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What does a Court Clerk do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A court clerk is responsible for managing the administrative duties in a court of law. This can include maintaining records, scheduling hearings, and preparing documents. They may also be responsible for collecting fines and fees.

Court Clerk job duties include:

  • Maintaining court records
  • Filing documents with the court
  • Serving papers to parties in a case
  • Collecting fees and fines
  • Scheduling hearings and trials
  • Managing jury pools
  • Keeping the courtroom tidy and organized
  • Assisting the judge with administrative tasks
  • Running errands for the court as needed
  • Answering phones and directing calls

Court Clerk Job Requirements

Most Court Clerks have an Associate's Degree in Court Reporting or a related field. Many states require Court Clerks to be certified through the National Association of Court Management. Some states also require Court Clerks to have experience working in the legal field.

Court Clerk Skills

  • Courtroom decorum
  • Courtroom procedures
  • Filing court documents
  • Managing court dockets
  • Serving legal documents
  • Conducting legal research
  • Drafting legal documents
  • Strong writing skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to multitask

Related: Top Court Clerk Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Court Clerk

A Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining records for a court of law. They also manage the scheduling of cases and handle customer service inquiries. Court Clerks must be able to work independently and have excellent organizational skills. If you are interested in becoming a Court Clerk, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Get a degree. While you do not need a specific degree to become a Court Clerk, having a degree will give you an advantage when competing for jobs. Consider pursuing a degree in business administration, paralegal studies, or another field that will give you the skills needed to succeed in this role.

2. Complete an internship. Many Court Clerks start their careers by completing an internship with a court or government agency. This is a great way to gain experience and learn the ropes of the job.

3. Pass the Court Clerk Exam. In order to be hired as a Court Clerk, you must pass an exam administered by the state in which you wish to work. The exam covers topics such as legal research, writing, and ethics.

4. Start your career! Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you are ready to begin your career as a Court Clerk!

Related: Court Clerk Resume Example

Related: Court Clerk Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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