A Court Clerk Career: Pros and Cons
Court clerks provide administrative and legal assistance to courts of law. Consider the following pros and cons to determine if a court clerk career is right for you.
| Pros of a Court Clerk Career |
|---|
| Education requirements are minimal (many positions require only a high school diploma)* |
| Opportunities to advance in the field** |
| Sense of responsibility (ensure court operations run smoothly)** |
| Non-competitive job environment** |
| Cons of a Court Clerk Career |
|---|
| Average salary is low ($37,340 in May 2014)* |
| Daily tasks may be repetitive* |
| High stress situations possible** |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **O*Net.
Essential Career Information
Job Description and Duties
Court proceedings are complex and require a great deal of organization. As a court clerk, you'll serve as the official record keeper of the court. Duties include helping judges organize their docket and keeping lawyers and witnesses informed of their court appearances. Court clerks obtain, file and maintain legal documents, such as petitions, briefs and records.
Additional duties can vary based on your experience and employment level. Court clerks may be classified using levels I, II or III. High-level clerks manage more complex tasks than those handled by a clerk classified as level I. In a more advanced position, you may verify documents, manage bookkeeping, oversee staff or prepare memoranda. Level I clerks generally handle strictly administrative duties.
Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in May 2014, the median yearly salary for court clerks was $37,340. Most employees in this field earned from roughly $24,000-$53,000. The states with the highest level of employment were Texas, New York, California and Michigan. Additionally, the industries with the highest levels of employment were local government, state government and support services.
What Are the Requirements?
Education and Training
Most employers require only a high school diploma. However, some jurisdictions may prefer candidates with some level of post-secondary education. In nearly all cases, certain skills are required. Court clerks must be organized and able to handle a large volume of materials. To be successful in this position, you'll need strong communications skills, computer proficiency and a high level of discretion, since you may be dealing with sensitive legal matters. You'll also need training in the policies and procedures used in court systems.
Job Postings from Real Employers
Employers typically seek court clerks that have met specific experience requirements. Some positions may require you to meet specific educational requirements. While not all encompassing, the job postings below provide a snapshot of what employers sought in a court clerk during March 2012:
- In Florida, a level II position is open for candidates with a high school diploma and 3+ years of experience in a clerical position. Applicants must also pass a written test. Listed job duties include processing records, tracking court minutes and typing documents.
- The high court of San Francisco, CA, seeks a clerk to manage staff, oversee all administrative tasks and assist with the budget. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher and 6+ years of experience.
- In Florida, a Native American tribe is filling a court clerk position. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher and experience with tribal law. Candidates with a Juris Doctorate or previous law experience are preferred.
- A South Carolina court is looking for a clerk to serve three judges. Applicants must have at least 10 years of experience. Education up to and including a master's degree may be substituted for experience.
How Can I Stand Out?
Continuing Education
Since post-secondary education is not a general requirement of the job, it's likely that you'll be able to compete for higher-level positions if you earn a degree, such as an associate or bachelor's degree. Coursework in political science, business administration and public policy suit the job. In some cases, education can replace work experience.
Develop Related Skills
Since court clerks often manage the court budget, you can also stand out by having bookkeeping experience. This can be gained by working in other administrative or clerical positions or through formal education. Additionally, you may want to develop skills and knowledge in:
- Filing
- Legal terminology
- Information retrieval
- Accounting
- State specific laws
Other Fields to Consider
Paralegal
If you enjoy working around and within law systems, you may want to consider working as a paralegal within law offices. As a paralegal, you typically complete an associate degree in paralegal studies. You may also earn certification; however, it's not a requirement. Paralegals are expected to experience a fast as average growth of 18% from 2010-2020 and average wages of $50,000 as of May 2011, stated the BLS.
Human Resources Specialist
A career in human resources is another option for candidates interested in information management and communication. With an average annual salary of around $59,000 as of May 2011 and a projected growth rate of 21% from 2010-2020, the potential for success in this field is high, stated the BLS. Duties may include interviewing and hiring employees, keeping employee records and handling employee relations. Most positions in this field require a bachelor's degree.
