment vouchers and supporting documentation for juror reimbursement, double-checking all figures and records for accuracy and timely submission.
  • Liaise effectively with Court Security Officers to ensure a safe and secure environment for all jurors from their arrival to their departure from the courthouse.
  • Maintain and meticulously archive jury records, both physical and electronic, in strict accordance with federal and state records retention policies.

Secondary Functions

  • Observe various court proceedings, including arraignments, motion hearings, and trials, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the judicial process.
  • Assist with special administrative projects for the Clerk of Court's office, such as record archiving, process documentation, or public outreach initiatives.
  • Participate in internal staff meetings and training sessions focused on court administration, procedural updates, and customer service excellence.
  • Shadow other court personnel, such as Courtroom Deputies or Case Administrators, to learn about the different, interconnected roles within the court system.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for correspondence, data tracking, and scheduling.
  • Accurate and efficient data entry and typing skills, with a focus on minimizing errors.
  • Familiarity with operating basic office equipment, including multi-line phone systems, scanners, and copiers.
  • The ability to quickly learn and operate specialized software, such as a proprietary Jury Management System (JMS) or Case Management System (CMS).
  • A basic understanding of legal terminology and the general structure of the court system.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional interpersonal and public-facing communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • A high degree of discretion and the proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with integrity.
  • Strong attention to detail and superior organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • A consistently calm, patient, and professional demeanor, especially when handling public inquiries, complaints, or stressful situations (De-escalation skills).
  • The ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a supportive member of a small team.
  • Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Punctuality and reliability are absolutely paramount in a court environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED and currently enrolled in good standing at an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Public Administration
  • Political Science
  • Pre-Law Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-1 year of professional experience. This is an entry-level internship designed for individuals with limited or no prior professional history.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in a customer service, office administration, or public-facing role is a plus but is not required. A demonstrated interest in the legal system or public service is highly valued.
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