HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
The pathway into this occupation can vary by employer and region. Some workers have a college certificate or diploma, while others have a university credential, and in some places a high school diploma or equivalent may also be seen. Because court clerks work with records, procedures, and public service tasks, students should focus on strong reading, writing, and computer skills. Helpful preparation can include courses in business, office administration, law, or public service settings. Experience with clerical work, filing, and customer service can also be useful. Since court work is detail-based, being accurate and organized is important.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Call courts of law to order, read charges, take pleas from defendants, swear in witnesses and perform other clerical functions in the courtrooms
- Prepare court files, court dockets and other documents
- Record main court proceedings, including pleas, names of witnesses, dates, times and rulings
- Manage care and custody of court exhibits
- Prepare documents for and participate in jury selection
- Update and maintain court office paper and electronic indexes and files on actions taken by court or in response to court decisions
- Receive, disburse and account for fines, fees and trust monies
- Assist the public in court offices.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A court clerk’s day often starts before the courtroom opens, with checking schedules, files, and documents for the day’s hearings. Once court is in session, the clerk may call the court to order, read charges, record pleas, and note witness names, dates, times, and decisions. Between cases, the clerk updates files, handles exhibits, and makes sure records are complete and easy to find later. They may also prepare documents for jury selection or help with money-related records such as fines and fees. In court offices, they answer questions from the public and direct people to the right place or form. The work can move quickly, so staying calm and focused matters.
SKILLS TO BUILD