On October 21, 2025, United Public Employees (UPE) met with Sacramento Courts to discuss ongoing concerns related to the Self-Help Unit, including the transfer of Deputy Clerks out of the unit and the impact it has on the paralegals.
UPE requested this meet and confer after learning that two Deputy Clerks assigned to the Family Law Facilitator’s Office (FLFO) were transferred to other departments — one to Records and the other to Family Law because the courts stated that not enough work for them was in FLFO. Following the transfer of the Deputy Clerks, Paralegals in the unit have absorbed some of the former duties, including managing some of the mail tasks.
UPE raised concerns about how these added responsibilities were communicated, whether they align with the current Paralegal classification specification, and whether the shift in duties has been evaluated for its impact on workload. The Meet and Confer confirmed that the new responsibilities fall within the Paralegal classification. It was also stated that the reason for transferring the Deputy Clerks out of the unit was due to a lack of sufficient work, reportedly only six hours of work per week, in total.
Additionally, UPE asked the Court to clarify whether productivity expectations for Paralegals have changed in light of these additional tasks and whether any formal training or support has been offered during the transition. The Court responded that expectations remain unchanged, as the tasks previously handled by the Deputy Clerks were minimal and are not expected to increase the Paralegals’ workload. Furthermore, the management at FLFO is available to assist Paralegals and address any questions or concerns related to the duties paralegals are performing. If you are a Paralegal or other impacted employee with concerns about changes to your duties or workload, please contact your UPE representative. As always, UPE is keeping a close watch—because when duties shift, we make sure your rights don’t.
UPE WOULD LIKE TO THANK UPE COT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS SHAWN BOXER, ANDREA HOWARD, AND JULIE VALDIVIA FOR THEIR ADVOCACY AND PARTICIPATION
