- Home
- My Career Path
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Also called : City Clerk, Court Clerk, Deputy City Clerk, Law Clerk, License Clerk, Licensing Specialist, Motor Vehicle License Clerk, Municipal Clerk, Recorder, Town Clerk
What they do
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.
On the job, one would
- Evaluate information on applications to verify completeness and accuracy and to determine whether applicants are qualified to obtain desired licenses.
- Verify the authenticity of documents, such as foreign identification or immigration documents.
- Record and edit the minutes of meetings and distribute to appropriate officials or staff members.
- Question applicants to obtain required information, such as name, address, or age, and record data on prescribed forms.
- Issue public notification of all official activities or meetings.
KNOWLEDGE
- Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace 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.
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
SKILLS
- Active 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.
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
ABILITIES
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
TECHNOLOGY
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Data base reporting software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Document management software
- Electronic mail software
- Information retrieval or search software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Project management software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Some Preparation Needed
- Education
High school diploma.
- Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.