Judicial law clerks assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

  • Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.
  • 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.
  • Verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.
  • Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.
  • Respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.
  • Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.
  • Communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.
  • Participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.
  • Coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.
  • Prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.
  • Maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.
  • Compile court-related statistics.
  • Supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.
  • Perform courtroom duties, including calling calendars, administering oaths, and swearing in jury panels and witnesses.
Work Context
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 98% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 74% responded "Every day".
  • Electronic Mail — 63% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 82% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 68% responded "Extremely important".
  • Letters and Memos — 67% responded "Every day".
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 52% responded "Very important results".
  • Read More
Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Record information from legal proceedings.
  • Direct courtroom activities or procedures.
  • Confer with court staff to clarify information.
  • Prepare documentation of legal proceedings.
  • Prepare legal documents.
  • Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Clerical
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Read More

Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • PTS Solutions WinJuris Court Solutions
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
  • Corel Office
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
Read More