Court Clerk

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Interview employees, customers, or others to collect information.
• Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
• Code data or other information.
• Enter information into databases or software programs.
• Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
• Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.
• Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
• Maintain financial or account records.
• Maintain operational records.
• Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.

Typical Working Conditions

• Frequent contact with others.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Meeting strict deadlines.
• Dealing with external customers.
• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Sitting.
• Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
• Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.

Tools & Technology used by Court Clerks

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Court Clerks

• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Thinking Critically-Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Managing Time—Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Monitoring Performance—Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Helping Others—Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Court Clerks

• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Law and Government—Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Administration and Management—Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Communications and Media—Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Public Safety and Security—Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• Enterprising—Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is high growth compared to other careers. There will be a need for about 4,453 new Court, Municipal, and License Clerks to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least an Associates degree.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Business Computer Applications
• Business Law
• Cultural/Ethnic Studies
• Economics
• Geography
• Marketing
• Political Science
• Project Management
• Public Speaking
• Technical Writing
• U.S. Government
• World Language

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise