Clerk Magistrates across the state gathered virtually to attend their annual Clerk Magistrate Conference September 16-18, 2020. Educational programs were presented by court staff, Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation staff, and Nebraska Supreme Court IT personnel with technical assistance from Judicial Branch Education.

Video conferencing technologies allowed guest speakers to display slideshows and share files while attendees participated via webcams, microphones, and chat messaging.

The presentations ranged in topics from pandemic-related to specific court procedure and processes surrounding Mandatory E-Filing, Criminal Purging, Self-Represented Litigant JUSTICE/DOCKET entries, 2020 Guardian and Conservator Rule Changes, Extra Duty Specialists, and Financials. Attendees also had a chance to hear about the Peer Support Program, Restorative Justice, and Language Access during the time of COVID-19.

All presentations were recorded and can be viewed for credit on the Supreme Court’s Intranet webpage titled Clerk & Court Staff JBE Info under “Clerk Magistrate Conference Resources.” The “HR FAQ” presentation is password-protected and available for supervisory staff only. Please e-mail melissa.ireland@nebraska.gov to request the password.

Photo: Word Clouds created during the “Pandemic Roundtable” group discussion led by Deputy Court Administrator Amy Prenda depicting the Clerk Magistrate’s feelings when the pandemic began vs their feelings now.