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Judicial Clerk: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you interested in the law? Does the idea of working in the court system interest you? Are you organized and have good time management skills? Do you like administrative duties and have good communication skills? Then you may want to judge your interest in a career as a judicial clerk.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Judicial Clerk

Judicial clerks provide paralegal support in provincial, superior and federal courts in Alberta.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Administrative Support Personnel, Clerk of the Court, Office Personnel

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 1443: Court Clerks

2006 NOC-S

  • B543: Court Clerks

2011 NOC

  • 1416: Court clerks

2016 NOC

  • 1416: Court clerks

2021 NOC

  • 14103: Court clerks and related court services occupations

2023 OaSIS

  • 14103.00: Court clerks and related court services occupations
Duties
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Judicial clerks perform many office functions as well as court duties. In general, they:

  • Review and file pleadings, petitions and other documents relevant to court actions
  • Contact witnesses, lawyers and litigants (parties to a lawsuit) to obtain information for the court
  • Search files to answer inquiries and to obtain information for the court
  • Answer inquiries from the general public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, trial dates, adjournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpoenas, witness fees and payment of fines
  • Enter court results in computer systems
  • Assess court fees according to an established schedule and keep financial records

Judicial clerks usually are assigned to a particular court, such as Court of King's Bench or Provincial Court, or to a particular courtroom. Some judicial clerks travel with the circuit court to a variety of locations throughout Alberta where court is held. Depending on the type of court, the number of cases scheduled each day may range from one to several hundred.

Judicial clerks have a variety of duties before, during and after court proceedings. Specific duties vary depending on the type of court. In general, judicial clerks must perform the following activities prior to court:

  • Prepare and review files
  • Ensure all the proper documents have been submitted
  • Retrieve from storage all applicable exhibits (evidence)
  • Prepare the courtroom with paper, pens, water, easels (if necessary) and electronic equipment
  • Ensure recording equipment is working

Judicial clerks are present at all court proceedings. They:

  • Open court and call the court to order
  • Read the charges and related information to the court and, if necessary, record the defendant’s plea
  • Amend indictments when necessary and endorse indictments with pertinent information
  • Swear in jury members, interpreters, witnesses and accused
  • Record final dispositions
  • Conduct roll calls and poll jurors
  • Ensure the security of exhibits (for example, money, drugs, negotiable bonds, weapons)
  • Accurately record proceedings by using recording equipment

After court is adjourned for the day, judicial clerks:

  • Prepare documents that record the outcome of proceedings
  • Secure exhibits and the courtroom
  • Prepare and issue orders of the court including probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information and summonses
  • Enter proceeding results

Depending on the size of the community, judicial clerks may perform all of the above duties or work in cooperation with other judicial clerks. In rural communities, judicial clerks may be responsible for providing support for the circuit court. While on circuit, they are responsible for all areas and are required to exercise independent judgment, calling the base court for direction if required.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Judicial clerks work in court and office settings. They work with judges, lawyers, witnesses, jurors, litigants, social workers and the general public. Because their duties bring them into contact with those accused of crimes, they must follow personal safety and security procedures. When present in court, judicial clerks are constantly exposed to the negative aspects of society. They must be able to maintain a professional distance.

Overtime is common in this occupation. It is not always easy to predict when court will adjourn and judicial clerks must perform their after-court duties before leaving for the day. They often work under intense pressure to complete documentation and meet deadlines. Travel is required for those who have circuit court responsibilities.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
C
Conventional
This occupation
You
E
Enterprising
S
Social
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Court clerks and related court services occupations
2023 OaSIS: 14103.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 2
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

  • 3
    Social

    Social jobs are about helping and working with people. People in these jobs enjoy teaching, caring for others, or giving advice. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centres. These jobs involve talking, listening, and supporting others. Examples include teachers, nurses, and counsellors.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Court clerks and related court services occupations
2023 OaSIS: 14103.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Judicial clerks need:

  • Organizational and time-management skills
  • Communication skills in person and in writing
  • Decision-making skills
  • The ability to work alone
  • The ability to deal with stress

They should enjoy taking a methodical approach to compiling information, dealing with people and researching legal records.

Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

Requirements for employment as a judicial clerk include a high school diploma (or equivalent) and related experience in customer service or a legal setting. Graduation from a related post-secondary education program may be recognized as a substitute for the required work experience. A working knowledge of computers and good typing skills are essential.

In their first year of employment, judicial clerks receive in-house provincial paralegal and Court of King's Bench paralegal training to further develop their skills.

Prior to enrolling in a formal training program, prospective students should investigate the suitability of the program and current employment prospects for graduates.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

ABM College
Academy of Learning - Calgary Central
Academy of Learning - Calgary NE
Academy of Learning - Edmonton South
Academy of Learning - Edmonton West
Academy of Learning - Medicine Hat
Academy of Learning - Red Deer
Campbell College Ltd.
Canadian Imperial College
Grant MacEwan University
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton
Robin College - Red Deer
Robin College - Spruce Grove

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 04, 2021
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 04, 2021

In Alberta, judicial clerks are employed by the provincial or federal government. Advancement is based on completion of departmental paralegal training, performance and experience. A minimum of 6 years of work and supervisory experience generally is required to reach the highest classification level for judicial clerks.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Court clerks
2016 NOC: 1416

96.4% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Court clerks and related court services occupations
2021 NOC: 14103
Cool
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Court clerks
2016 NOC: 1416
1.8%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
25
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 04, 2021

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Court clerks and related court services occupations

2021 NOC: 14103
Average Wage
$31.29
Per Hour
Average Salary
$58,043.00
Per Year
Average Hours
35.8
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 14103 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $22.89 $32.75 $26.50 $26.94
Overall $24.72 $38.68 $31.29 $31.36
Top $27.89 $38.68 $32.58 $33.06

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $58,043
Public Administration $58,272

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
38%
38%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
3%
3%
Vacancy Rate
12%
Related High School Subjects
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Information Processing
  • English Language Arts
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Legal Studies
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Clerical and Administrative Support
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 04, 2021

Government of Alberta website, Alberta Crown Prosecution Service careers: alberta.ca/alberta-crown-prosecution-service.aspx

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 04, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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