Judge's Law Clerk Job Description
A judge maintains a staff with different functions, including a bailiff, a court reporter, an administrative assistant and a law clerk. These individuals play important roles in the operation of the court. A judge's law clerk provides specific services to the judge and the court.
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
The primary function of a judge's law clerk is to research the law and facts surrounding a particular case. A law clerk prepares briefs for a judge on these matters.
Types
-
There are two types of judicial law clerks. Law students clerk for judges in local courts. Lawyers serve as law clerks for appellate courts on the state level and for federal district courts, courts of appeal and the U.S. Supreme Court.
-
Time Frame
-
Most law clerks serve judges for a rather short period of time, usually around two years. A law clerk can serve a longer period of time if the judge and clerk mutually agree, however.
Considerations
-
Normally, students who are at the top of their law school classes are considered for law clerk positions with judges.
Effects
-
Although it's normally an initial position of employment for an attorney, serving as a law clerk for a judge tends to open doors to rapid career advancement.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of was coolkitten12) (Jenny Williams
