"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.

Judge Jerry Springer saying,

Court Clerks: What Do They do?

A man sitting behind a table with a sign that says:

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.

They:

  • 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?

What's the Salary?

  • $41,304 (USD) annual salary in the United States and $55,614 (CAD) in Canada

  • Ranges from $25,446 to $ 63,162 (USD) and $48,835 to $71,295 (CAD)

  • Varies based on location, skill level, and experience

Bugs Bunny counting stacks of money.

Is This the Right Job for You?

A woman sitting and thinking at a desk in front of a computer. Photo by Magnet.me on Unsplash

If you enjoy...

  • Organizing 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?

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)

A woman on the phone saying,

Take Action

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If you think being a court clerk might be a good fit for you...

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