Major Title: Court and Office Services
Major Description:
This major prepares students for essential administrative and operational roles within legal systems and government offices. Combining judicial process knowledge with professional office management skills, the program trains students to manage court documentation, coordinate case workflows, and provide critical support services to legal professionals. Graduates will be proficient in legal terminology, records management, and court procedures while developing strong organizational, technological, and customer service competencies for justice system environments.
Learning Objectives:
- Master court procedures and judicial administration protocols
- Process legal documents with accuracy and confidentiality
- Utilize specialized court management software systems
- Coordinate case scheduling and docket management
- Apply legal and ethical standards for court operations
- Develop professional communication skills for legal environments
- Manage court records and filing systems
- Provide excellent public service in justice system settings
- Understand the structure of local, state, and federal courts
Course Outline:
Core Legal Foundations
- Introduction to Court Systems
- Structure of state and federal judiciary
- Roles of court personnel
- Legal Terminology & Documentation
- Common pleadings and court forms
- Proper document formatting standards
- Courtroom Procedures
- Case flow management
- Hearing and trial preparation
Office Operations
- Records Management
- Electronic filing systems
- Records retention policies
- Court Technology Applications
- Case management software training
- Digital court recording systems
- Customer Service in Legal Settings
- Public interaction protocols
- Sensitive case communications
Specialized Skills
- Court Calendar Management
- Docket coordination
- Scheduling best practices
- Legal Ethics & Confidentiality
- Privacy requirements
- Ethical obligations for court staff
- Judicial Office Administration
- Judge/chambers support
- Courtroom logistics
Practical Training Components:
- Document preparation simulations
- Mock court proceedings
- Case management software labs
- Internship in court or legal office
- Records management exercises
Technology Integration:
- Tyler Technologies/other court software
- Electronic filing systems
- Digital court reporting tools
- Legal research databases
Program Duration:
2-year Associate Degree or 4-year Bachelor's Degree options
Certification Pathways:
- Certified Court Manager (CCM)
- Certified Court Executive (CCE)
- Professional Legal Secretary (PLS)
Career Outcomes:
- Court Clerk
- Judicial Assistant
- Court Operations Specialist
- Legal Office Administrator
- Records Management Technician
- Court Services Coordinator
Industry Advantages:
- Direct pathways to municipal/state court systems
- Transferable skills for law firms and government
- Growing demand for court technology specialists
- Stable public sector career opportunities
This program provides comprehensive training for professionals who serve as the operational backbone of the justice system, ensuring efficient court administration while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and public service. Graduates are prepared for rewarding careers that keep the wheels of justice turning smoothly.
