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Court, Municipal, and License Clerks

Perform clerical duties for courts of law, municipalities, or governmental licensing agencies and bureaus. May prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges and court; prepare draft agendas or bylaws for town or city council; answer official correspondence; keep fiscal records and accounts; issue licenses or permits; and record data, administer tests, or collect fees.

What you’d do

  • Plan or direct the maintenance, filing, safekeeping, or computerization of all municipal documents.
  • Examine legal documents submitted to courts for adherence to laws or court procedures.
  • Record case dispositions, court orders, or arrangements made for payment of court fees.
  • Answer inquiries from the general public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, trial dates, adjournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpoenas, witness fees, or payment of fines.
  • Perform general office duties, such as taking or transcribing dictation, typing or proofreading correspondence, distributing or filing official forms, or scheduling appointments.
  • Question applicants to obtain required information, such as name, address, or age, and record data on prescribed forms.
  • Instruct parties about timing of court appearances.
  • Perform administrative tasks, such as answering telephone calls, filing court documents, or maintaining office supplies or equipment.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Coordination

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • City Clerk
  • Court Clerk
  • License Clerk
  • Town Clerk
  • City Recorder
  • City Secretary

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