cover letter for clerk of court

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Court Clerk Cover Letter Sample

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Court Clerk Cover Letter Example

Court Clerk is a clerical person who works in the court to make a guide and to suggest to the public regarding the judiciary terms and the cases. The main work of the Court Clerk is to prepare the documents and the cases using a typewriter or a computer.

Check out Court Clerk Cover Letter sample how important it is to pen down an impressive cover letter. He/ She basically works according to the court orders and made the payment fees from the clients. He/ She also explains the procedure of the court to the parties.

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What to Include in a Court Clerk Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities of Court Clerk:

• Good understanding of the court and the law and orders.
• Prepare all the documents or the orders issued in the courtroom.
• Court Clerk works for Judge or attorney .
• Must have followed an administrative duty.
• May ensure that the court proceeding goes smoothly, without any interruption or problem.
• Involve in courtroom proceedings , research the case, and prepare the documents.
• Prepare the schedules and inform the clients of the date and time to appear in the court.
• Coordinate with the lawyers and the judges to make the orders and the functions of the court.

Education & Skills

Skills required for a Court Clerk job:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Expertise in shorthand writing to save the time of the court.
• Excellent listening skills to understand the case.
• Time management.
• Good understanding of law terms.
• Excellent understanding of administration and management skills.
• Good understanding of Computer knowledge.
• Detailed Oriented.
• Excellent Problem-solving skills.
• Excellent research skills to prepare reports and presentations.
• Excellent management skills.
• Must have strong learning and understanding skills to develop further skills.

Qualifications required in a Court Clerk:

• Must have an Associate Degree or a bachelor’s degree of a minimum of 2 years or 3 years.
• Have a degree in business management, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years or 4 years of previous experience.
• Good to have: Master’s Degree.

Court Clerk Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.,

This is regarding the job opening for the position of Court Clerk. I have a total of …… Years of experience working as a Court Clerk. Having all the skills and experience I believe I am the best fit for this position.

In the past, I have worked with a lot of judges and with lawyers, hence, using my knowledge and understanding of the law terms and the matters I can be an asset. I have proven experience in

• Good Understanding of law and order control.
• Planning and execution strategies.
• Leadership skills.
• Self-motivational and deadline orientation.

I would like to Thank you in Advance for considering my job application, if given a chance I can prove to be an asset to the company.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Check out this cover letter to learn more about presenting your skills, experience, and qualification to enhance your chance of getting shortlisted by the recruiters. The effectively written Cover letter can help you leave a positive impact on the recruiters. For more such information, check the Court Clerk Resume Sample click here to understand how an impressive resume is written.

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Court Clerk Cover Letter Examples

A great court clerk cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following court clerk cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

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Cover Letter Example (Text)

Vianna Gothier

(163) 771-1391

[email protected]

Dear Nycole Peil,

I am writing to express my interest in the Court Clerk position within the judicial system, as advertised. With five years of dedicated experience working in legal environments, including prestigious law firms like Baker McKenzie and Jones Day, I have honed the skills necessary to contribute effectively to your team and support the court's operations with the utmost professionalism.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to maintaining the integrity of the court's records, managing case files with precision, and facilitating the smooth administration of courtroom proceedings. My responsibilities have ranged from preparing dockets and scheduling hearings to assisting attorneys and the public with procedural questions. My ability to navigate complex legal documentation and my familiarity with judicial processes have been instrumental in ensuring that all court activities are conducted in accordance with legal requirements.

I am adept at utilizing various court management systems and have a strong track record of improving filing procedures, which has enhanced overall efficiency and accessibility of records. My attention to detail and organizational skills ensure that I can handle a high volume of cases without compromising accuracy. Moreover, my excellent communication abilities allow me to liaise effectively between judges, attorneys, and litigants, fostering a collaborative environment that is conducive to the fair administration of justice.

Having followed the esteemed reputation and the progressive initiatives undertaken by your court, I am eager to bring my expertise to your esteemed team. I am confident that my background, combined with my dedication to upholding the principles of the legal system, will make a valuable addition to your staff.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience and skills align with the needs of your court.

Warm regards,

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Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Deputy Court Clerk cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Deputy Court Clerk Example 1
• Deputy Court Clerk Example 2
• Deputy Court Clerk Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Deputy court clerks play an important role in the court system by helping to keep court proceedings running smoothly. They work with judges, attorneys, and other court personnel to make sure that court cases are handled efficiently.

To be successful in this role, you need to be able to handle a lot of responsibility and be able to stay calm under pressure. Use these examples and tips to write a cover letter that will show hiring managers that you’re the right person for the job.

Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Deputy Court Clerk position at the Superior Court of California. I have more than five years of experience as a Court Clerk and feel confident that I have the skills and experience to be successful in this role. I am motivated to join an organization where I can contribute my unique skills and grow as a Court Clerk professional.

I have a proven track record of providing excellent customer service and ensuring that all court proceedings are conducted in a timely and accurate manner. I am also skilled in the use of computers and various software programs, which I have put to use in managing and tracking court files.

Most importantly, I am passionate about the law and about helping people. I take pride in my ability to stay calm under pressure and to handle difficult situations with professionalism and discretion. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of the court system and to providing the best possible service to the public.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I am eager to learn more about the Deputy Court Clerk position at the Superior Court of California and to discuss how my skills and experience would be a valuable addition to your team. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the Deputy Court Clerk position that was recently advertised on the company website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization.

As you can see from my resume, I have more than three years of experience as a Deputy Court Clerk. I have a deep understanding of the duties and responsibilities of this position, and I am confident that I am capable of delivering on the expectations of the role. I have a proven track record of success in this field, and I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team.

I am a hard-working and motivated individual who is always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications to be a successful Deputy Court Clerk. I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Deputy Court Clerk position that is currently available. I have been working as a court clerk for the past three years and have gained valuable experience in the field. My background includes working as a court clerk, legal secretary, and paralegal.

I have worked in both civil and criminal courts and have gained extensive knowledge of the court system. I have also gained experience in managing cases, scheduling hearings, and maintaining records. I am proficient in using Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. I am also skilled in using Westlaw and LexisNexis to conduct legal research.

I believe that my skills and experience make me an ideal candidate for this position. I am confident that I can perform all duties required of a deputy court clerk with ease. I am also committed to providing excellent customer service to all clients who visit the courthouse. I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further at your earliest convenience.

Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your interest in the job.

When applying for a position as a deputy court clerk, it’s important to show hiring managers that you’re interested in the job and have taken the time to learn about what the role entails. One way of doing this is by tailoring your cover letter to the specific job opening.

For example, if the job listing asks for candidates with experience in data entry, be sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in that area. You can also mention any other skills or qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the job.

2. Use specific examples

To help hiring managers see how you would be a valuable asset to their team, use specific examples from your past work experiences. This will show that you have the skills and knowledge needed to do the job.

For example, if you have experience in customer service, you could talk about how you handled difficult customer situations and managed to resolve the issue in a satisfactory manner. Or if you have experience in data entry, you could talk about how you accurately entered data into the system within the set timeframe.

3. Demonstrate your organizational skills

As a deputy court clerk, you’ll be responsible for handling a lot of paperwork and ensuring that everything is in order. To demonstrate that you have the organizational skills needed for the job, list the different ways you’ve been able to successfully manage paperwork in the past.

You can also talk about how you’re able to stay calm under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This will show hiring managers that you have the ability to handle the demands of the job.

4. Proofread your cover letter

Just as with any other position, it’s important to proofread your cover letter before submitting it. This will help you catch any errors in spelling or grammar, and it will also show hiring managers that you’re detail-oriented.

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Court Clerk Cover Letter Example: 4 Templates

A court clerk is known to handle the legal documents on the virtual platform and also on hard copy as well. He/She must possess organizational and communication skills. With reference to the cover letter given below, you can go ahead and apply for the respective post. 

Letter Template: 1

Table of Contents

Court Clerk Cover Letter

James Brown

238 Broadway

United States

The HR Manager

XYZ Company

354 F 63 rd Street

Subject- Cover letter for Court Clerk

I am highly interested in applying for the position of a court clerk in [ name of court ]. I have always maintained positivity and remained proactive in managing cases related to court proceedings. I have already proven to be a trustworthy person.

I have always been a goal-oriented person. I have always been interactive and worked along with the rest of the team members on the court.

I have completed my graduation with honors in English from [ university name ] and scored above [ percent]%.

Currently, I am also pursuing studies in law from the same university through distance education and that is for the purpose of convenience of going as per the profession.

I have been coordinating between the lawyers and public prosecutors concerning with my criminal cases. As per convenience, I do think that I am capable of performing the tasks for the attorneys and administration of the court for the assistance of the judges.

I am highly manageable and tactical with various queries of the people who come to the court. I do make sure to reach the workplace on the right time and also take legal action against anyone who breaks the rule in the court.

I would like to bring my qualities and experience to your notice for your better understanding during the process of the interview.

I am ready to go as per the conditions set in [ name of court ] for applying for the job.

I would like to request for a review of the professional details in my resume.  I am ready to for the background check as well.

I am ready to appear for the oral and written test on the day of the interview. Kindly contact me through [ email id] or [ contact number ] for further updates. 

Thanking You,

[Handwriting signature]

[Mention the contact details]

[Mention here, if there is any post note to be given]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

I am ready to apply for the position of court clerk at [ name of organization ]. I have viewed the advertisement for the respective post of a court clerk in [ name of newspaper] on [ mention date].

I do believe that I am very capable of this particular work in court.

I am very much interactive and possess excellent communication and leadership skills.

I do make sure that I do not commit any grammatical error while typing the documents in the application letter.

I have been appreciated for my polite behavior and ability to resolve any issue very quickly.

I have the ability to address any candidate with his or her respective query and resolve it accordingly.

I have acted accordingly and that depends on the nature of the problem.

On a daily basis, I have been typing nearly 200 pages of documents. I have gained a degree of graduation from [ university name] and scored above [ percent]%.

I have also gained computer proficiency by learning computer softwares and applications at [ institute name].

I have a typing speed of [ number] w.p,m and the same on the electronic typewriter. With my active listening skills, I do pay attention to the issues of the people and resolve them accordingly.

Quite recently, I have been promoted as a head clerk in [ name of current court]. Due to the inconvenience of distance traveling, I am facing challenges in reaching the court on time.

Since I do see that [name of court] is quite close to my place, I will be extremely happy to be a part of your respective court.

I would like to meet in person with you and go for a face to face discussion.

As per the requirements of [ name of court], I am ready to bring the necessary documents which are related to my qualifications and experience. Kindly contact me through [ contact number ] or [ email id ] for further updates.

[Mention the contact details][Mention here if there is any post note to be given]

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Court Officer Cover Letter Example

Get more job offers and learn how to improve your new cover letter with this modifiable Court Officer cover letter example. Use this cover letter example free of charge or modify it in any way using our HR-approved cover letter creator.

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Court Officer Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Michelle Alcocer

Dear Sir/Madam,

As a highly skilled and experienced professional, I am excited to be applying for the Court Officer job within Albany County Court in Albany, NY. Not only I am confident that my qualifications make me an ideal fit for the role but I also believe that it would a great opportunity for me to further grow my career.

Throughout my professional life, I have demonstrated multiple times that I am adept at working both independently and in a team. Moreover, I have shown that I am a detail and accuracy oriented individual possessing exceptional analytical skills and important organizational abilities which are necessary for the position. At Lancaster County Court, I was known for my proactive approach and exceptional track record of completing all assigned tasks and projects in a timely manner. Besides performing various daily clerical duties, I was also in charge of developing and coordinating the court schedule and I communicated with witnesses and attorneys. Furthermore, I participated in the development and implementation of a new court filing system which decreased the court office expenses by 24% within just one year.

I am a Certified Office Manager with a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from the Tulane University. At the university, I was provided with a great chance to collaborate and work closely with the biggest industry professionals from around the globe. I am a native Spanish speaker with a proficiency in English and German and the valuable experience with various crucial software programs, including eCourt, TrialDirector 360, Incode, FastCourt, and CMS 360. Offering exceptional multitasking skills and an extraordinary ability to think critically and solve complex problems, I believe I could become a great addition to your team. I would be delighted to meet with you in person to discuss my background in more detail.

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Kind regards,

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Example

As the competition for deputy court clerk positions grows increasingly competitive, it is important to create a cover letter that stands out to employers. Crafting a successful cover letter requires research, attention to detail, and careful consideration of the role. This guide provides tips and advice on how to write a strong deputy court clerk cover letter, as well as an example to get you started. With the help of this guide, you can create a cover letter that will impress potential employers and help you get the job.

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, be sure to check out our complete library of cover letter examples .

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Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to apply for the position of Deputy Court Clerk, as recently advertised in [Publication Name]. I believe that my excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as my well- rounded knowledge of the court system, make me the perfect candidate for this role.

I have had the opportunity to work in a court setting for four years, providing administrative and clerical support. During this time, I have gained a good understanding of court procedures and am familiar with the associated tasks that are part of a Deputy Court Clerk’s job. I have also been able to develop my skills in customer service, problem solving, and data entry.

I am a reliable, hardworking individual and am comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. I am detail- oriented and strive to maintain a high level of efficiency in all aspects of my work. I am confident that I have the necessary skills and experience to be a valuable asset to the court system.

I am excited by the prospect of working in the position of Deputy Court Clerk, and I am eager to learn more about the role and how I can contribute to the court’s success. Please find my resume attached to this letter. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing my qualifications in detail.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Your Name]

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What should a Deputy Court Clerk cover letter include?

A Deputy Court Clerk cover letter should include specific details about your qualifications, experience, and interest in the position. It should be well- written, concise, and tailored to the specific position you are applying for.

The cover letter should start by introducing yourself and briefly explaining why you are interested in the position. It is important to demonstrate your knowledge of the job duties and responsibilities of a Deputy Court Clerk and why you feel you are the best candidate for the job.

Your cover letter should explain your relevant work experience, such as legal knowledge, administrative skills, and interpersonal skills. Emphasize any past successes or accomplishments in similar positions as well as any awards you may have received in the past. Your cover letter should also describe your understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position, such as filing documents, correspondence, and orders, and entering data into the computer system.

Be sure to include examples of how you have effectively communicated in the past and how you are confident that you can use your skills and knowledge to assist with the daily court proceedings.

Finally, close your cover letter by showing your appreciation for the consideration and expressing your enthusiasm for the position. If possible, include a few sentences about why you believe you would be an asset to the organization.

Deputy Court Clerk Cover Letter Writing Tips

Cover letters are your chance to make an impression on employers and to show them why you are the best candidate for a deputy court clerk position. When writing your cover letter, it’s important to consider the following tips:

• Show your enthusiasm: Deputy court clerks are expected to have professionalism and poise. Show employers that you have the enthusiasm and dedication to excel in the role by expressing your enthusiasm in your cover letter.
• Highlight your qualifications: In the body of your cover letter, discuss the qualifications that make you the best candidate for the job. This could include experience in court administration, organizational and communication skills, computer proficiency, and more.
• Demonstrate your knowledge: It’s important to show employers that you are knowledgeable about the court system and its processes. Demonstrate this knowledge in your cover letter by citing past court experiences and providing examples of how you have successfully handled complex tasks.
• Use the right format: Your cover letter should be organized, succinct, and error- free. Be sure to use a professional font and keep your letter to one page.
• Proofread: Make sure that you take the time to review and proofread your letter for any typos or errors. Ask a friend or family member to read your letter for additional feedback.

By following these tips and writing a well- crafted cover letter, you can be sure to make a positive impression on employers and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Deputy Court Clerk Cover letter

Writing a strong cover letter for a Deputy Court Clerk position is essential for getting noticed and landing an interview. There are certain mistakes to be aware of and avoid if you want your application to stand out. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a Deputy Court Clerk cover letter:

• Not tailoring your cover letter to the job. When applying for a Deputy Court Clerk position, it is important to look at the job description and use language that matches the company’s requirements.
• Failing to mention specific skills and qualifications. Your cover letter should showcase the skills and experience that make you the perfect candidate for the position.
• Not highlighting your enthusiasm for the job. Your cover letter should demonstrate how passionate you are about the role and how you will bring added value to the company.
• Being too vague or generic. A Deputy Court Clerk cover letter should be specific and demonstrate how you are the ideal candidate for the job.
• Not proofreading your cover letter. Before submitting your cover letter, read it over to ensure it is free of typos, grammar errors, and other mistakes.

By avoiding these common mistakes and crafting an effective cover letter, you can increase your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview for the Deputy Court Clerk position.

Key takeaways

Writing a cover letter for a Deputy Court Clerk position is an important step in the job application process. It’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate your qualifications and provide employers with an insight into your experience and career goals. Here are some key takeaways for writing an impressive Deputy Court Clerk cover letter:

• Highlight relevant experience: Employers are looking for Deputy Court Clerks with the right experience and qualifications. Make sure your cover letter emphasizes your most relevant qualifications and experience to demonstrate why you are the right fit for the position.
• Focus on accomplishments: When describing your experience, use concrete examples to illustrate your professional accomplishments. Demonstrating how you have used your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in previous roles is a great way to make your cover letter stand out.
• Plan the layout: Your cover letter should be well- organized and easy to read. Choose a simple font and appropriate margins, and divide your cover letter into easy- to- read sections.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm: Show your enthusiasm for the Deputy Court Clerk position in your cover letter. Discuss why you are passionate about the role and make sure to explain why you think you will be a great addition to the team.
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter before submitting it. A well- written and error- free cover letter will create a positive impression with employers and increase your chances of getting an interview.

By following these key takeaways, you can create an impressive and professional Deputy Court Clerk cover letter that will show employers why you are the right candidate for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.how do i write a cover letter for an deputy court clerk job with no experience.

Writing a cover letter for an Deputy Court Clerk job can be challenging when you don’t have any direct experience in the role. The key is to focus on the skills and abilities you do have. Start by researching what the job requires and emphasizing any transferable skills that could make you a great asset to the court. Be sure to also highlight any leadership or volunteer experience that you have had as well as any relevant coursework or extracurricular activities. Most importantly, make sure to clearly explain why you are the ideal candidate for the job and why you have a genuine interest in the role.

2.How do I write a cover letter for an Deputy Court Clerk job experience?

Writing a cover letter for an Deputy Court Clerk job with experience is much easier than without experience. Start by emphasizing your experience in the field and any qualifications you have that are relevant to the job. Describe in detail any positions you have held that are related to the role, explaining how they have prepared you for the job. Make sure to give examples of any accomplishments or successes you have had in the past. Be sure to also explain why you are passionate about the role and how you think you could make a difference in the court.

3.How can I highlight my accomplishments in Deputy Court Clerk cover letter?

Highlighting your accomplishments in a Deputy Court Clerk cover letter is essential to demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job. Start by describing any past positions you have held that are related to the role, emphasizing the skills and abilities you have gained from them. Be sure to also explain any awards or recognition you have received that are related to the role. Additionally, highlight any leadership or extracurricular activities you have participated in that have helped you develop the necessary skills to be successful in the role.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Court Letter (With Template)

4-minute read

• 1st June 2023

Sending a letter to court personnel is a serious matter, so if you need to write one, ensure it makes an impact and conveys your message well. In this post, we’ll discuss the reasons you might need to write a court letter, the essential information to include, and an example of what one might look like.

What Is a Court Letter?

A court letter, also known as a legal letter or court correspondence, refers to a written document used in legal proceedings. It’s a type of formal communication addressed to court personnel, such as a judge, attorney, or another party involved in a legal case.

Court letters can serve many purposes, including requesting information, providing evidence, or asking for consideration from the court. For example, you could write a court letter on behalf of a defendant to highlight their positive qualities prior to sentencing. Or you could write a letter to a judge to provide a positive context for a family member involved in a child custody dispute.

Due to their serious nature, court letters should always be written using a professional tone of voice . It’s important to convey your ideas clearly and concisely, and while the recipient won’t be expecting perfection, do your best to ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos.

What to Include in a Court Letter

Whatever the reason for your letter, include the following information:

●  Your contact information (name, address, telephone number, email address)

●  The date

●  The recipient’s name and the name of the court

●  A subject line stating what the letter will address (if in email form)

●  A greeting or salutation

●  Body content

●  A closing signature

Here’s a sample template for a court letter – it’s asking a judge to consider a specific claim, but it can be adapted to suit other purposes.

Court Letter Template

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[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Date]

[Judge’s Name] [Name of Court] [Address of Court]

[City, State ZIP Code]

Dear [Judge’s Name],

I am writing to bring your attention to a claim I have against [name of defendant] regarding [briefly describe the nature of the claim]. I am writing this letter in support of my claim and to request that the court consider my case.

On [date of incident], I [briefly describe what happened]. As a result of this incident, I have suffered [describe the relevant injuries, losses, or damages]. I have attempted to resolve this matter with [name of defendant] but have been unsuccessful in coming to a resolution.

I am requesting that the court hear my case and am seeking [describe the specific relief you’re seeking, such as monetary damages or a specific action by the defendant]. I have attached the relevant documents and evidence to support my claim.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.

[Your Name]

Structuring Your Letter

As you can see above, the letter begins by formally stating the purpose for writing. The second and third paragraphs briefly and clearly describe the nature of the incident, its impact, and the desired outcome of the request. It ends by referring to supporting documents and evidence included with the letter.

If you’re writing on behalf of someone else, include your relationship with them (coworker, family member, etc.) and one or two examples that demonstrate their character to provide context for your claims.

If you’re unsure of the correct title to use for the salutation, look it up beforehand (on the court’s or law firm’s website). And when signing off, use a respectful closing signature, such as sincerely or respectfully , and your full, legal name (rather than a nickname).

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CIVIL AND MISDEMEANORS

How to write a letter to the clerk of courts.

By Rebecca K. McDowell, J.D.

October 19, 2019

Reviewed by Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA

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• How to Write a Letter to a Magistrate

The clerk of courts is an officer of the court that handles the clerical aspects of the court's business. Court clerks are usually elected officials who are responsible for court docketing, maintaining court records, hearing and trial calendars, budgeting and other administration duties. A letter to the clerk of courts should be in a formal letter format, dated and signed, with identifying information about the matter.

The Parts of a Formal Business Letter

A letter to the clerk of courts should be formatted like a formal business letter, which means:

• If the letter is not on letterhead, the first thing at the top of the letter should be the sender's address, followed by the date. 
• Below the date should be the recipient's name and address, called the inside address.
• Below the inside address is the subject line. The subject line may say "Subject:" or "RE:," which stands for "regarding" or "in regards to." The subject line should indicate the subject of the letter.
• Below the subject line is the salutation, which is "Dear [recipient's name]" followed by a comma or a colon.
• After the salutation is the body of the letter, which should identify the sender and state the reason for the letter. At the end, a polite line thanking the recipient for his time is appropriate, followed by a closing line, such as "Sincerely" or "Very truly yours" and a comma. Below the closing should be three or four spaces for a signature, and then the sender's typewritten or printed name.
• If any documents are sent with the letter, the letter should say "Enclosures" or "Encl." at the bottom left to indicate this.

Addressing a Letter to the Clerk of Courts

The website for the court will have the contact information for the clerk of courts including the clerk's name and the mailing address for correspondence. That name and address should be used as the inside address for the letter.

The salutation can be directed to the clerk by name, but simply writing "Dear Clerk" is also appropriate.

The subject line should contain the names of any parties to a court case as well as the case number or matter number. If the letter relates to jury duty, it should contain the juror's name and juror number and the date of service, if known. Read More: How to Address a Letter to a Prosecutor

The Body of the Letter

The body of the letter to the clerk should use clear, simple language, identifying the sender and stating succinctly the purpose of the letter. For example, if the letter is to request a new hearing date in a lawsuit, the letter should provide the sender's relationship to the lawsuit (i.e., the plaintiff or the defendant) and the current hearing date, followed by a request that the date be changed.

The body of the letter should also indicate the best way to contact the sender with a response, such as "Please respond in writing at the address above," or "Please call me at (123) 555-1212 if there are any issues."

Further Communications with the Clerk

If the clerk receives your letter and needs more information, requires a fee or needs to direct you to different court personnel, the clerk will usually send a reply letter or respond in the manner the sender requested in the letter.

If a sender receives no response after several business days, a follow-up phone call to the clerk to check on the status is appropriate. The court's website will provide the phone number and business hours for the clerk.

A letter to the clerk of court should refer to the case or matter number as well as the names of the parties, and it should be dated and signed. Typewritten letters are the preference, but if the writer has no access to a computer or typewriter, handwritten letters are acceptable but must be legible.

• Purdue University Online Writing Lab: Writing the Basic Business Letter
• The Law Dictionary: What is Clerk of Court?

Rebecca K. McDowell is a creditors' rights attorney with a special focus on bankruptcy and insolvency. She has a B.A. in English from Albion College and a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School. She has written legal articles for Nolo and the Bankruptcy Site.

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Job Details for Judicial Assistant to Chief Judge/Executive Law Clerk to Chief Judge

Position description.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is now accepting applications for a Judicial Assistant or an Executive Law Clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Virginia M. Kendall. This successful candidate will be appointed when Judge Kendall is installed as the Chief Judge of the Northern District of Illinois on August 1, 2024. Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the Court's online applicant tracking system, submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references. To apply, please see “Notice to Applicants” listed below.

Position Overview: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois is recruiting for the position of Judicial Assistant or Executive Law Clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Virginia M. Kendall with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2024. The incumbent will serve as an assistant to the Chief Judge and assumes full responsibility for the administration of the Chief Judge’s Chambers. This individual will need to provide excellent customer service to the public, litigants, media, judges, government agencies, and other members of the Court.

Qualification

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

• Receives, screens, and responds to telephone calls and personal visitors. Answers complex inquiries and provides assistance to the public as authorized, maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive matters. Inquiries come from many sources, including judges and their staff, other court support units, members of the bar, and the media.
• Prepares correspondence, legal documents, and other materials, for the Chief Judge’s review and signature. Reviews, analyzes, and edits materials prepared by others for the Chief Judge’s signature.
• Communicates and responds to judges, chambers staff, and other governmental agencies’ requests.
• Maintains the Chief Judge’s calendar. Arranges meetings or other events, including notification to participants and logistical coordination. Arranges for the most economical travel and lodging for the Chief Judge. Prepares travel payment vouchers in accordance with existing policies and regulations.
• Prepares and submits reports and requests as required by Judicial Conference Policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

• The candidate must be proficient in office management and have excellent technical, communication, and organizational skills. Experience providing executive-level administrative support or administrative management functions in a professional environment is required. The candidate will be required to exercise a high degree of interpersonal skill in dealing with court staff, federal agency officials, and the public.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion, work independently with a positive attitude, take directions well, and exercise good judgment without close supervision.
• Applicant should have knowledge of legal documents and terminology and be skilled in their usage of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and proofreading. A successful candidate must have skill in the use of technology and software such as the Microsoft Office suite of products and the ability to learn various other types of systems and software. The successful applicant should be adaptable, flexible, customer-focused, and have a strong sense of personal and professional integrity. The successful candidate must be able to display professional and positive demeanor and appearance appropriate for a court environment (business/office wear-professional).
• As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a ten-year or five-year background investigation with periodic updates every five years thereafter.

Additional Qualifications: The successful candidate must possess a Juris Doctor from a law school of recognized standing, be a member of the Illinois State Bar, and have two years of work experience.

Compensation: Compensation and classification level will be based on qualifications and the experience level of the successful candidate as follows:

Judicial Assistant Position

• JSP Grade 7, requires 2 years of general experience and 2 years of specialized experience;
• JSP Grade 8, requires 2 years of general experience and 3 years of specialized experience;
• JSP Grade 9, requires 2 years of general experience and 4 years of specialized experience;
• JSP Grade 10, requires 2 years of general experience and 5 years of specialized experience; or
• JSP Grade 11, requires 2 years of general experience and 6 years of specialized experience.

Executive Law Clerk Position

• JSP Grade 12, requires 2 years of general experience and 1 years of legal work experience;
• JSP Grade 13, requires 2 years of general experience and 2 years of legal work experience; or
• JSP Grade 14, requires 2 years of general experience, 3 years of legal work experience and 2 years of federal chambers law clerk, staff attorney, pro se law clerk, bankruptcy appellate panel law clerk, or death penalty law clerk experience.

Employee Benefits: The U.S. District Court offers a generous benefits package to full-time, permanent employees, which includes:

• Paid leave time for federal holidays, vacation, sick, and Parental Leave
• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• Access to an infant and toddler care near the Courthouse
• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is available to full-time employees with qualifying student loans
• Life insurance

Judicial Assistant to Chief Judge 

• Thrift Savings Plan with matching funds (401k & Roth 401k style)
• Participation in Federal Employees Retirement System
• Health, dependent care, and parking reimbursement programs
• Public Transit Subsidy Program
• Onsite employee gym
• Long-term care insurance
• Employee Assistance Program, which provides free counseling, financial assistance, and basic legal services

Further details regarding Federal benefits may be viewed at: ILND Benefits

How To Apply

Consideration will only be given to those who apply through the court’s online applicant tracking system and provide a cover letter, resume, and two professional references. Applicants who apply by May 6, 2024 will receive first consideration. To view openings and to apply, visit our applicant tracking system at: ILND Jobs.

Due to the volume of applications received, the Court will only communicate with those applicants who will be interviewed. Applicants selected for interviews will be communicated to only through email and must travel at their own expense and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. Applicants will be screened to determine their experience and qualifications.

All new employees must be fully vaccinated (i.e., at least 2 weeks after last dose) for COVID-19 and, prior to starting with the Court, present proof of vaccination or submit a request in writing for an exemption to this requirement on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief or medical condition. Prior to appointment, the finalist candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete a criminal background investigation. The Court requires employees to adhere to a Code of Conduct which is available upon request. Direct deposit is required for payment of compensation for employees. Employees of the District Court, Northern District of Illinois are excepted service appointments. Employees are considered at-will and are not covered by federal civil service classifications or regulations. The United States District Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Diversity is important to the Judiciary. It is an essential component of services that the Judiciary is charged with providing to maintain justice, equality, fairness, respect, and dignity in society. To fulfill its duties, the Judiciary must include all members of society—not just regardless, but also inclusive of race, gender, disability, and the many other variables that make up the citizens of our nation. The Judiciary has a duty to promote a fair, just, and sustainable model of inclusive democracy and social justice that surpasses any governmental entity in the history of this nation or of any other nation. To be eligible for employment, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• U.S. citizen;
• Person who owes allegiance to the U.S. (i.e., nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands);
• Person admitted as a refugee or granted asylum who has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible; or
• May not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen);
• Must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible; and
• Must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application).

The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, or to withdraw the announcement, any of which may occur without prior written or other notice.

Information about the Northern District of Illinois: The Northern District of Illinois is home to the five largest cities in Illinois: Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Joliet, and Naperville. Also known as “The Windy City,” Chicago is the third most populous city in the U.S. with over 2.7 million inhabitants and nearly 10 million people living in the Chicago metropolitan area. With Lake Michigan as its eastern border, Chicago covers more than 237 square miles. Chicago is home to numerous museums and cultural institutions including Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. A center of art and culture, Chicago has over 200 theaters, nearly 200 art galleries, and more than 7,300 restaurants.

Known for its magnificent skyline, Chicago is home to buildings designed by some of the world’s most renowned architects including Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van der Rohe, who designed the Dirksen Courthouse.

Major Chicago universities include University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Loyola University, University of Illinois Chicago, DePaul University, and Illinois Institute of Technology. Professional Chicago sports teams include the Bulls (NBA), Sky (WNBA), Bears (NFL), Cubs (MLB), White Sox (MLB), Fire (MLS), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), and Red Stars (NWSL). Chicago is a major world finance center. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange are within blocks of the Courthouse. The Northern District of Illinois is home to three international airports including O’Hare International Airport, among the busiest airports in the world.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

• Massachusetts Court System

Court Service Center Support Specialist (Taunton)

• Taunton, Massachusetts, United States

TRIAL COURT MISSION 

The Trial Court is committed to: 

• Fair, impartial, and timely administration of justice;
• Protection of constitutional and statutory rights and liberties;
• Equal access to justice for all in a safe and dignified environment strengthened by diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Excellence in the adjudication of cases and resolution of disputes;
• Courteous service to the public by dedicated professionals who inspire public trust and confidence.

The Trial Court is a qualifying employer for Federal Student Loan forgiveness To learn more about this program, and all of our benefits, click here

The Massachusetts Trial Court is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity in state employment to all persons. No person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, military or veteran status, physical/mental disability; or genetic information. If you need a reasonable accommodation, or have any questions or concerns about being afforded fair and equal treatment, please contact the HR Benefits Team at [email protected]

• Exec Off & Office of Court Mgt
• Administrative
• Closing at: May 6 2024 at 23:55 EDT

Title: Court Service Center Support Specialist (Taunton)

Pay Grade: Grade 13

Starting Pay:  $59,047.98

Departmental Mission Statement: The Court Services and Law Libraries Department is responsible for providing key court services to support the administration of justice and advance access to justice in the Trial Court. These services include the Court Service Centers, the Trial Court Law Libraries. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/court-services-law-libraries-department

Notes: This position is designated as a union position and is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement with O.P.E.I.U., Local 6. Candidates are encouraged to include a cover letter with their application.   Position Summary:  Working within the Court Services and Law Libraries Department of the Office of Court Management, a Court Service Center (CSC) Support Specialist provides accurate legal information and court assistance for self-represented litigants and other members of the public to achieve better access to the Massachusetts justice system. All CSC Support Specialists use professional legal experience and knowledge of social service agencies and organizations to provide self-represented litigants with the resources they need to navigate the court system and best address their issues. This position is responsible for assisting on an array of court information, forms, resources, and referrals, through the Virtual Court Service Center and local Court Service Centers. The CSC Support Specialists also answer questions and direct self-represented litigants and members of the public to the proper court office for additional assistance as appropriate.

Supervision Received:  Receives general direction from the Court Service Center Manager in performing duties in accordance with established guidelines.

• Assists in the daily operations of a Court Service Center including: • Greet and triages visitors to the center and makes referrals as appropriate; • Answers, screens, directs and places telephone calls to court users seeking assistance; • Ensures access for limited English proficient litigants and members of the public; • Assists self-represented litigants to gain access to Trial Court services by providing legal and procedural information; • Provides information and explanations about a variety of court processes, court rules, official documents, and forms; • Assists in the creation of self-help resources for self-represented court users; • Ensures that all Court Service Center materials for legal aid, community organizations and court department resources are updated regularly, including researching new resources and information; • Participates in regular meetings with the staff of the Court Service Center, as well as court officials from local area court divisions representing all Trial Court Departments in an effort to improve coordination and effectiveness; • Enters data daily, ensures statistical information is accurate, and assists in the preparation of statistical reports; • Assists the Manager and Staff Attorneys with educational workshops and programs; and • Performs other related duties as required.

Job Competencies:  All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Massachusetts Trial Court. Mission  Understands, upholds, and communicates the Court Services and Law Libraries Department mission. Applied Knowledge Ability to provide accurate legal information and court assistance for self-represented litigants other members of the public for improving access to justice. Problem Solving Accurately can assesses operational and administrative problems in the Court Service Center and develop feasible solutions. Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner to users of the Court Service Center. Responsive to the needs of self-represented litigants. Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, accepts feedback, demonstrates a willingness to be a team player, and contributes to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals. Communication Excellent oral and written communication skills to maximize the effectiveness of the Court Service Center; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with court officials, judges, and community resources is critical. Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of CSC Support Specialist: • Graduation from high school or its equivalent and a (5) five years of Trial Court experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree with court experience is a plus; • Bilingual skills and Court Service Center experience are preferred; • Considerable knowledge and familiarity with court procedures, documents and terminology; • Considerable knowledge of the work and role of legal service providers, social service state agencies, and related community resources; • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Judges, court officials, attorneys, court employees and the general public; • Demonstrate ability to remain responsive to local court departments and ensure multi-lingual access to court related services; • Ability to identify and resolve customer service and queuing issues experienced at the Court Service Center; • Demonstrated ability to independently initiate action, complete assignments and to handle multiple assignments simultaneously; • Knowledge of and ability to use personal computers and related business software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat; • Exceptional skills in using multi-media techniques: social media, web-based initiatives and digital resources to access and use local resources for referrals; • Ability to reach with hands and arms, bend, crouch, climb stairs, and lift materials weighing up to 30 pounds; and • Ability to exercise judgment and to work without close supervision.

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Employment with the Trial Court is contingent upon passage of a criminal record check.

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‘Criminal Conspiracy’ Alleged as Jury Starts Hearing Trump Trial

Court adjourned for the day after opening statements from both sides and the start of testimony from the longtime publisher of The National Enquirer. A lawyer for Donald Trump told jurors the former president did nothing illegal.

• Share full article

Jesse McKinley and Kate Christobek

Five takeaways from the fifth day of Trump’s criminal trial.

Monday marked another key moment in the criminal trial of Donald J. Trump: opening statements, during which the former president listened quietly to the prosecution’s allegations of crimes, and the defense’s counterargument that he was a simple man, wrongly accused.

The jury that will decide Mr. Trump’s case concentrated intently on the statements, which began the presentation of what will be weeks of testimony and other evidence, all in a tense courtroom in Lower Manhattan.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee once more, Mr. Trump, 77, is charged with falsifying 34 business records in an attempt to cover up a payment to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, in the days before the 2016 election. Ms. Daniels, who may testify, says that she and Mr. Trump had a sexual encounter in 2006, a claim the former president denies.

Mr. Trump has also denied the 34 felony charges, calling them orchestrated by Democrats; if convicted, the former president could face probation or up to four years in prison.

Here are five takeaways from Mr. Trump’s fifth day on trial:

The prosecution has a big story to tell.

The charges faced by Mr. Trump may sound bland — “falsifying business records” doesn’t really set the heart racing — but the prosecution made clear on Monday that it plans on painting a much broader picture.

Matthew Colangelo, a prosecutor, laid out in his opening statement a tale that touched on tabloid journalism , tawdry affairs and covertly recorded phone calls . Jurors will likely be told about events inside fancy hotel rooms, Trump Tower and even the Oval Office. And the stakes? The presidency.

All that suggests that the case will keep jurors wide-awake during the six or so weeks it is projected to take. Indeed, when asked if they wanted paper and pens to take notes, more than half of the people in the jury box (12 jurors and six alternates) raised their hands.

Who Are Key Players in the Trump Manhattan Criminal Trial?

The first criminal trial of former President Donald J. Trump is underway. Take a closer look at central figures related to the case.

The defense wants to destroy prosecution witnesses.

Mr. Trump’s lead lawyer, Todd Blanche, used his opening statement to cast Mr. Trump’s actions leading to this case as run-of-the-mill business, and said that Mr. Trump is defending himself at trial, just as “any of us would do.”

He argued that the use of a nondisclosure agreement — the document Ms. Daniels signed after receiving the payment — was typical among the wealthy and the famous and “nothing illegal.” He continued that there was nothing wrong with trying to influence an election, adding: “It’s called democracy.”

Mr. Blanche also attacked Mr. Cohen, a former lawyer and fixer for Mr. Trump. He said Mr. Cohen, who pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance crimes in 2018, was a “criminal” who “can’t be trusted.” He added that Ms. Daniels was “biased” against Mr. Trump and made a living off her story about the sexual encounter.

He called the heart of the prosecution case just “34 pieces of paper” that don’t involve Mr. Trump.

Trump was muted during the abbreviated day in court.

On Mr. Trump’s way into the courtroom on Monday, he addressed reporters for about three minutes and blasted a range of perceived enemies, including New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, and the judge in a recent civil fraud case that resulted in a $454 million judgment against him.

But Mr. Trump’s behavior during opening statements reflected that he understood the gravity of the moment.

Mr. Trump made no outbursts during the prosecution’s opening statement, although he occasionally showed displeasure: He shook his head slightly at arguments that he orchestrated a scheme to corrupt the presidential election and then more strenuously when prosecutors said he was guilty of felonies.

During his own side’s opening statement, Mr. Trump sat largely motionless and expressionless watching his lawyer Mr. Blanche. Mr. Trump’s behavior was muted compared with his volatility during past Manhattan court appearances.

But at the conclusion of the trial day, Mr. Trump took his preferred spot in front of a television camera in the hallway, and spoke for more than nine minutes, attacking the prosecutor’s case — once again — as unfair.

David Pecker used to live on celebrity news. Now, he is the news.

Prosecutors’ first witness was David Pecker, the longtime publisher of The National Enquirer . He ambled to the stand and promptly gave a lesson in the ways of tabloid journalism, including the purchasing of articles — anything more than $10,000, he had to approve — and the significance of putting a famous face right out front.

“The only thing that was important is the cover of a magazine,” Mr. Pecker testified.

In about 30 minutes of testimony, Mr. Pecker also laid out trade secrets on sourcing, saying hotel workers and limo drivers could be a font of information on the rich and famous.

He seemed at ease: laughing at a prosecutor’s jokes, and sometimes directly addressing the jury just a few feet away.

We’re moving right along.

Over the past five trial days, the judge overseeing the case, Juan M. Merchan, has shown that he is eager to keep this trial on schedule. He seems serious about keeping his word to the jurors that the trial will last six weeks.

On Monday, truncated by a juror’s dental emergency and the Passover holiday, he decided to start with the first witness — Mr. Pecker — despite having only half an hour left on his schedule.

On Tuesday, the court will first consider a prosecution motion to hold Mr. Trump in contempt over recent comments that they say violated a gag order meant to keep him from attacking participants in the trial and their families.

Then, Mr. Pecker will continue on the stand, probably diving deeper into the “catch-and-kill” scheme used to buy up — and cover up — unflattering stories, a central element of the prosecution’s narrative.

Court will end early again, at 2 p.m., for further observance of Passover and then will have its weekly Wednesday break.

But there is little indication that as the weeks pass, Justice Merchan will let the pace slacken.

Jonah E. Bromwich and Kate Christobek

The opening statements gave a preview of how the two sides will present the case.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office and lawyers for Donald J. Trump presented opening statements to jurors on Monday, with prosecutors accusing the former president of entering a criminal conspiracy while the defense sought to discredit two key witnesses.

A prosecutor, Matthew Colangelo, began by telling jurors that Mr. Trump had conspired with his former fixer, Michael D. Cohen, and the publisher of The National Enquirer, David Pecker, to conceal damaging stories during his 2016 campaign.

“This case is about a criminal conspiracy and a cover-up,” Mr. Colangelo said, telling a story about a hush-money payment to a porn star and insisting that the former president was ultimately responsible.

In the end, Mr. Colangelo said, there would be “only one conclusion: Donald Trump is guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree.”

Immediately after Mr. Colangelo’s presentation, Mr. Trump’s lead lawyer, Todd Blanche, directly disagreed, insisting that the jury acquit the former president. Mr. Trump, he said, had engaged in actions that were legal and normal.

“President Trump did not commit any crimes,” Mr. Blanche told the jury, using the former president’s preferred form of address. The lawyer told jurors that Mr. Trump had earned the right to be referred to as “president” and reminded them that he was the presumptive Republican nominee.

Mr. Blanche argued that there was nothing illegal about nondisclosure agreements, which he said companies, the wealthy and the famous all use frequently. And, he said, prosecutors were wrong to suggest something criminal about Mr. Trump’s efforts to win the White House.

“I have a spoiler alert: There’s nothing wrong with trying to influence an election,” Mr. Blanche said. “It’s called democracy.”

Mr. Blanche asserted that Mr. Cohen, a key prosecution witness, was paid for legal services, and he attempted to undermine Mr. Cohen’s credibility. Mr. Blanche called Mr. Cohen a “criminal” who “can’t be trusted” and suggested that he was testifying only because he didn’t get a job in the Trump administration.

He also took aim at Stormy Daniels, the former porn star who claimed she had sex with Mr. Trump, characterizing her as an opportunist who had used a brief encounter with Mr. Trump related to his reality show, “The Apprentice,” to make huge sums of money.

He added that Ms. Daniels was “biased” against the former president and made a living off her story about the sexual encounter.

Mr. Blanche also sought to minimize the charges, saying the records at the heart of the case were just “34 pieces of paper” that the former president had nothing to do with.

Mr. Trump is accused of falsifying business records — which is a felony if prosecutors can show the records were altered with an intent to commit or conceal a second crime.

A year ago, when the former president was formally charged with 34 felonies, the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, told reporters that he did not have to specify what the second crime was, and listed three options. During opening statements, Mr. Colangelo made it clear he believed that the strongest case relied on one of those options: convincing jurors that Mr. Trump concealed the violation of a state law that forbids “conspiracy to promote or prevent an election.”

Justice Juan M. Merchan

Presiding Judge

Joshua Steinglass

Todd Blanche

Trump Lawyer

David Pecker

Former Publisher of The National Enquirer

Michael Cohen

Former Trump Lawyer and “Fixer”

Stormy Daniels

Porn Director, Producer and Actress

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There’s some good news for people who want to follow the Trump trial in detail, but can’t make it to the courthouse. The New York state court system has just agreed to publish a transcript of each day’s proceeding by the end of the following day on its website. You can find the daily transcripts here .

Olivia Bensimon

Trump’s motorcade left the courthouse just after 1:05 p.m., wrapping up the trial’s first day of testimony. The view was blocked by an N.Y.P.D. dump truck, to many reporters’ great frustration. Inside Collect Pond Park, across from the courthouse, a lone pro-Trump protester’s “Trump for President ’24” banner flaps meekly in the light breeze.

Jonah Bromwich

The charges against Trump, which accuse him of falsifying records, are felonies because prosecutors say he sought to conceal another crime. Prosecutors had said before the trial that they had a menu of three crimes to choose from. The one they emphasized most strongly today is a violation of state election law: “conspiracy to promote election.” It’s not one of the actual charges, but they say it was baked into the overall crime.

And its worth emphasizing that when the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, was first asked about this, at a news conference directly after Trump was formally charged, he said that prosecutors did not have to specify which crime they were alleging Trump concealed. But today, Colangelo took the opposite tack: hitting the word “conspiracy” again and again.

William Rashbaum

With the trial now underway, here’s the People of the State of New York v. Donald J. Trump by the numbers: The case was born as “Investigation No. 2018-00403803 – Investigation Into the Business Affairs of John Doe.” That’s how the Manhattan district attorney’s office identified the six-year inquiry that led to today’s proceedings, with the number and name appearing on subpoenas and the correspondence case. Arrest No. M23613757 was given to Mr. Trump when he surrendered last year on April 4. And when the former president was arraigned later that day, his indictment was given a Docket Number, IND-71543-23, which the court system uses to track the case.

Nate Schweber

A courthouse park becomes a stage, and a sideshow, outside Trump’s trial.

Andrew Giuliani, the son of Donald J. Trump’s former lawyer and a regular strutting presence on the periphery of the courthouse where the former president is on trial, posed for photos inside Collect Pond Park.

Grinning and wearing a campaign jacket, Mr. Giuliani, who has made a career as a right-wing media figure, hugged supporters of Mr. Trump on Monday. From one, he borrowed a flag with Mr. Trump’s face that promotes him for president in 2024.

“Two-thousand twenty-four years in prison!” taunted Ricky Caballero, 56, from Brooklyn. “He owes your dad money. Why you out here supporting him?”

Mr. Caballero wore a tank top with a Puerto Rican flag. He said that was his heritage, and that he remembers watching Mr. Trump lob paper towels at survivors of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Mr. Caballero said he was still furious.

Mr. Giuliani circulated like a celebrity among Mr. Trump’s supporters and ignored Mr. Caballero.

It was one of a number of loud exchanges between supporters and detractors of Mr. Trump that were noticeably monitored by the police. There were no police in the park on Friday, when a man amid a mental health crisis burned himself to death in an anti-government protest.

On Monday, there were six community affairs officers and six regular uniformed officers watching closely for trouble.

At one point, the sound of the national anthem wafted through the park, courtesy of the flute-playing activist Marc Crawford Leavitt.

“I’m just playing and no one can argue with my playing patriotic songs,” he said, a sign decrying Trump as a liar hanging around his neck.

Anusha Bayya contributed reporting.

The judge leaves the stand. We are done with the jurors’ first day of trial.

Trump looks angry as he leaves the courtroom, again patting the bench behind him on the way out. His eyes scan over the reporters seated in the gallery as he goes.

The defense just told us that they did not learn who would be testifying first for the prosecution until about 3 p.m. yesterday. Prosecutors had declined to tell them earlier, given that Trump has made something of a habit of attacking witnesses.

I’m again struck at just how quickly we went today. We started late, and by the end of a very short day had finished both opening statements and started in on our first witness. This trial was expected to last six weeks. It may end even more quickly.

Jesse McKinley

A short day, but we got a sense of the details that the prosecution intends to offer in its case, and the contours of the defense. David Pecker was just starting, and will continue tomorrow at 11 a.m. There’s a hearing on possible gag order violations by Trump tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.

Maggie Haberman

Pecker is dismissed from the stand. We expect him back tomorrow.

Justice Merchan tells the jurors about the schedule and asks them, as he will before they leave the courtroom each time, not to discuss the case with anyone and not to read about it. He asks them to put it out of their minds.

Pecker greets someone at the defense table politely as he leaves the room. It’s not clear who.

As he answers Steinglass's questions, Pecker sometimes speaks directly to him, but other times he directs his comments to the jurors. Right now he's describing the types of people tabloids typically use as sources: hotel workers, limo drivers, lawyers.

Trump’s lawyers have sought to cast the tabloid that Pecker presided over as a media company like any other. But Pecker’s comment that they practiced “checkbook journalism,” and his description of their editorial practices, may undermine that argument, as we continue to hear about how the publication operated.

Checkbook journalism is one of the things that sets supermarket tabloids apart from more traditional news outlets.

Kate Christobek

Trump is leaning on the defense table as he listens to Pecker’s testimony. As Pecker talks about the editor meetings, Trump passes notes to two of his lawyers before glaring up at Pecker on the witness stand.

Steinglass has a banter going with Pecker as he asks Pecker to recount his work cell phone number at the time.

That may seem small but it’s important — it’s a good bet that those numbers will come up when evidence is presented.

Steinglass gets a loud cackle from Pecker while asking him his phone numbers. “This isn’t a quiz,” Steinglass says.

As Pecker begins to describe The National Enquirer's editor meetings, it again strikes me that these jurors have a really entertaining case before them. They will be taken into a lot of different environments — these editorial meetings, the Trump campaign and the Trump White House, and small meetings of New York operators in which, prosecutors will argue, the history of the country was shaped.

Jurors appear to be taking copious notes.

“We used checkbook journalism, and we paid for stories,” Pecker says of his time at The National Enquirer. Steinglass, the prosecutor, asks him whether he had "final say" over editorial decisions. Anything over $10,000 for a story, Pecker says, had to be approved by him.

Pecker says in his experience, the only thing that’s important “is the cover” of a magazine.

Michael Rothfeld

A look at how tabloids used ‘catch-and-kill’ to trade on the secrets of celebrities.

“Catch-and-kill” is a term coined by old-time tabloid editors for buying the exclusive rights to stories, or “catching” them, for the specific purpose of ensuring the information never becomes public. That’s the “killing” part.

Why would anyone want to spend money on a story that it never intends to publish? In the world of tabloid journalism, where ethical lines are blurry, deciding what to publish and why is often a calculus that covers favors doled out and chits called in.

David Pecker, the former publisher of The National Enquirer, who also oversaw other tabloids such as Star and lifestyle publications such as Men’s Fitness, was a master of the technique , according to people who have worked for him.

In 2003, Mr. Pecker’s company, American Media Inc., bought several muscle magazines founded by a mentor of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the bodybuilding legend and movie star. When Mr. Schwarzenegger, who was often featured in those magazines, jumped into the recall election to replace California’s governor, Mr. Pecker ordered his staff to buy up negative stories about him in order to protect his investment, former employees said.

Staff members called it “the David Pecker Project.” American Media paid $20,000 to a former mistress of Mr. Schwarzenegger so that she would not speak about their affair — though news of it had previously been published. The company paid another $1,000 to her friend and $2,000 to a man who had a video of Mr. Schwarzenegger dancing lewdly in Rio de Janeiro 20 years earlier. Mr. Schwarzenegger was elected governor.

Mr. Pecker’s publications made deals with other celebrities as well, though not always for money. He traded away dirt about the golfer Tiger Woods in exchange for an exclusive interview in Men’s Fitness in 2007, according to people with knowledge of that episode.

And, according to the prosecutors in the Manhattan trial of Donald J. Trump, Mr. Pecker employed “catch-and-kill” tactics in the 2016 presidential election, paying a doorman and a Playboy model to suppress negative stories about Mr. Trump and boost the candidacy of his longtime associate.

Justice Merchan has shown so far that he is eager to keep this trial on schedule. Court will be adjourned for the day in less than a half an hour, but yet the judge has chosen to start the first witness. He seems serious about keeping his word to the jurors that the trial will last six weeks.

What will be interesting about Pecker’s testimony, if it goes as opening statements suggested it would, is that he won’t really be describing Trump’s involvement in any actual criminal activity. Rather, he will serve as a tour guide to the seamy way in which Trump used The National Enquirer to his political advantage — a storytelling point on the way to alleged criminal activity.

And yet, prosecutors have framed Pecker’s involvement here as part of a “conspiracy.” This could be a risk for them — conspiracy is not one of the charged crimes. And this jury has at least two lawyers.

Who is David Pecker, the trial’s first witness?

The first witness in Donald J. Trump’s criminal is David Pecker, who was the publisher of The National Enquirer, and had traded favors with Mr. Trump since the 1990s.

Mr. Pecker, who was sometimes referred to as the “tabloid king,” had long used his publications to curry favor with Mr. Trump and other celebrities, in exchange for tips or for business reasons. Staff members called Mr. Trump, like other favored stars who were off limits, an “F.O.P.” — “Friend of Pecker.”

Mr. Trump and Mr. Pecker, along with Mr. Trump’s former fixer Michael Cohen, hatched a plan in August 2015 to boost his upstart presidential campaign, prosecutors say. The former Trump allies are each expected to take a turn on the witness stand, giving testimony that could help make him the first president convicted of a felony.

Prosecutors for Alvin L. Bragg , the Manhattan district attorney, will try to show that the hush money payment to a porn star at the center of the trial was part of a larger effort to suppress negative news about Mr. Trump to sway the election. That scheme, they will contend, includes two other deals, both involving Mr. Pecker.

Mr. Trump had announced his presidential campaign in June 2015. The plan the men laid out two months later was simple, according to court documents, interviews with people involved in the events or familiar with them, private communications and other records.

Mr. Pecker would use The Enquirer to publish positive stories about Mr. Trump’s campaign and negative stories about his rivals. He would alert Mr. Trump, through Mr. Cohen, when The Enquirer learned of stories that might threaten Mr. Trump. The Enquirer could buy the rights to those stories in order to suppress them, a practice known in the tabloid world as “catch and kill.”

In late 2015, Mr. Pecker’s company paid $30,000 to suppress a claim by a former doorman at a Trump building who said he had heard Mr. Trump fathered a child out of wedlock — a rumor that was apparently untrue. Then in August 2016, The Enquirer’s parent company paid $150,000 to a former Playboy model, Karen McDougal, to keep her account of an affair with Mr. Trump quiet. Two months later, Mr. Pecker and The Enquirer’s editor helped Mr. Cohen negotiate a $130,000 hush-money payment with Stormy Daniels, the former porn star who also said she had sex with Mr. Trump. He has denied both women’s claims.

Mr. Cohen pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance crimes in 2018.

The Enquirer’s parent company, American Media Inc., made a deal that year to avoid federal prosecution, acknowledging that it had illegally tried to influence the election .

Merchan stops testimony, says he realizes jurors weren’t given writing materials to take notes. At least 10 raise their hands when asked if they’d like some.

This jury is an attentive crew, if the number of note-takers is any indication.

Joshua Steinglass, a prosecutor, will question Pecker. He begins by asking him how old he is, apologizing for asking the question. Pecker is 72, married for 36 years. He begins to talk about his biography, starting with his educational background.

David Pecker is the first witness for the prosecution, and their choice looks to be a good one for them. The National Enquirer’s master of “Catch and Kill,” he was part of the conspiracy that Colangelo described in his opening statement, working with Trump and Cohen to bury negative stories about Trump and publish negative ones about his rivals. He’s expected to tell the jury about his conversations with Trump and Cohen about killing the bad stories, including the one about Stormy Daniels. And he’ll provide much of the broad arc of the case – and the motive — corroborating elements of Cohen’s expected testimony along the way.

The judge instructs the people to call their first witness and as expected, they call David Pecker.

With opening statements and a witness, we are squeezing a full day into this half day. Pecker enters. He’s got a trim white mustache and is wearing a grey suit. His grey hair hits his collar. He heads to the witness stand and is sworn in with his hand raised.

Pecker has aged considerably over the last several years. He spells his name and gives his place of residence.

Trump has some support from a group of his lawyers — Alan Garten, the Trump Organization general counsel is here, and the pool reporters saw Alina Habba and Chris Kise in the hallway.

Meet the team defending Donald J. Trump in his criminal trial.

Donald J. Trump has assembled a team of defense lawyers with extensive experience representing people charged with white-collar crimes to defend him against the charges filed by the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Some have worked for Mr. Trump for years. Others are more recent additions, but are involved in the former president’s broader legal defense, also representing him in other criminal cases.

Here’s a look at Mr. Trump’s defense team:

Mr. Blanche started representing Mr. Trump last year, leaving a prestigious position as a partner at Wall Street’s oldest law firm to take him on as a client. He is also representing Mr. Trump in his federal classified documents case in Florida and his federal election interference case in Washington.

Mr. Blanche has also represented Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump’s former campaign chairman, as well as Boris Epshteyn, an adviser to Mr. Trump. Before turning to private practice, Mr. Blanche was a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, where he supervised violent-crime cases.

Susan Necheles

Ms. Necheles has been a lawyer for Mr. Trump since 2021 and represented the Trump Organization during its criminal tax fraud trial in Manhattan. The business was convicted of 17 felonies and ordered by Justice Juan M. Merchan to pay the maximum penalty of $1.6 million.

Ms. Necheles previously represented defendants in major organized-crime and public-corruption cases, including Venero Mangano, the Genovese crime family underboss who was known as Benny Eggs.

Mr. Bove, the newest addition to Mr. Trump’s legal team, is a legal partner to Mr. Blanche. He is a former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York who turned to private practice and now represents defendants charged with white-collar crimes.

Gedalia Stern

Mr. Stern is a law partner to Ms. Necheles and also defended the Trump Organization in its criminal tax-fraud trial. He has previous experience representing clients charged with bribery, fraud and conspiracy.

If Trump testifies, he can be grilled about cases he lost and gag order violations.

The judge in Donald J. Trump’s criminal trial ruled on Monday morning that prosecutors could ask the former president about a range of previous cases that he has lost, as well as past violations of gag orders, in the event that he decides to testify in his defense.

Among other cases, the ruling by the judge, Juan M. Merchan, would allow prosecutors to question Mr. Trump about the civil fraud case brought by the New York attorney general, Letitia James, in which the former president was found to have inflated his net worth to obtain favorable loans. That case resulted in a $454 million judgment against Mr. Trump .

Justice Merchan will also allow the Manhattan district attorney’s office — which brought the case against Mr. Trump — to question him about civil cases brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll. Those cases found that Mr. Trump was liable for sexually abusing and defaming Ms. Carroll in the first instance and for defamation in the second. (Justice Merchan did not mention the sexual abuse finding, only the defamation, in his ruling regarding the Carroll cases on Monday.)

Justice Merchan will also let prosecutors ask about Mr. Trump’s attack on a law clerk in a civil fraud case , in violation of a gag order, as well as a 2018 decision that led to the dissolution of the Donald J. Trump Foundation to resolve a case brought by the New York attorney general at the time , Barbara Underwood, over financial irregularities.

The former president suggested in early April that he would testify in the criminal trial , saying that prosecutors “have no case.” That said, Mr. Trump has promised to testify in previous cases only to back out, and Justice Merchan’s decision could change his thinking on such a maneuver.

Justice Merchan said that, in the event that Mr. Trump did testify, he would give jurors “careful and specific” instructions about the scope of prosecutors’ queries, adding that he had “greatly curtailed” what specifics could be the target of questions.

However, Justice Merchan warned Mr. Trump that his ruling was “a shield and not a sword” and that the former president’s testimony could open “the door to questioning that has otherwise been excluded.”

Mr. Trump is being tried on charges that he falsified business records to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star ahead of the 2016 election. He has denied the charges.

Meet the team prosecuting Donald J. Trump.

The Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, has assembled an accomplished team to take on perhaps the most high-profile case in his office’s history: the first criminal trial against former President Donald J. Trump. The group includes veteran prosecutors and former white-collar criminal defense lawyers who have extensive experience going up against Mr. Trump.

Here’s a look at the prosecution team:

Joshua Steinglass, Senior Trial Counsel

Mr. Steinglass, who has served as an assistant district attorney since 1998, is a recent addition to this case; in 2022 he helped lead the team that secured a conviction against the Trump Organization for conspiracy, criminal tax fraud and falsifying business records. He typically prosecutes significant violent crimes, such as a violent brawl on the Upper East Side that led to the conviction of two Proud Boy extremists in 2019.

Susan Hoffinger, Chief of the Investigations Division

After starting her career at the Manhattan district attorney’s office, Ms. Hoffinger founded her own firm and spent 20 years as a defense lawyer focusing on white-collar criminal defense. She rejoined the district attorney’s office in 2022 and worked with Mr. Steinglass to obtain the conviction of the Trump Organization in its criminal tax fraud trial.

Christopher Conroy, Senior Adviser to Investigations Division

A prosecutor for 28 years, Mr. Conroy previously led the Manhattan district attorney’s office’s major economic crimes unit, where he was involved in the prosecution of the bankrupt law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf and supervised investigations into multinational financial institutions for falsification of business records. Mr. Conroy is the longest serving member of this trial team.

Matthew Colangelo, Senior Counsel to the District Attorney

Mr. Colangelo joined the district attorney’s office in 2022 after serving for two years as a senior official at the U.S. Department of Justice. He previously worked for the New York attorney general’s office, where he oversaw the investigation into the Trump Foundation, which led to its dissolution . He was also, for a time, one of the lead lawyers on the civil fraud inquiry into Mr. Trump.

Rebecca Mangold, Assistant District Attorney

Before joining Mr. Bragg’s major economic crimes unit in 2022, Ms. Mangold clerked for a U.S. District Court judge in New Jersey and worked in private practice for over 10 years. As a partner at the law firm Kobre & Kim, Ms. Mangold focused on criminal and regulatory investigations related to financial misconduct.

Katherine Ellis, Assistant District Attorney

Ms. Ellis joined the Manhattan district attorney’s office in 2018 after working as an associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. Before becoming a lawyer, Ms. Ellis worked as a legal analyst at Goldman Sachs, the investment bank.

Ben Protess and Alan Feuer

The landmark case won’t play out in front of TV cameras.

The Manhattan criminal trial of Donald J. Trump will be closely followed around the world. But you will not be able to watch the proceedings on TV.

There will be no video feed aired live from the courtroom. Nor will there be an audio feed, as some federal courts allow.

New York courts generally do not permit video to be broadcast from courtrooms, although a feed is being transmitted into an overflow room for the reporters covering the trial. And cameras will be stationed in the hallway outside the courtroom to capture Mr. Trump’s remarks as he enters and leaves.

Shortly after court adjourned on Monday, the state’s chief administrative judge, Joseph A. Zayas, issued a statement saying that transcripts of each day of the trial would be published online by the end of the following day on the court system’s website .

Judge Zayas was responding to a request for public transcripts filed last week by a New York lawyer, Jim Walden, on behalf of a civic group and the news website New York Focus.

“With current law restricting the broadcasting of trial proceedings and courtroom space for public spectators very limited, the release of the daily transcripts on the court system’s website is the best way to provide the public a direct view of the proceedings in this historic trial,” Judge Zayas wrote in his statement.

Court will be in session, for the most part, every weekday except Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until the trial ends.

Jonah E. Bromwich and Ben Protess

Here’s the latest in the trial.

Prosecutors in the first criminal trial of an American president began laying out their case for a jury of 12 New Yorkers on Monday, saying Donald J. Trump engaged in a conspiracy to cover up a sex scandal in order to get elected president in 2016.

The first witness called was the tabloid publisher David Pecker, whom prosecutors described as one member of a three-man plot to conceal damaging stories — including a porn star’s account of a sexual tryst — as Mr. Trump mounted his bid for the presidency.

Mr. Pecker was on the stand for only a few minutes in the afternoon before court adjourned for the day. He described how his publication, The National Enquirer, paid for stories, a practice he called “checkbook journalism.” He is expected to return to the stand on Tuesday.

Matthew Colangelo, one of the prosecutors for the Manhattan district attorney’s office, told the jury in his opening statement that the case was about “a criminal conspiracy and a coverup,” describing how Mr. Trump, his longtime counsel Michael D. Cohen, and Mr. Pecker engaged in a strategy to “catch and kill” negative stories.

The lead lawyer for Mr. Trump, Todd Blanche, insisted in his opening statement that the former president had done nothing wrong. “President Trump is innocent,” he told the jury. “President Trump did not commit any crimes.”

The case centers on a $130,000 hush-money payment that Mr. Cohen made to a porn star, Stormy Daniels, to buy her silence as the 2016 campaign was winding down. Prosecutors say he was reimbursed by Mr. Trump, and Mr. Trump falsified business records to conceal his conduct.

Mr. Colangelo said the payment to Ms. Daniels came on the heels of another scandal — the “Access Hollywood” tape, on which Mr. Trump bragged about groping women. Ms. Daniels’s account, he said, “could have been devastating to his campaign.”

He added, “With pressure mounting and Election Day fast approaching, Donald Trump agreed to the payoff and directed Cohen to proceed.”

Mr. Cohen, who was an executive vice president at the Trump Organization and counsel to Mr. Trump, and Mr. Pecker are expected to be central witnesses.

Mr. Blanche attacked Mr. Cohen’s credibility, saying that his livelihood hinges on attacking the former president, and insisted that prosecutors were attempting to present perfectly legal activities, such as entering into nondisclosure agreements, in a negative light.

He continued: “They put something sinister on this idea as if it were a crime. You’ll learn it’s not.”

Here’s what else to know about the trial:

The Manhattan criminal case against Mr. Trump was unveiled a year ago by the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg. Mr. Trump was charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records and if convicted could face up to four years in prison . Those are felonies because prosecutors say Mr. Trump sought to conceal another crime. On Monday, they strongly emphasized a violation of state election law — conspiracy to promote election — that is not one of the actual charges, but they say is baked into the overall crime.

The case is the former president’s first criminal trial, although he has been indicted three other times in three other cities. With those other cases tied up in appeals and other delays, the Manhattan case may be the only one he faces before the 2024 presidential election. The trial is expected to last six weeks.

Before opening statements, the judge overseeing the case delivered a crucial ruling that determined what prosecutors can question Mr. Trump about should he decide to take the stand in his own defense. The ruling, a significant victory for prosecutors that might prompt Mr. Trump to decide not to testify, allows them to question him about several recent losses he suffered in unrelated civil trials, including a fraud case this year in which the former president was found liable for conspiring to manipulate his net worth and was penalized $454 million.

The jury was drawn from a pool of residents of Manhattan, where Mr. Trump is deeply unpopular; during jury selection, dozens of prospective jurors were excused because they said they could not be impartial. But the jurors who were selected each pledged to decide the case based only on the facts. Read more about them.

The case will receive vast media attention, but the proceedings won’t be shown on television .

Dismissed prospective jurors describe intense days in a glaring spotlight.

Follow our live coverage of Trump’s hush money trial in Manhattan.

The two Manhattan residents were led into the courtroom to fulfill a foundational civic duty: to be interviewed as prospective jurors.

But in the room when they arrived was a defendant, Donald J. Trump, unlike any in American history.

Both would-be jurors, a man and a woman, were eventually excused. But the experience thrust them into the spotlight in a way they never had imagined.

One was challenged by Mr. Trump’s lawyers over his past social media posts relating to the former president. The other has a medical practice that she could not shut for six weeks while serving on the jury.

While they were not chosen as jurors, their experiences illustrate the intensity of the attention focused on Mr. Trump’s trial — and on the first jury to ever weigh the fate of a former United States president in a criminal proceeding.

Both contacted The New York Times only after they were excused from serving. Though the court’s rules protecting prospective jurors’ identities end when they are dismissed from serving, The Times is withholding their names and most identifying characteristics about them.

Like the other prospective jurors who were considered, both included detailed personal information on the juror questionnaires they filled out, including where they work.

They were made to answer those questions by speaking into a microphone in open court; soon, both were blindsided as details of their lives ricocheted around the internet. They said they were frustrated that so much attention was devoted to prospective jurors and ascertaining information about them.

While they later learned that the judge in the case, Justice Juan M. Merchan, had ordered the redaction of some of the information jurors were ordered to reveal publicly, they felt that he had acted too late. As with many things connected to the trial, the rhythms and even some of the parameters are being written in real time.

Their experiences mirrored some that other prospective jurors who were dismissed have described. One, a man who gave his name as Mark to NBC News, said he had “satirized Mr. Trump often in my artwork,” and because of that, he had expected not to be chosen.

A woman who gave her name as Kara, who said the nature of her job made serving extremely difficult, told NBC News that she realized the gravity of serving on any criminal jury, but particularly this one.

Seeing Mr. Trump in person, she said, was “very jarring.” He was, she realized, just “another guy.”

One of the prospective jurors who spoke with The Times, the man, did not immediately realize what case he was involved in when he was led into the courtroom on the 15th floor of the Manhattan criminal courthouse. The woman had a sense a week earlier, having read a news story about the trial beginning the week she was supposed to respond to a juror summons.

The man, sitting a few rows behind the prosecutors’ table when the two were part of the first panel of 96 prospective jurors brought into the courtroom Monday afternoon, felt a sense of calm about five minutes into being there. Trump was simply a defendant, he thought. It was a business-records trial. Prosecutors were on one side, the defense lawyers on the other.

The woman was struck by the fact that Mr. Trump stood and waved to prospective jurors, she said, as he and his lawyers were introduced to the group. It felt more to her like the behavior of a campaigning candidate than of a criminal defendant. (Mr. Trump, of course, is both.)

Both were put off by efforts by Mr. Trump’s lead lawyer, Todd Blanche, to assess prospective jurors’ views of Mr. Trump. The man said Mr. Blanche seemed “folksy” in a way he found disingenuous, while the woman was sharper, describing a “witch hunt” to root out people sympathetic to Democrats on the panel — a phrase Mr. Trump uses often to criticize the various prosecutors investigating his conduct.

The man in particular was frustrated that he was asked about past social media posts in which he had been critical of Mr. Trump, which Mr. Blanche’s team raised and which Justice Merchan ultimately agreed meant the man should be excused.

The man believed he could have been fair and resented the implication that he could not have been. Both he and the woman, who said they believed in the system of jury service, noted that they had begun the day taking sworn oaths vowing to render a fair and impartial judgment on the evidence. The man believed his own views — especially views from years ago — had no bearing on his ability to judge the evidence. If anything, he said, he would have been hyper-conscious in doing so.

Both had realized the magnitude of what serving on that jury would mean.

But they were also conscious of the threats and blowback that could come with weighing evidence against Mr. Trump — particularly with their personal details traceable in public. And both had concerns about being chosen because of that; the man in particular said his spouse had been worried.

Both would have valued being part of the historic trial. But both also had a sense of relief that they were not picked.