F R O M T H E C L E R K O F C O U R T & C O M P T R O L L E R V i c t o r D. C r i s t –
H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y C l e r k o f C o u r t & C o m p t r o l l e r
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organization with its core responsibilities and long-term service mission.
We also launched a formal training department and increased the minimum wage for employees from $ 15 to $ 20 per hour. These changes were designed to address a long-standing problem: high turnover among experienced employees caused in part by low frontline wages.
A recent employee survey shows significant improvements in participation, morale, and job satisfaction. Many employees who previously needed to work multiple jobs are now able to focus fully on their work with the Clerk’ s Office and spend more time with their families.
Hillsborough County’ s 70 judges, and members of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court judiciary, have expressed strong satisfaction with our new organizational structure and staff training program, now that we provide qualified, fully trained clerks for all courtrooms. Previously, Family Law and Circuit Civil Division judges managed their dockets without any clerk support.
Ensuring that every courtroom is staffed with trained clerks improves docket management, reduces delays, and allows judges to focus fully on their judicial responsibilities.
“ The creation of the new training department has strengthened the Clerk’ s Office’ s ability to support the judiciary while improving consistency and professionalism across operations,” said the Honorable Paul L. Huey, 13th Judicial Circuit Civil Division.“ An emphasis on training is the most critical aspect. The cross-training not only makes clerks more confident but also helps with retention.”
Customer satisfaction has also increased, with frequent praise for the professionalism, responsiveness, and knowledge of Clerk’ s Office staff. These changes are helping position the Clerk’ s Office to provide more consistent, efficient, and responsive service to the courts, the legal community, and the citizens of Hillsborough County. n
The Stann Givens Family Law Inn of Court
Are you new to the practice of family law? Do you want to get more involved in the family law community? Are you interested in getting to know the judges who will be presiding over your family law cases? Formed in 1995, The Stann Givens Family Law Inn of Tampa is an organization of family law judges, magistrates, hearing officers, attorneys, and law students, who are dedicated to professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence in the practice of family law.
If you are interested in becoming a member for the 2026-2027 Inn year, we are accepting applications through June 15, 2026.
For more information and an application, visit https:// inns. innsofcourt. org / for-members / inns / the-stann-givens-family-law-american-innof-court-of-tampa. aspx.
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