Judicial law clerks
help judges prepare for court
by conducting research
and preparing legal documents.
Clerks are usually recent law school graduates.
They help judges stay on top
of the vast body of law and precedent
that legal decisions are based on,
and assist in communicating
with attorneys involved in cases.
Law clerks prepare legal briefs,
review motions submitted by attorneys,
and also perform more routine tasks
like proofreading opinions, taking notes,
reviewing forms, and entering data.
Judicial work generally takes place
at courtrooms, in judges’ chambers, and offices,
but clerks may also travel
to conduct witness interviews
or deliver subpoenas.
Law clerks often work 40 hours
or more per week,
as in many movies and shows
featuring law professionals,
there’s a good chance they will work
late into the night
more often than workers in most professions.
Most judicial law clerks
have completed law school,
typically a 3-year program
after a bachelor’s degree.
Many go on to work as lawyers or attorneys,
and some pursue a Ph.D. in law as well.