IN THE PROFESSION
the calendar call crowd in the courtroom . Here in Cobb county , we have a wonderful network of judicial administrators who will help one another when needed , but we also have a considerable amount of autonomy within our own chambers . When you learn your judge ’ s way of thinking , it helps with the decision making and alleviates the need for your judge to handle the " nitty gritty " details .
I also liken my role to an office manager because I oversee our courtroom bailiffs and their schedules and make sure our jurors are looked after while they are in our care .
A few other notable things : keeping an eye on our court cases is very important to our office because we want to keep things moving . Thoroughness is important when looking over our weekly inmate lists , so no one falls through the cracks .
I feel blessed to be surrounded by a “ judicial family ” in State Court because much of my job involves trying to find out what needs to be done and getting the correct person to handle it . Sometimes , the phone never stops ringing , but it is so important to stay on top of the calls and messages . On any given day , we may receive calls from an inmate ’ s grandmother to a Georgia Supreme Court Justice , from an attorney wanting for a continuance , or another one requesting an immediate court date . The variety is amazing and , often times , entertaining .
There is one thing for sure - this is the best job in the courthouse .
How can you assist judicial assistants ?
I get a lot of phone calls , so please leave a message on my voicemail with information ( do not forget the case number ) instead of hanging up and calling over and over . If I did not answer the first time , I doubt I will be available to answer 15 seconds later .
If you find me eating lunch at my desk or in our breakroom , please let me have some quiet time and return later . I am constantly talking to others , therefore I really appreciate my " me time ."
If you see me walking to my office in the morning , please allow me time to set my things down , have a sip of coffee , and log in to my computer before you approach me . It takes about five minutes , but I am unable to help you if my hands are full and my computer is not up and running .
Although the role of a Judicial Administrative Specialist is a role with many hats , impacting and helping others in their lives is a reward in itself . So , help me help you , which is always a win-win for everyone .
LEISA WILLIAMS Judicial Administrative Specialist to Judge Jane P . Manning leisa . williams @ cobbcounty . org
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16 August / September 2022