Career roadmap
How to Become a Judicial Law Clerk
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a judicial law clerk, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a judicial law clerk: (1) earn a bachelor’s, (2) earn a J.D., (3) join law review, (4) apply for clerkships, (5) clerk. Most people need about 7 years after high school. BLS lists “doctoral or professional degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a judicial law clerk
Earn a bachelor’s
Any major.
Earn a J.D.
Strong grades.
Join law review
Writing.
Apply for clerkships
Federal or state.
Clerk
One or two years.
Education and training requirements
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required, usually with strong grades and law review experience.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Doctoral or professional degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | 7 years after high school |
Certifications and licenses
- J.D.: Required.
- Law review: Valued.
- Bar admission: Often required or expected.
- Moot court: Valued.
Skills to build now
Start with legal research, legal writing, and opinion drafting, and practice discretion and attention to detail. Learning the judicial law clerk vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Law Student: Prepare.
- Judicial Law Clerk: Clerk.
- Associate or Government Lawyer: Practice.
- Partner or Judge: Senior roles.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Judicial Law Clerk training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
How long is a clerkship?
Usually one or two years.
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.
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.
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.