Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life
Court Clerks
Court Clerks perform clerical duties in court of law; prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges; and contact witnesses, attorneys, and litigants to obtain information for court.
Table of Contents
Job Description
Court Clerks perform clerical duties in court of law; prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges; and contact witnesses, attorneys, and litigants to obtain information for court. They also record court proceedings, using recording equipment, or record minutes of court proceedings, using stenotype machines or shorthand.
Other tasks include:
- Follow procedures to secure courtrooms or exhibits, such as money, drugs, or weapons.
- Read charges and related information to the court and, if necessary, record defendants’ pleas.
- Prepare and issue orders of the court, such as probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information, or summonses.
- Prepare dockets or calendars of cases to be called, using typewriters or computers.
- Record case dispositions, court orders, or arrangements made for payment of court fees.
- Prepare documents recording the outcomes of court proceedings.
We asked Court Clerks how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.
74%
56%
74% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 56% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.
Typical Day At Work
On a daily basis, Court Clerks direct support staff in handling of paperwork processed by clerks’ offices. They perform administrative tasks, such as answering telephone calls, filing court documents, or maintaining office supplies or equipment.
A typical day for a Court Clerk will also include:
- Record court proceedings, using recording equipment, or record minutes of court proceedings, using stenotype machines or shorthand.
- Read charges and related information to the court and, if necessary, record defendants’ pleas.
- Prepare and issue orders of the court, such as probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information, or summonses.
- Record case dispositions, court orders, or arrangements made for payment of court fees.
- Instruct parties about timing of court appearances.
We asked some Court Clerks a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.
Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? | 66% said yes | |
How important is it to work in a team in this job? | 43% said very important | |
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? | 76% said yes | |
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? | 54% said yes | |
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? | 30% said yes | |
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? | 49% said yes |
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Court Clerks also prepare courtrooms with paper, pens, water, easels, or electronic equipment and ensure that recording equipment is working. They may also prepare staff schedules.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Court Clerks Swear in jury members, interpreters, witnesses, or defendants. They might also Amend indictments when necessary and endorse indictments with pertinent information.
In addition, they Prepare and mark applicable court exhibits or evidence.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them Conduct roll calls and poll jurors.
To some Court Clerks, it is also their responsibility to Read charges and related information to the court and, if necessary, record defendants’ pleas.
Working life
Standard 40 hour work week
Regular schedule like a 9 to 5
In a typical work week as a Court Clerk, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.
Is this right for me
The Organizers and The Entrepreneurs
People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..
They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
Learn more about Court Clerks
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