FAQ
Judicial Law Clerk FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a judicial law clerk.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a judicial law clerk: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about judicial law clerks
How long is a clerkship?
Usually one or two years.
Do clerks need to pass the bar?
Often, though some start before results.
Is a clerkship valuable?
Yes, it is highly valued by employers.
How much does a judicial law clerk make?
The median annual wage for judicial law clerks was $64,920 ($31.21 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,180 and the highest 10% earned more than $113,140.
How long does it take to become a judicial law clerk?
Most people need about 7 years after high school of training. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required, usually with strong grades and law review experience.
Do you need a degree to be a judicial law clerk?
Yes. Judicial law clerks need a Juris Doctor (J.D.), and most are recent law graduates with strong grades and writing skills.
Is judicial law clerk a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.8% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,500 openings each year. Upsides include prestigious first job; a common challenge is that lower pay than firms.
What skills does a judicial law clerk need?
Key technical skills include legal research, legal writing, opinion drafting, and citation checking. Employers also value discretion, attention to detail, and objectivity.
What certifications are available for judicial law clerks?
Common credentials include J.D., Law review, Bar admission, and Moot court. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Judicial Law Clerk fit quiz, compare with Lawyer, or explore Judicial Law Clerk training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 23-1012 (Judicial law clerks).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Judicial law clerks (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.