What Do Judicial Law Clerks Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Judicial Law Clerks assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents. They also research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.

Other tasks include:

• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.
• Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.
• Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.
• Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.
• Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.
• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.

We asked Judicial Law Clerks how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

65% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 52% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Judicial Law Clerks confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders. They research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.

A typical day for a Judicial Law Clerk will also include:

• Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.
• Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.
• Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.
• Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.
• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.

We asked some Judicial Law Clerks a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Judicial Law Clerks also participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges. They may also communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Judicial Law Clerks Verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order. They might also Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.

In addition, they Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.

To some Judicial Law Clerks, it is also their responsibility to Maintain judges’ law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Judicial Law Clerk, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas..

They also like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers