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"All rise. Court is in session."
Love watching Law and Order? Find yourself fascinated by famous court cases, or using legal jargon? Being a court clerk might be the perfect career for you.
But what role does a court clerk play in our judicial system? Let's explore this exciting and important career field.
Court Clerks: What Do They do?
A court clerk's main role is to ensure all legal proceedings run smoothly. They provide administrative support both in and out of the courtroom. The day-to-day tasks will vary based on the type of court and location.
Document court proceedings
Brief and assist judges
Manage visuals and exhibits to be used in the courtroom
Review and distribute court documents
Maintain calendars and schedules
Set up the courtroom for the day
Quiz
Which of the following tasks would a court clerk do?
Court clerks have many important duties, and these are just a few of their responsibilities.
Is This the Right Job for You?
Photo by Magnet.me on UnsplashOrganizing paperwork, calendars, and documentation
Creating and keeping to schedules
Reviewing materials and documents
Working with others
In-person work
Using technology
...then you might like being a court clerk!
If you would prefer...
A remote job
Limited interactions with people
Jobs without paperwork and documentation
Technology-free workplaces
...then being a court clerk isn't the best job for you.
Quiz
David enjoys working with others, keeping track of paperwork and records, and sticking to detailed schedules. Would David make a good court clerk?
A court clerk needs lots of important skills, such as communication with others, staying organized, and keeping up with deadlines, so David would be great at this job.
What Is a Typical Day?
Watch this TikTok video from Brittany Khamill where she takes us through a typical day in her job as a court clerk:
Some of the tasks Brittany completes as a court clerk are:
Creating a post-court checklist
Completing case summaries
Organizing court cases
Updating cases based on sentencing
Verifying that all paperwork and summaries are accurate
Gathering files and materials for upcoming cases
Updating files and court docket for all cases
How Can You Become a Court Clerk?
Get a high school diploma or GED
For more advanced positions, you might need a college degree
Consider an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, business management, or human resources
Enroll in a training program for clerks of court
Apply for entry-level jobs as a court clerk
You might also consider a job as a deputy clerk (assistant to court clerks)
Take Action
If you think being a court clerk might be a good fit for you...
This Byte has been authored by
Amanda Fiedler
Teacher
MA