Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jury Coordinator Intern

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a detail-oriented individual with a passion for the legal system? This role requires a proactive and highly organized Jury Coordinator Intern to become an integral part of our court administration team. This is a unique opportunity to gain unparalleled, hands-on experience at the very heart of the trial process. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of our jury services, from the initial summons to the final verdict. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are committed to upholding the principles of justice, we encourage you to apply and contribute to a fundamental pillar of our democracy.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Legal Studies or Criminal Justice Student
Pre-Law Undergraduate
Administrative Assistant with an interest in the legal field

Advancement To:

Jury Coordinator / Jury Administrator
Paralegal or Litigation Paralegal
Court Clerk or Deputy Court Clerk

Lateral Moves:

Legal Assistant
Litigation Support Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously manage the juror summoning process, including preparing, proofreading, and mailing summonses and questionnaires to prospective jurors in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Serve as the primary point of contact for jurors on reporting days, facilitating a smooth check-in process, verifying information, and providing a professional and welcoming orientation to the courthouse environment.
Compile, update, and maintain comprehensive and confidential lists of qualified and summoned jurors, ensuring data accuracy for use in the voir dire process.
Provide critical administrative support during voir dire (jury selection), including tracking juror responses, managing peremptory strikes and for-cause challenges, and seating the final jury panel.
Professionally and accurately respond to a high volume of inquiries from prospective jurors via phone, email, and in person, addressing concerns related to service, exemptions, and postponements.
Process and track juror attendance and mileage for payment, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of stipends in accordance with court financial procedures.
Assist in the preparation and organization of essential trial materials, including jury instructions, verdict forms, and exhibit lists, ensuring they are ready for court proceedings.
Liaise effectively with attorneys, judicial staff, and other court personnel to communicate jury-related information and coordinate logistical needs for upcoming trials.
Perform precise data entry and maintain meticulous electronic and physical records related to jury pools, juror service history, and trial outcomes using the court's Jury Management System.
Observe various court proceedings, including civil and criminal trials, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the judicial process and the integral role of the jury.
Ensure the jury deliberation rooms and assembly areas are well-maintained, stocked with necessary supplies, and prepared to provide a comfortable and secure environment for jurors.
Manage highly sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and integrity, adhering to all court policies and privacy regulations.
Review and process juror requests for excusal, disqualification, or postponement based on established statutory criteria and court guidelines.
Act as a secure liaison between a deliberating jury and the court, responsibly handling jury notes and communicating requests to the judge in a timely and confidential manner.
Assist in the preparation of post-verdict documentation and the formal discharge of the jury, ensuring all administrative tasks are completed accurately.

Secondary Functions

Support trial teams by assisting in the coordination of lay and expert witnesses, including scheduling, communication, and logistical arrangements.
Conduct basic legal and procedural research related to jury management and trial practices under the guidance of court administrators or attorneys.
Draft official correspondence, notices, and informational pamphlets for jurors, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and a professional tone.
Collaborate with court security personnel to ensure the safety, security, and sequestration of jurors as required during high-profile or sensitive trials.
Assist jurors and court staff with the use of courtroom technology, such as evidence presentation systems or video conferencing tools.
Compile and generate statistical reports on jury utilization, juror demographics, and other key metrics to support court administration and analysis.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Advanced skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint for creating documents, managing data, and communication.
Data Entry & Database Management: High accuracy and speed in data entry; experience with database software is a plus.
Jury Management Software (JMS): Willingness and ability to quickly learn and operate specialized court software for managing juror information.
Basic Legal Research: Familiarity with legal terminology and the ability to conduct basic research using online resources.
Office Equipment Operation: Competency in using standard office equipment such as multi-line phones, scanners, and copiers.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Discretion & Confidentiality: An absolute requirement to handle sensitive case and personal information with the highest level of integrity.
Superior Communication & Interpersonal Skills: The ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and empathetically with the public, jurors, attorneys, and judges, both verbally and in writing.
Unwavering Attention to Detail: Meticulous organizational skills to manage complex schedules, detailed records, and precise legal procedures without error.
Poise and Professionalism Under Pressure: The capacity to remain calm, courteous, and efficient in a high-stakes, fast-paced, and often stressful environment.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to independently identify issues, analyze situations, and proactively find effective solutions for juror and court-related challenges.
Public Speaking & Presentation: Confidence in addressing groups of people to provide orientation and instructions.
Adaptability & Proactive Attitude: A flexible mindset to handle shifting priorities and a self-starting approach to take initiative on tasks.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent and currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program.

Preferred Education:

Actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree or certificate in a relevant field of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Paralegal Studies
Criminal Justice
Political Science
Public Administration
Pre-Law

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0 - 1 years of experience in an administrative, customer service, or office setting.

Preferred:

Previous internship or volunteer experience within a courthouse, law firm, non-profit, or government agency is highly desirable. A demonstrated interest in the American legal system is essential.