Tue. Dec 3rd, 2024

Court clerks are an important link between court systems and the rest of society. Court clerks perform a wide range of clerical tasks in order to provide the court with the necessary paperwork and information it needs to make its decisions. From servicing the court by answering legal questions and providing information on cases to managing the docket so that cases are heard on time, court clerks help ensure justice is served. Court clerks also serve as liaisons for other offices on the courthouse team, such as the police at the law enforcement department, attorneys at The Clark Law Office, judges, and others.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there’s an increase in job opportunities for court clerks. This growth reflects how important these positions are becoming in today’s judicial system. However, becoming a court clerk requires some level of education and skills. It requires a sharp mind and some set of important skills. Read on to learn about the job description of a court clerk.

The Job Description Of A Court Clerk

Administrative duties

Like most government jobs, the job of a court clerk starts with doing administrative tasks. First, they type up court documents such as orders, judgments, and subpoenas to create a permanent record. They also search files and get in touch with case witnesses and lawyers to get the information required by the court. In addition, court clerks answer phone calls placed to the court, transfer the calls to the applicable person, and also take messages when needed. They are also responsible for recording the minutes of court proceedings and meetings.

Managing the Court Docket

Another important task of a court clerk is managing the court docket. A court docket is a concise listing created to keep track of forthcoming court hearings and filings for several cases. The duties of the court clerk involve managing the calendar for all of the cases on the docket, from the initial filing dates to the dates the judge will hear the cases.

Ensures That Court Proceedings Run Smoothly

Before the day of court hearings, the court clerk will send out messages to the parties involved in a case to inform them of the scheduled time for their court appearance. On the day of the case hearing, court clerks have the duty of swearing in witnesses, interpreters, defendants, and jury members. After the hearing, court clerks are tasked with preparing and distributing court orders such as court summons, probation orders, sentencing details, and more. They also prepare details of court fines and collect court fines.

How To Become A Court Clerk

There are two routes to becoming a court clerk. The first is to study law and then work for a court as an assistant. This is the most common route for professional court clerks who work at The Supreme Court. You’ll need to complete either an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a law-related field, or a related field, such as business administration. You’ll also need to pass the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE). To become a certified court clerk, you’ll need to take and pass the Multistate Professional Certification Examination (MPCE). Once you’ve completed these steps, you can start applying for jobs.

The second route is to have a minimum of a high school diploma to qualify for an entry-level court clerk position. This is because court clerks are not required to have a bachelor’s degree, especially when applying to lesser court systems. However, if you want a more advanced position or you want an edge over other applicants, it’s best to get a law degree.

Important Qualities For Becoming A Court Clerk

Courts prefer to hire proficient people with a wide range of skills. In addition to your educational qualifications, to be a court clerk, you’ll need to be detail-oriented and organized. You’ll also need to be prompt, dependable, and pay close attention to details. Also, it would be best if you were flexible, as some court clerks work on a schedule that stretches throughout the day or on weekends. It’s also helpful to have experience with computers, record-keeping skills, and good time management skills.

In conclusion, court clerks perform a critical yet often overlooked function in our legal system. By combining their knowledge of law and court procedure, court clerks ensure justice is served in a safe and timely manner. Whether you have a law degree or you’re a high school graduate, there is a place for you in the court clerk profession.

By Manali