How do I Become a Court Clerk?

For a person who wants to become a court clerk, seeking a college education in a business- or law-related field is often a smart choice. In general, a person who wants to become a court clerk may land a job after finishing high school or earning an equivalent diploma. Typically, however, those who have earned college degrees have a better chance of securing these positions. In fact, there are some jurisdictions in which an aspiring court clerk cannot secure a job unless he holds an associate’s degree or a diploma from a business school, at minimum.

Court clerks handle a wide variety of administrative tasks for the court systems that employ them. While their duties may vary depending on where they serve, most perform such tasks as transcribing proceeding minutes and administering oaths, not only to court witnesses, but also to members of the jury. They often have the job of preparing court case schedules and important court documents. They may also collect case information from various parties involved in a case as well as court case fees and fines. Often, court clerks also verify that case folders are complete before the cases are heard in court.

It is unlikely that a person will become a court clerk without first earning a high school diploma or a jurisdiction-recognized equivalent. An individual can significantly improve his chances of securing this position by earning a two-year degree, often referred to as an associate’s degree, in a legal or business field. For example, an aspiring court clerk may land a job after earning a degree in criminal justice or a similar field. A business administration or business management degree may also help an individual to land this job. In some cases, a diploma from a business school may be considered acceptable as well.

While some people may secure court clerk positions with two-year degrees or diplomas, more-advanced degrees are often preferred. For example, many court systems prefer court clerks who have earned bachelor’s degrees. National court systems may require a bit more education from prospective court clerks. In some cases, these court systems favor candidates who have earned master’s degrees or have graduated from law school.

In addition to education, a person who wants to become a court clerk typically needs organization, word processing, and transcription skills. Bookkeeping, management, and accounting skills are often needed as well. An individual interested in this position typically needs a firm grasp of the native language spoken in the court’s jurisdiction. Learning to speak a foreign language may also help to make an individual a more attractive job candidate.

Usually, a person who wants to become a court clerk applies for a job with the court system with which he hopes to work. For example, he may apply directly to a local or national court. Sometimes a person may learn about vacant positions through his college or school’s placement office or on a Web site that lists court jobs.