Municipal Court Observer

Employment Type: Part-Time, Seasonal
Compensation: $20/hour
Hours: 12 hours per week
Duration: 12 weeks
Number of Positions: 4
Location: Huntsville, AL
Start Date: July 29, 2024

About Us:
The Huntsville Bail Fund is dedicated to providing bail support and reentry services to individuals arrested in Huntsville. We advocate for equitable legal representation and criminal justice reform. This pilot court observer program aims to capture data about municipal court that is not publicly available or easily accessible through public records requests.

The Court Observer will be responsible for attending and observing municipal court proceedings, documenting basic facts about each case, and providing reports of their observations of each docket hearing.

Key Responsibilities:
Attend and observe municipal court sessions as scheduled.
Document court proceedings and regular actions of court personnel using provided collection form.
Record details of cases, including charges, presence or absence of legal representation, and case outcomes.
Report on any irregularities, patterns, or other observations in court proceedings that you may observe over time.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in handling sensitive information.

Qualifications:
A commitment to justice, equity, and the mission of the Huntsville Bail Fund.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to remain neutral and detached while observing court proceedings and collecting data.
Attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
Commitment to attend court sessions as scheduled. Transportation stipend or mileage reimbursement will be provided.

How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted to jobs@hsvbailfund.org. Applications will be considered through July 19, 2024 11:59 PM CST. Application emails should include:

  • A short cover letter which answers the following questions:
    • Why are you interested in this position, and why do you think you would be a good fit for a data collection role?
    • Why are you interested in the legal justice system? Do you have any personal experience with the system you’d like to share?
  • Two references and their contact information
  • Resume (optional)

Huntsville Bail Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those who have been directly impacted by the justice system.