How to hire a courtroom clerk

How to hire a courtroom clerk, step by step

Here's a step-by-step courtroom clerk hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a courtroom clerk job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new courtroom clerk
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The courtroom clerk hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a courtroom clerk to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a courtroom clerk that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of courtroom clerk salaries for various roles:

   Type of Courtroom Clerk	Description	Hourly rate
   Courtroom Clerk	Information clerks perform routine clerical duties such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers.	$16-34
   Criminal Justice Internship	In a criminal justice internship, an intern gains industry insights and practical experience by observing how criminal justice theories are put into practice. Although their duties can vary upon the directives given by a supervising criminal justice professional or agency of employment, they are usually responsible for performing support tasks such as conducting research and analysis, organizing files, studying criminal cases, and running errands... Show more	$11-19
   Clerk	Clerks are responsible for many of the general administrative tasks in the office. They are in charge of manning office telephone lines, managing incoming and outgoing mails, filing paperwork and other needed records, scheduling and documenting meetings, typing out documents when needed, disseminating memos and other official announcements, and keeping an inventory of office equipment and supplies... Show more	$11-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Court Proceedings
   • Court Sessions
   • Management System
   • Court Procedures
   • Computer System
   • Court Calendar
   • Trial Dates
   • Summonses
   • Bench Warrants
   • Criminal Cases
   • District Court
   • Court Cases
   • Necessary Paperwork
   • Subpoenas

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Receive and record payments of fees or fines, process notary commissions, order files and purge old files for achieves.
   • Prepare court summons, citations, wage deduction orders and other legal documents as directed.
   • Administer oaths, calendar hearings, issue warrants and recall notices, subpoenas, writs and orders.
   • Draft numerous opinions, court orders, and legal memoranda for submission to the presiding probate judge.
   • Assign docket numbers, set bench trials, issue summons and warrants, record continuances and file probation reports.
   • Prepare and issue orders of the court, including probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information, and summonses.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your courtroom clerk job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A courtroom clerk salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, courtroom clerks' average salary in alabama is 49% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level courtroom clerks earn 52% less than senior-level courtroom clerks.
   • Certifications. A courtroom clerk with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a courtroom clerk's salary.

   Average courtroom clerk salary

   $49,654yearly

   $23.87 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level courtroom clerk salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a courtroom clerk job description

   A courtroom clerk job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a courtroom clerk job description:

   Courtroom clerk job description example

   General Description
   
   Under general supervision, performs specialized clerical work related to activities within a courtroom setting; responsible for the security and maintenance of legal records/evidence. Prepare files scheduled for hearing; attend court proceeding and process after court documents.
   
   This job advertisement will close by the posted due date or until a successful candidate has been found. Examples of Duties (Essential Functions)
   
   Perform any combination of the following duties according to specific assigned area of responsibility. Progression-based promotion is available from Level I through Level III.
   
   * Provide customer assistance to individuals requesting non-technical information.
   * Prepare and print court calendars and order files scheduled for hearing. Prepare files for court and process subsequent court paperwork.
   * Records case activity for entry into the case management system. Attend court proceedings to provide an accurate record of disposition; receive, label and maintain accountability of evidence, administer oath to jurors, witnesses and defendants; prepare verdict; complete paperwork required for disposition of case; obtain signatures from the judge for required paperwork.
   * Complete paperwork on directives issued by the court and distribute copies to agencies and parties involved. Document court activity.
   * Receive and process weekend advisory paperwork from Sheriff's Department. Attend weekend and holiday advisories. Prepare and process subsequent court paperwork.
   * Respond to complex questions from the related agencies pertaining to court process. Answer inquiries in person, on the phone, through email and/or in written correspondence. Conduct research of records for data relating to inquiries.
   * Assist attorneys and the public to ensure matters are handled in an efficient manner.
   * Perform other duties as required.
   
   Typical Qualifications and Minimum Qualifications
   
   Verifiable, related work experience may be substituted in lieu of postsecondary educational requirements if a candidate is otherwise qualified for the position. Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position. Substitution of postsecondary educational requirements is authorized as follows:
   
   * Graduation from high school or possession of an accredited equivalency diploma AND the ability to pass skills tests such as typing, spelling, grammar, and math, OR;
   * Graduation from high school or possession of an accredited equivalency diploma AND one (1) year of clerical experience preferably with a government entity AND the ability to pass skills tests such as typing, spelling, grammar, and math within one (1 ) year
   
   For newhire initial placement, this position is historically filledat aLevel I.In some cases, an applicant's knowledge, skills, abilities, and education may qualify him/her for a higher level.Active teammates in this position have the opportunity to progress to higher levels.
   
   No supervisory responsibility, but position may be required to train teammates.
   
   A valid driver's license is required.
   
   Complete employment history for at least 10 years is required. Supplemental Information and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
   
   Live and advocate our commitment to the Organization's vision, mission, and values.
   
   Working knowledge of the Florida Statutes and Rules of Procedure.
   
   Working knowledge of office procedures; business English, spelling and arithmetic. Ability to learn legal office practices, procedures and documents.
   
   Ability to learn laws, rules and regulations as they relate to area of assigned responsibility. Must be skilled in basic mathematical calculation. Ability to carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to learn legal terminology, definitions, and numerous codes for docketing.
   
   Skilled in use of a calculator, keyboard, Personal Computer (PC), and related software. Computer entries must be accurate and up-to-date as information is reported to other agencies.
   
   Must have the ability to meet the public and to deal effectively with their problems. Ability to cope with customers in impromptu situations.
   
   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with co-workers, employees, and officials or other departments or offices. Assist attorneys and the public to ensure matters are handled in an efficient manner.
   
   Ability to follow standardized procedures. Ability to work on assignments where common sense and good judgment are essential. Judgment is required to ensure information released to public is not legal advice.
   
   Ability to work with and maintain confidential and/or sensitive records (i.e. protective injunctions, sexual violence, juvenile records, Adoptions, expungement, warrants, capiases and arrest orders) and comply with legal advice restrictions for the Clerk &Comptroller's office as well as state and federal guidelines.
   
   Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, while concentrating on repetitious or complex tasks. Ability to work within time constraints and workload surges. Ability to work in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions while maintaining speed and accuracy. Accuracy is required in the compilation of fees and codes for cash register transactions.
   
   Ability to perform specialized clerical work within a courtroom setting.
   
   Ability to lift boxes of files that may weigh up to fifty (50) pounds.
   
   Ability to maintain a professional, positive demeanor under highly stressful conditions.
   
   Position and duty location may vary between East and West side of the County based on workload.
   
   Current employees may receive preference.
   
   The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.
   
   Performs other duties as required.
   
   ADA Statement
   
   A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
   
   Veterans Preference
   
   The Office of Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq. values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and the Office supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses. Veterans' Preference and Priority will be given to eligible veterans and their spouses in accordance with Chapter 295.065 and Chapter 295.07 of the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code Chapter 55-A7 with respect to Veterans' Preference in appointment, retention, and promotion. Effective July 1, 2021, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Eligible veterans and their spouses are encouraged to apply.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find courtroom clerks for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your courtroom clerk job on Zippia to find and recruit courtroom clerk candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with courtroom clerk candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new courtroom clerk

   Once you've found the courtroom clerk candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new courtroom clerk first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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