Court Clerk Training Programs - Get Hands on Training to become a Professional
25/08/2014 16:40
The job of a court clerk or judicial clerk is detail-oriented and involves record keeping, managing dockets, implementing courtroom procedures, assisting judges in court proceedings, contacting parties involved in a case and answering queries about court proceedings.
Although the role of court clerks is multifaceted but they generally work in an office setting, ensuring that the judicial proceedings run smooth. They may also be responsible for arranging trial dates, sending court summons, scheduling appearances of parties involved in a case and managing fee and other payments. The nature of the job is more administrative than clerical.
Who Should Consider This Occupation?
Court support services make a right career option for those who want to build careers in the Canadian legal environment but are looking for a quickie credential to enter the workforce. You really don't have to enroll in a four-year long college program to prepare for a career in court support.
Centennial College's post-secondary court clerk training program provides you with the knowledge and skills required to seek employment in this field in just one year. The USP of this program is that it incorporates a hands-on skills training that has been approved by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
It is a short but comprehensive program that prepares you for employment with municipal courts, tribunals and boards, official examiners, court reporting services, family courts, small claims courts, municipal courts, criminal courts and the Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Superior Court of Justice).
Court Clerk Training Program
As mentioned earlier, this is a one-year program that runs through two semesters. In the first semester, you gain an understanding of the role of a court clerk in family, criminal, small claims and municipal courts. Besides, you also study the current issues in Canadian Law. A strong emphasis is also laid on ethics and professional conduct and computer education.
In the second semester of the municipal court training program, you gain an understanding of how cases proceed in criminal and family courts and what exactly the role of a court clerk is. You also develop skills in legal communication, which is essential to seek employment in this field. In addition to this, practical hands-on learning takes place in a stimulated courtroom setting.
You will also attend various tribunal hearings, family, criminal, municipal and small claims court hearings during the program tenure. This will help you in better understanding of the Canadian legal environment and gaining practical experience. The attendances in court settings are supervised by the experienced faculty members who work within the court system.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation, you will be able to find employment as either court clerk or court monitor in a variety of legal and professional environments. However, you should remember that this program prepares you for entry-level jobs only. You may avail more advanced career opportunities after you accumulate substantial work experience and upgrade your knowledge and skills by enrolling in an advanced diploma or degree program.