Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Become a Court Usher?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

If you would like to help maintain law and order in the courtroom, you may want to become a court usher, which is also called a bailiff. Since the local sheriff is responsible for providing a bailiff in many jurisdictions, it can be a good idea to have some law enforcement training before you apply. You should also have a good idea of how the court system operates, which means it might be helpful to take a few legal classes as well. Judges normally look for someone who is professional and courteous, even under stressful circumstances.

Before you become a court usher, you may want to look for a job that will help you gain courtroom experience. One way to do this might be to work as a court clerk or court reporter. Many courthouses have security guards either at the entrance to the courthouse or in the courtroom itself, and one of these positions could help you begin a court usher career because you will be gaining related experience for you to add to your resume.

Courthouses often have security guards stationed at the entrance to the courthouse.
Courthouses often have security guards stationed at the entrance to the courthouse.

It can be a good idea to build a network of people who can help you become a court usher. One way to do this might be to work as a process server, which is an individual who delivers court summons to individuals who are parties to a lawsuit. Doing so will help you get to know people that are involved in all aspects of the legal system to include attorneys, courthouse staff, and police officers.

Court ushers are responsible for making sure the courtroom is ready for a trial.
Court ushers are responsible for making sure the courtroom is ready for a trial.

Once you have gained the right experience, you will be ready to begin your job search. In order to become a court usher, you will need to be very diligent, as there are relatively few openings available in most locations. Check the websites of your local, regional, and national governments often so you will be informed of job openings as soon as they become available.

Judges often look for court ushers that are professional and courteous, even under stressful circumstances.
Judges often look for court ushers that are professional and courteous, even under stressful circumstances.

If you are unable to find a job as a bailiff in a courtroom setting, you may want to apply at various government agencies. This is because many of them hold informal hearings, which are similar to court trials, and may need a court usher to help them conduct these hearings. If this is an avenue you might want to pursue, it can be helpful to do some research on the agency so you will be familiar with the types of hearings that might be held there before you go on an interview.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Courthouses often have security guards stationed at the entrance to the courthouse.
      By: Lsantilli
      Courthouses often have security guards stationed at the entrance to the courthouse.
    • Court ushers are responsible for making sure the courtroom is ready for a trial.
      By: trekandphoto
      Court ushers are responsible for making sure the courtroom is ready for a trial.
    • Judges often look for court ushers that are professional and courteous, even under stressful circumstances.
      By: Junial Enterprises
      Judges often look for court ushers that are professional and courteous, even under stressful circumstances.