A judicial clerkship is a one or two-year job with a judge following law school graduation. Law clerks perform a wide range of duties, and judges use their law clerks differently.
Law Clerk Requirements:Bachelor's degree in law (essential).Two years of work experience in a legal environment.Excellent interpersonal and writing skills.Fantastic document management skills.Organized with strong conceptual and research skills.Flexible schedule with a commitment to attendance.More items...
Clerks are primarily responsible for reviewing the trial record, researching the applicable law, and drafting legal memoranda and court opinions. Clerks also attend oral arguments before the court. Students interested in a clerkship opportunity should apply during the fall semester of their second year.
Most judges prefer, of course, to find judicial clerks who have graduated at or near the top of their class, are academically inclined, like to do legal research, have the ability to write, and can commit at least a year to the job.
Law Clerk skills and qualificationsExcellent research skills.Written and verbal communication.Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.Knowledge of compliance laws.Good interpersonal skills.Ability to prepare memos and decisions.Strong attention to detail.
Paralegals assist lawyers in preparing cases and complete administrative tasks. Law clerks support judges or lawyers by performing research. Paralegals work in law firms.
Most lawyers change jobs during their career, and having a clerkship shows that you are a highly capable lawyer, improving your value regardless of the type of work you do. And, you will be more competitive for postgraduate fellowships, scholarships, internships, and government honors programs.
A judicial clerkship provides the opportunity to hone research and writing skills while being exposed to a wide variety of legal issues. Furthermore, a clerkship offers insight into the judicial process and provides practical familiarity with the litigation process.