A Court Recorder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Livingston County was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press! Based solely on employee feedback, the Top Workplace title is a badge of honor for the County. With over 700 employees serving within 18 departments, 6 elected offices, and 3 Courts, Livingston County's top priority is providing effective and efficient services that improve the quality of life for all of our residents.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of a court administrator or other designated supervisor, and the direction of a judge, the Court Recorder maintains and monitors the video recording equipment and peripheral devices in the courtroom and takes notes on actions in court in order to preserve an accurate record of court proceedings. Prepares a variety of legal forms and documents in the courtroom. Marks exhibits, administers oaths, and performs other functions of a courtroom clerk. Pulls and returns files for court and provides various support functions for the judge as directed.

Benefits:

• MERS Retirement Plan
• Comprehensive Medical, Pharmacy, Dental & Vision
• Optional Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Voluntary Short-term & Long-term disability
• Employer paid Basic Life & AD&D insurance
• Health & Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid vacation, sick days & holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to $500 annual Wellness reimbursement & $100 incentive for completing your annual physical & Health Assessment.
• Voluntary benefits such as Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital & Whole Life policies
• Employee assistance program

Pay Rate Information:

The Court Recorder position is a Union position and starting pay is $51,954/yr.. This position is eligible for step pay increases within our Court Bargaining Agreement Grade 6 Wage Scale. Top end of the current wage scale for this position is $62,094/yr.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties, which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Secures and maintains video equipment, Polycom, printers, iPads and other devices, and ensures that equipment is operating efficiently and accurately. Ensures the courtroom is up and ready for the day's hearings.
2. Pulls files for the day's docket from the County Clerk's Office. Begins court room call, administers oath to witnesses, draws jurors and alternates, prepares and distributes jury seating chart, and provides other courtroom assistance as needed. Maintains juror and exhibit lists.
3. Monitors the video recording system in the courtroom, including ensuring that the people who are speaking are properly positioned to maximize recording. Monitors equipment to ensure continuing recording quality and performs tasks required to secure video and audio records.
4. Conducts and hosts virtual court proceedings using related software. Maintains court integrity during the proceedings and establishes a clear audio and video connection. Conducts each hearing as its own separate recording.
5. Takes notes and maintains a log of actions in court, including describing actions taken on each case, noting when the case started and ended, noting the appearance of witnesses, marking exhibits and other actions. Follows appropriate procedures for the return and disposal of exhibits after trials, hearings and past the appeal period.
6. Prepares a variety of forms in the courtroom such as warrant recalls, orders to show cause, bond forms, requests for appointed counsel, and other forms. Secures the signature of the judge as necessary.
7. Takes direction from the judge regarding support duties. Informs the judge of cases that may have settled or may need special attention or request a meeting in chambers.
8. Executes all forms necessary to court proceedings, ensures that the judge has affixed his/her signature, and that all forms are copied, and disbursed to all litigants and necessary parties.
9. Enters hearing information into the database and prepares a variety of statistical summaries. Prepares monthly trial activity report and files with the County Clerk.
10. Properly purges files for confidential/law clerk notes, deliver all orders and documents, and returns files to the Clerk's Office.
11. Secures attorneys for cases where indigent parties are entitled to court-appointed attorneys. Prepares and makes copies of appropriate paperwork for the attorneys.
12. Maintains the courtroom calendar to ensure all hearings are on the appropriate calendar.
13. May serve as back-up to other clerical staff for tasks such as scheduling cases, taking adjournments, typing correspondence and legal documents, filing and related secretarial tasks.
14. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by college or vocational training in office management and two years of progressively more responsible court reporting/recording experience in a courtroom setting.
• The county, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.
• Valid Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• May be required to attain Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) from the Michigan Supreme Court and Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) Certification within six months of hire date.
• Knowledge of basic court proceedings and the court system's procedures, and statutes.
• Knowledge of office procedures, court scheduling, procedures and statutes and maintaining detailed and accurate records.
• Advanced skills in proofreading, reviewing forms, documents, preparing transcripts and reports.
• Skill in assembling and analyzing data, and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
• Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality in communication.
• Ability to work independently, remain organized and prioritize workload.
• Ability to perform in a high-stress environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professional integrity and respect for those requiring court services including the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with county employees, contractors to the county, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, elected officials, court officials and the public.
• Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications, database use and the ability to learn new software programs applicable to the position.
• Skill in the use of audio and video Ability to manage multiple electronic systems, in-person participants and remote participants during court proceedings in a seamless manner and must be able to use mobile recording equipment in the rare instances hearings are held off site, such as in medical facilities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents, and enter data on a computer keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile in an office and courtroom setting, stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 25 lbs. without assistance. Accommodation will be made, as needed, for office employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this weight.

The typical work environment for this job is a court or business office setting where the noise level is quiet and sometimes moderate.