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What does a Judicial Clerk do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A judicial clerk provides support to a judge in a court of law. Duties include researching legal precedent, drafting opinions and orders, and managing the judge’s docket.

Judicial Clerk job duties include:

  • Maintaining dockets and calendars.
  • Assisting with jury selection.
  • Managing discovery requests.
  • Drafting legal documents.
  • Conducting legal research.
  • Summarizing depositions.
  • Preparing exhibits for trial.
  • Assisting attorneys in the courtroom.
  • Maintaining files and case records.

Judicial Clerk Job Requirements

A judicial clerk is an individual who provides support to a judge in researching cases and writing opinions. Most judicial clerks have a law degree, and many have clerked for a judge or magistrate before becoming a judicial clerk. Some states require judicial clerks to be licensed to practice law, but this is not always the case. Many judicial clerkships are entry-level positions, but some may require several years of experience.

Judicial Clerk Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Research skills
  • Writing skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Time management skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Attention to detail

Related: Top Judicial Clerk Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Judicial Clerk

A judicial clerk is an individual who provides research and writing assistance to a judge or group of judges. A judicial clerkship can be an extremely rewarding experience, providing an opportunity to learn about the legal system while working closely with experienced judges. There are a few steps that one can take in order to become a judicial clerk.

First, it is important to obtain a law degree from an accredited law school. Once you have obtained your law degree, you should then take and pass the bar exam for the state in which you wish to practice law. After passing the bar exam, you should begin working as an attorney. While working as an attorney, you should try to gain as much experience as possible in the area of law that interests you the most. This experience will be helpful when you apply for a judicial clerkship.

When applying for a judicial clerkship, it is important to research the specific requirements of the court in which you are interested in working. Some courts may require that applicants have a certain amount of legal experience, while others may place more emphasis on academic achievement. Once you have determined the specific requirements of the court, you should then compile a list of your qualifications and submit your application.

If you are offered a position as a judicial clerk, congratulations! This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the legal system and to develop your legal research and writing skills. Remember to always maintain the highest level of professionalism when working with judges and other court personnel.

Related: Judicial Clerk Resume Example

Related: Judicial Clerk Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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