There are a variety of courthouse jobs available, including judge, clerk, and bailiff. Lawyers also spend a lot of time defending clients in court. These jobs are incredibly diverse, with little in common other than their working environment. They also have different educational requirements, so anyone interested in working in a courthouse must first decide what type of work he or she wants to do. What these jobs have in common is that they all deal with people who are either guilty or innocent, or who are simply looking for a solution to a problem, and they all come to the courthouse.
The courthouse judge is the most well-known courthouse job. Before even attempting to become a judge, a person must often be highly educated, and then he or she must take classes on a regular basis to keep up with changing laws. Being a lawyer and having some political clout are usually required to become a judge. Before becoming a courthouse judge, there are also tests to pass and people to impress. This job is in high demand, and there are only so many courthouses that have openings.
The courthouse clerk is one of the most important jobs in the courthouse. Clerks file papers, make copies for lawyers, and administer oaths to witnesses, among other things. A courthouse has a lot of clerical work, so multiple clerks are usually required. The work of one clerk may differ significantly from that of another, to the point where they are unable to cover for one another. A courthouse clerk’s educational requirements vary, but familiarity with legal documents is required, so law school graduates are frequently hired.
Because a bailiff is often silent and in the background of court proceedings, it is one of the less well-known courthouse jobs. A bailiff ensures that everything runs smoothly in court; he or she stands guard and is ready to escort troublemakers out or arrest them. In some jurisdictions, a bailiff is only required to complete compulsory education, but prior law enforcement experience is advantageous. These courthouse jobs are held to the same educational standards as police officers in other jurisdictions. While education requirements vary, a bailiff is typically required to be physically fit in order to detain people if necessary.
Finally, there are lawyers who specialize in a wide range of legal issues. Whether a lawyer’s specialty is traffic, divorce, or criminal defense, he or she will almost certainly spend time in a courtroom. Lawyers must attend law school, but getting into a reputable one is difficult in and of itself. Once admitted, lawyers study for years in order to have a chance to work in a highly competitive field.