# Law Clerk Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Law Clerk, or a Judicial Clerk, is responsible for helping judges form their opinions on legal cases by performing thorough research and handling paperwork. Their duties include creating trial briefings, writing legal documents and communicating with legal counsel about the progress of their case.

### Law Clerk

#### Related Job Titles
- General Counsel
- Lawyer
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Secretary
- Mediator

## Law Clerk duties and responsibilities
Law Clerks will use in-depth research and investigative skills to review laws and provide expert consultation. Law Clerks have the following responsibilities:
- Compile legal research to assist with a case
- Consult with a Judge, offering expert recommendations on a legal case
- Draft, review and edit the Judge’s orders and statements for clarity and accuracy
- Assist in the courtroom with trials and hearings
- Communicate with parties regarding trials and schedules
- Update court calendars and schedules
- Maintain the chamber library

## Law Clerk Job Description Examples

### Example 1
**Job Title: Law Clerk / Motion Writer**  
**Job Description:**  
We are seeking a meticulous and detail-oriented Law Clerk / Motion Writer to join our legal team. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in supporting our attorneys by drafting motions, conducting legal research, and preparing various legal documents. This position requires exceptional writing skills, a strong understanding of legal principles, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

**Responsibilities:**
- **Legal Research**: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research to support case preparation and strategy.
- **Drafting Motions/Oppositions**: Prepare and draft various types of motions and oppositions.
- **Document Preparation**: Assist in the preparation of legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, and memoranda.
- **Appeals**: Appeal work is a plus.

**Qualifications:**
- **Experience**: Previous experience as a law clerk or in a legal writing role for P.I. is preferred.
- **Skills**:  Exceptional legal writing and research skills.

### Example 2
**Job Summary and Duties:**
- Assists judges in resolving matters before the court and in courtroom proceedings.
- Researches and analyzes legal issues based on statutory and case law.
- Prepares written memoranda and summaries based on research and analysis of legal issues.
- Consults with judges regarding interpretations and applications of law.

**Job Requirements:**
- Bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor degree.
- Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.

### Example 3
A Troy, Michigan Law firm is looking for a **LAW Student** to assist with a variety of legal tasks to support the attorneys.
The ideal candidate should possess:
- Strong multitasking skills
- Detail Oriented
- Experience using Google Drive, Microsoft products, Adobe, and other web-based applications

### Example 4
Small firm with growing employee rights practice seeks a law clerk. The position is part-time but may be full-time for recent graduates. Responsibilities include:
- Prepare legal drafts and conduct legal research.
- Maintain client confidentiality.

**Requirements:**
- 3L law student or recent law school graduate
- Expertise in written and verbal communication

## What does a Law Clerk do?
Law Clerks work at federal and state courthouses to assist judges by preparing documents such as bench memos, legal orders and judge opinions. They study past cases, manage evidence, draft schedules, and communicate with attorneys.

## Law Clerk skills and qualifications
- Excellent research skills
- Knowledge of compliance laws
- Strong attention to detail

## Law Clerk Salary Expectations
A Law Clerk makes an average of $51,024 per year. Salary may depend on experience, education, and location.

## Law Clerk education and training requirements
Law Clerks need a Juris Doctor from an accredited school. Courts typically seek candidates with extensive extracurricular activities and internships.

## Law Clerk experience requirements
Law Clerks typically don’t need prior work experience since they are usually recent law school graduates.