What Does a Court Clerk Do?

Written by: East Carolina University® • Sep 18, 2024

A Court Clerk Working on a Computer in a Courtroom.

While the ultimate legal authority in a courtroom resides with the judge, the administrative and clerical duties that ensure the court functions effectively are performed by the court clerk. Simply put, court clerks play an essential role in keeping legal proceedings running smoothly for plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys, and the judges themselves.

Prospective legal professionals should understand what a court clerk does and what steps are required for success in the field. Find out more about the nature of working as a court clerk and the role a criminal justice degree can play in preparing for this important position.

Court Clerk Job Description

Court clerks are administrative professionals who provide clerical support and counter service for different courts. They perform many duties within the courtroom, and, while their tasks are all nonjudicial, they empower judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals to conduct the court’s business as efficiently and effectively as possible.

What Does a Court Clerk Do Day-to Day?

The daily duties of a court clerk may include precourt, in-session, and postcourt functions. And while the specifics can change from one court to the next, a typical court clerk job description includes the following tasks:

Documenting the proceedings of the court, including any judgments rendered
Managing and safeguarding any visuals or exhibits being used in a session
Assisting and briefing judges as needed
Managing and distributing documents on behalf of the court
Reviewing documents submitted to the court, ensuring their accuracy
Swearing in witnesses and members of the jury
Maintaining court calendars and scheduling future sessions
Reading charges being brought to the court
Ensuring the courtroom is properly set up for the business of the day
Issuing court orders as needed

Key Skills

This combination of education, experience, and certification should result in a robust portfolio of skills. The most important skills for a court clerk include the following:

Organization skills, to effectively keep track of administrative tasks during complex court proceedings
Time management, to ensure deadlines are met and proceedings remain on schedule
Attention to detail, to maintain accurate documentation
Interpersonal skills, which can help when interacting with judges, legal professionals, and other individuals involved in court cases**
Technical skills, including basic familiarity with computers and software programs

Court Clerk Salary and Career Outlook

According to data obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2024, the median annual salary for court clerks is $48,760. Several factors can affect a court clerk’s actual salary, including their years of experience and level of education. The BLS expects there will be about 154,100 job openings available each year for information clerks, including court clerks, between 2022 and 2032.

How to Become a Court Clerk

To prepare for success in this profession, it’s important to hone the administrative skills and legal knowledge required to assist judges as effectively as possible. This generally includes a combination of classroom education and on-the-job experience.

1. Pursue an Education

While the educational requirements can vary from one court to the next, it is generally expected that court clerks have at least an undergraduate-level degree. Earning a degree in a field related to the law, such as a bachelor’s in criminal justice , can help provide individuals with the knowledge of legal proceedings and courtroom settings that are needed to thrive as a court clerk.

2. Gain Experience

Gaining some experience in an administrative, clerical, and/or customer service role can be advantageous for aspiring court clerks. These jobs can help individuals cultivate the skills required for success in this field, including those that may not be covered in the classroom.

3. Obtain Certification

While a professional certification is not always required to work as a court clerk, it may help when seeking more competitive roles or higher levels of pay. There are a number of certifications for court clerks to pursue, but two of the most common and respected are the certified municipal clerk (CMC) and the master municipal clerk (MMC) credentials.

Achieve Excellence as a Clerk of the Court

What a court clerk does is help the legal system function smoothly. They minimize friction in courtroom settings by handling a wide variety of administrative and clerical tasks and assisting judges, bailiffs, and attorneys so they can remain organized and on-task.

For those who have an interest in this important role, a good place to start is by pursuing the right education. The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion program at East Carolina University® can provide individuals with a firm understanding of the judicial process and criminal justice administration, while also offering a holistic view of criminal justice for a well-rounded foundation in the field.

The program is designed to provide flexibility to students interested in any of a full spectrum of legal careers, including that of a court clerk. Learn more about the program and its curriculum today.

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