Do you want to make a difference in a Scottish court?

Sheriff Clerks work for the Scottish Court Service where they are assigned to one of the 49 Sheriff Courts in Scotland. 

The job can be extremely varied and the scope of the role largely depends on the size of the Scottish Court. You are responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of the court, including programming court business. However, Sheriff Clerks will also deal with all aspects of work within the court, including simple debt actions, minor criminal offences, complex civil cases and serious criminal offences heard before a Sheriff and Jury.

What does it take to be a Sheriff Clerk?

In a role where no two days are the same, they need to enjoy variety in their everyday role, be motivated by a challenge and be committed to delivering a high level of customer service.

They also need to be comfortable with using new technologies and software, have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to relate to all types of people. Having leadership skills, an open mind and interested in the law are also desirable traits.

The expected working hours would be between 35 – 45 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Standard working hours are 9am to 5.30pm with much of this time split between the office and court – although this will vary week to week and case by case.

Salaries in the UK are currently between £21,000 and £26,000. 

Becoming a Sheriff Clerk is a great career move and can suit a range of people. While clerks possess specialised knowledge, there is no minimum entry requirement, although a degree does make oneself more marketable and hireable. Graduates will often join as part of a fast-track scheme to where they start as a Sheriff Clerk’s Deputy.

For school leavers, passes in S grade (1-3) Maths and English would be useful. School leavers who join the Sheriff Clerk programme traditionally begin as an Administrator Officer before working their way up.

Once a part of the Scottish Court Service, the career path is very structured with appropriate training and development programmes offered internally and externally. The majority of Sheriff Clerks stay within the Scottish Court Service and develop a long-term career by moving into Senior Sheriff Clerk position or, with relevant experience, move into another business function within the Courts.

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