Judges and attorneys often get all the attention in a typical courtroom. However, there are other active players who may not necessarily be recognized. One of such active players is a court clerk. Court clerks are in charge of the courtroom administration, ensuring that non-judiciary functions are handled. These behind the scene operators are often knowledgeable and capable of handling paperwork and other related duties to ensure a smooth-running operation.
The Clark Law Office describes the job of a court clerk as essential to the justice system. Find out more about this role, what it entails, and how to become a court clerk.
Where Do Court Clerks Work?
Court clerks can be found in the state and federal court systems. They often occupy different roles at the state level, depending on the state’s unique guidelines. In the federal system, the court clerk’s role is somewhat standardized.
Court clerks may face more or fewer requirements depending on the size of the district their court handles and the caseload. Federal courts with a higher caseload often promise more tasks and requirements for their clerks compared to those with fewer cases to handle.
Some clerks may be lucky to manage a single courthouse, while others may be tasked with the responsibility of managing more. The management function may be further divided to ensure delivery and efficiency.
What Does a Court Clerk Do?
The job description of a court clerk can vary based on where they work and how much work is available to handle. In most cases, the court clerk’s job roles have been highlighted to include;
- Preparation and issuance of court orders, including probation orders, subpoenas, summons, and other official documentation
- Preparation and review of case briefs and dockets
- Examination of legal documents submitted to the court
- File search, witness contact, and attorney liaison to obtain information for the court
- Staff schedule preparation
- Swearing in Jury members, witnesses, interpreters, or defendants
- Scheduling and instructing parties on court appearances and court times
Based on the duties performed by the court clerks, one will agree that they handle a lot of the administrative duties that ensure the court system’s smooth running. Over the years, the duty of court clerks has expanded to cover the review of court records, leveraging technological advancements that have improved accessibility to court documents.
With the defined role of court clerks, judges have been able to outsource their non-judicial roles, allowing them to focus better. The job has also improved transparency in the judiciary, ensuring that more people have access to rulings and explanations that are trusted.
Educational Requirement
To become a court clerk, you need to show that you have the requisite skills and willingness to learn on the job. For the educational requirement, you need to show that you have a minimum of a high school diploma.
It is important to note that while there are no official educational requirements, preferences may be given to people based on the skills they present. It is common for applicants with associate’s degrees to enjoy a favorable opportunity compared to others.
According to court clerk employment statistics, over 60% of applicants have an associate’s degree or beyond. If you’re looking to position yourself better for this role, an associate’s degree in criminal justice, English, political science, or one in a business-related vertical can improve your chances of getting the job.
Please note that more federal court-level court clerk positions are stricter than state-level positions. For a federal court-level position, the ability to write and communicate is preferred from applicants.
Salary Expectations for Court Clerks
The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the annual median wage received by court clerks in 2018 to be $38,450. This is a decent amount for a job with great prospects.
The current statistics show that there will be a projected 4 to 6% increase in demand for court clerks between 2018 and 2028.
Required Skills for Court Clerks
Becoming a court clerk is a fiercely competitive ambition, especially because judges have the authority to choose whomever they feel most pleased with. To ensure better positioning for the role, applicants must have great qualities that set them apart. Some of the skills required to excel on the job include;
Technical skills include;
- Legal documentation
- Data entry
- Scheduling
- Customer service
- Case management
- Litigation experience
- Record keeping
- Criminal justice experience
- Warrants
- Legal documentation composition
Transferrable skills include;
- Writing
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Research
- Typing
- Computer literacy
- Time management
- Microsoft Office
- Multi-tasking
Future Prospects
As a court clerk, there’s a chance to rise up the ranks to become a court administrator. However, it is important that all prospective applicants get an idea of what the job entails through an internship before making a final decision.
