Probate Clerk

Circuit Court is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to serve as fiduciary clerk in the Probate Section of the Circuit Court. Successful candidates will possess extensive working knowledge and experience in probate, guardianship, trust, and estate planning. Must work independently and manage competing priorities. Duties include evaluating and determining the validity of wills presented for probate. Analyzes and makes legal decisions for application to the probate of wills, estate administration, appointment and qualification of fiduciaries for decedents' estates, guardians, and conservators for incapacitated adults, guardians over minor's person and property, and trustees. Determines the appropriate bond for fiduciaries. Provides advisory support to judges, law clerks, attorneys, and the public on fiduciary matters. Calculates and collects all probate tax and recording/filing fees.

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

Meets and assists individuals who are seeking to admit an estate to probate;
Evaluates and determines the validity of wills presented for probate;
Analyzes and makes legal decisions for application to the probate of wills, estate administration, appointment and qualification of fiduciaries;
Determines the appropriate bond for all fiduciaries;
Provides advisory support to judges, law clerks, attorneys, and the public on fiduciary matters;
Prepares and admits to record related documents for qualification;
Calculates and collects probate tax and recording/filing fees.

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Knowledge of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Supreme Court's Clerk's Manual, laws and regulations related to the assigned business areas;
Knowledge of legal terminology and documents associated with Probate function;
Knowledge of the Probate functions and court procedures;
Ability to interact with the public and provide services while maintaining professional integrity, tact and respect;
Ability to exercise sound judgments to make decisions within scope of job responsibilities;
Ability to interpret and explain complex rules and regulations to the public;
Ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing;
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals, including the judges, general public, members of the legal and business community, and department staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Associate Degree; Plus five years of progressively responsible experience providing administrative support, technical support, customer service, or working in a court or legal environment.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two to three years' experience in the area of probate, trust & estates or any other fiduciary area.
• Six or more years of experience in court or legal environment.
• Possession of Paralegal Certificate.
• Team player with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in dealing with the public and the bench on sensitive issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and data entry skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.