What Judicial Law Clerks do:
- Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.
- Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.
- Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.
- Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.
- Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.
- Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.
- Respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.
- Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.
- Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.
- Communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.
- Participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.
- Prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.
- Coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.
- Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.
- Verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.
- Perform courtroom duties, including calling calendars, administering oaths, and swearing in jury panels and witnesses.
- Supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.
- Maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.
- Compile court-related statistics.
What work activities are most important?
| Importance | Activities |
|---|---|
  |
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
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Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |