Ep 183: Could You Be a Court Clerk? with Richard V. Hill
Ever wondered what city clerks actually do? Meet Richard Vincent Hill, the Clerk of Courts for Youngstown Municipal Court, as he shares his journey and the vital role clerks play in keeping the city running. From handling criminal traffic cases to managing a $1.8 million budget, Richard breaks down the responsibilities and skills needed for this underrated but crucial job. Learn about his path to public service, the diverse functions of the Clerk of Courts Office, and the symbiotic relationship with the legal profession. In this episode, learn what it takes to be at the heart of a city's legal and administrative operations.
Meet Richard V. Hill
Richard Vincent Hill was elected as Clerk of Youngstown Municipal Court in 2023. He has been a Deputy Clerk in the Clerk of Courts office since 2000 and has served as the Criminal/Traffic Division Supervisor. Hill is a 1994 graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Youngstown State University in 1999 earning national recognition by being named to the Who's Who among students in American Universities and Colleges. Hill obtained his Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Akron in 2004. While at Youngstown State University, Hill was a student-athlete as member of the Men's tennis team twice earning first team All-Conference honors (199S-1999). He was an assistant coach for the Men's and Women's tennis teams at YSU from 2014-2017 winning four Horizon League postseason championships appeared in four NCAA Tournaments and two regular season crowns. Richard Vincent Hill is the first African-American male elected as Clerk of Youngstown Municipal Court.
Episode Highlights
Richard breaks down the duties of a clerk, from managing court records to dealing with various legal entities like police departments, defense attorneys, and prosecutors.
He explains how the Clerk’s office is like the “scroll keepers” of the court, handling everything from criminal traffic to civil cases, and how it all functions together.
He clarifies the difference between his court and others in the county, especially in terms of the types of cases they handle.
He highlights that having a background in organizational management is more crucial than a law degree for his role, given the responsibilities of managing people, budgets, and operations.
Richard encourages those interested in the field to pursue it, noting that the Clerk of Courts office is a great starting point for a career in public service.
Tweetable Quotes
“Patience, communication, and the ability to learn—these are the skills that can take you far, no matter where you start. The Clerk of Courts office is a great place to begin if you want to make a difference in your community.”