A college education in a business or law-related field is often a good choice for someone who wants to become a court clerk. In general, a person who wishes to work as a court clerk should complete high school or obtain an equivalent diploma. Those with a college diploma, on the other hand, have a better chance of landing these jobs. In fact, in some jurisdictions, an aspiring court clerk cannot get a job unless he has a minimum of an associate’s degree or a business school diploma.
Court clerks perform a wide range of administrative duties for the court systems in which they work. While their responsibilities vary depending on where they work, the majority of them are responsible for transcribing proceedings minutes and administering oaths to both court witnesses and jury members. They are frequently tasked with preparing court case schedules as well as important court documents. They may also collect case information from all parties involved, as well as court fees and fines. Before cases are heard in court, court clerks frequently check that case folders are complete.
A person who does not have a high school diploma or a jurisdiction-recognized equivalent is unlikely to become a court clerk. Earning a two-year degree, also known as an associate’s degree, in a legal or business field can significantly improve one’s chances of landing this position. An aspiring court clerk, for example, might be able to find work after earning a degree in criminal justice or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or management may also be beneficial in obtaining this position. A diploma from a business school may be considered acceptable in some cases.
While two-year degrees or diplomas may be sufficient for some court clerk positions, advanced degrees are frequently preferred. Many court systems, for example, prefer court clerks with bachelor’s degrees. Prospective court clerks may need to learn a little more in order to work in a national court system. In some cases, candidates with master’s degrees or who have graduated from law school are given preference these court systems.
A person who wants to be a court clerk typically needs organization, word processing, and transcription skills in addition to education. Skills in bookkeeping, management, and accounting are frequently required. An applicant for this position should have a strong command of the native language spoken in the court’s jurisdiction. Learning a foreign language can also help to make a person more appealing as a job candidate.
A person who wishes to work as a court clerk typically applies for a position with the court system in which he wishes to work. He could, for example, go straight to a local or national court. A person may learn about open positions through the placement office at his or her college or school, or through a Web site that lists court jobs.