The Legaco Express for Paralegals (LEX):

How did you get your current job and why did you choose to work for the judicial branch?

Jamie Mosko:

I got my current job by applying to a job announcement listed by the U.S. Tax Court at USAjobs.gov. Choosing to work for the judicial branch was more like the judicial branch choosing me. I was looking for a career change and a job position with a state judicial branch opportunity presented itself. After working with a state district court and completing a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies, I decided to pursue a career in the legal field with the federal government.

Tenette Smith:

I was recommended to my current position while assisting one of my clients at the time from Sprint. While working with her and discussing my career goals and aspirations to attend law school she informed me of this position that had just opened up that day. By the end of the day she had sent me all of the information necessary to apply for the job.

I chose to work as an Operations Clerk because of the exposure it gave me to the law and the judicial system. It was an opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience and knowledge and also provided me more networking and mentoring opportunities. At the time I took this position I was taking my very first intro class for my Paralegal Studies degree and was hoping to eventually transition into a Paralegal for the Superior Court.

LEX:

Can you explain your duties and how would you describe a typical day or week?

Jamie Mosko:

CurrentlyI work in the Admissions/Appellate Section of the U.S. Tax Court. The principle duties involve processing all applications for admission to practice before the Court and handling notices for appellate review of Tax Court decisions.

Tenette Smith:

The unit that I work in, as Calendar Clerk, has two primary job functions. The first is to prepare the cases and calendars that go into court each day for all three misdemeanor departments. Our second primary function is to update the cases through our case management system as they come out from the courtroom.

LEX:

What is the best part of your job?

Jamie Mosko:

The best part of my job is helping people interacting with the Tax Court to have a positive experience. As procedures and practices vary from court to court, keeping tack of what each court requires can be overwhelming to a paralegal.

Tenette Smith:

The best part of my job is being able to help internal and external clients resolve their issue with the court.

Many times I am able to interact with defendants who have never been in any legal trouble prior to their current situation and they are terrified and clueless. It is gratifying to encounter people that have learned valuable lessons from their experiences and vow to never make the same mistakes again.

It is also rewarding to be able to share the knowledge that I have gained in my position with defendants, paralegals, and attorneys who are new to the justice system or unfamiliar with my particular court.

LEX:

How is technology changing your work and the work of the court you work for?

Jamie Mosko:

In 2010, the Tax Court mandated electronic filing for most parties represented by counsel. This opportunity has allowed us to become more efficient in processing court documents and reduce excess paperwork.

Tenette Smith:

Although the criminal division where I work has not switched over to a paperless system other divisions in the courts have. I know that it relieves some of the work of the clerks and allows them to focus their time and attention on other priorities within the court.

The court website has reduced the amount of manpower needed to answer phone calls regarding generic court information thus allowing us to keep more accurate information and less backlog.

In some ways I believe that technology is a minor setback to court users. I have noticed that many people are so reliant on information being readily available on the internet that they are unaware of or unable to use any other resources.

LEX:

What are the most common mistakes paralegals make when interacting with the courts you work for and what advice would you give to paralegals to make sure that the case they are working on goes smoothly?

Jamie Mosko:

From my experience, most documents submitted by paralegals, to the Admissions/Appellate Section of the Court, have been very professional both, in appearance and tone.

The best advice I can offer to paralegals submitting documents to the Tax Court is to become knowledgeable of the Tax Court Rules of Practice and Procedure.

Tenette Smith:

• Paralegals/Legal Assistants often contact the court with questions about a client but do not have the information needed to assist them when they finally reach a clerk (i.e. case number, case type, client full name and date of birth).
• In larger counties there are often several different divisions/locations within that county. It is imperative that the paralegal understand what each division does and where their client’s case is being handled
• Paralegals should be knowledgeable about what information they are calling about and specifically what information they need from the court. Clerks work with all different types of customers and generally assume the attorney or paralegal will know very common things and therefore may omit some of the information they would give to a defendant.
• If you are new or new to the field ASK THE CLERKS QUESTIONS!!! Do not be afraid to admit that you are unfamiliar with something because it may be at the expense of your client and in turn your career!
• Be nice! Clerks hold more power in the court than one would expect. The nicer you are to them the more helpful and patient they tend to be with you.

LEX:

What is the best advice you have ever received and what advice would you give paralegals entering the field?

Jamie Mosko:

For paralegals entering the legal field, my best advice is to proofread the documents in a case. Also, do not be afraid of to engage in legal writing and research for their supervising attorneys.

Tenette Smith:

If you are new or new to the field again ask the clerks questions!!! Do not be afraid to admit that you are unfamiliar with something because it may be at the expense of your client and in turn your career!

Do your research!

Spend time familiarizing yourself with the courts website for the jurisdiction your attorney is representing clients in.

LEX:

Ms. Mosko, Ms. Smith, thank you for your time and for sharing your experience and insights with us.