Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Judicial Law Clerk
What judicial law clerks actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a judicial law clerk?
Read briefs for tomorrow’s argument. From there, the day usually includes read briefs and records, research legal issues, and write bench memos. Full time, often one- or two-year terms.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a judicial law clerk working full time.
- Read briefs for tomorrow’s argument.
- Research a statute.
- Meet the judge about a case.
- Draft an opinion section.
- Attend a hearing.
- Check citations.
- Revise a bench memo.
Where judicial law clerks work
Clerks work in judges’ chambers in courthouses.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often one- or two-year terms.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Read briefs and records
- Research legal issues
- Write bench memos
- Draft opinions and orders
- Prepare judges for hearings
- Manage the docket
- Check citations
Tools you’ll use every day
- Westlaw or Lexis
- Court case management systems
- Bluebook
- Microsoft Word
- E-filing systems
- Docket software
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Prestigious first job
- Mentorship from a judge
- Learn how courts decide
- Great writing practice
What’s hard
- Lower pay than firms
- Short terms
- Heavy reading
- Competitive
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love legal research
- I write clearly
- I can keep confidences
- I like learning from a mentor
- I’m detail-oriented
- I just finished law school
Not sure? Take the free Judicial Law Clerk fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Keep case information confidential
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Follow judicial ethics
- Don’t discuss pending cases