Law Clerk Job Description

'A law clerk is a professional assisting judge in researching issues before the court and in writing opinions. They should be viewed differently then court clerks or courtroom deputies, working secretaries for the court. Law clerks have option of pursuing clerkships with the United States Supreme Court, the 13 United States courts of appeals, and certain United States district courts, specialty federal courts and state supreme courts. Law clerks are recent law school graduates usually at the top of their class and coming out of the most prestigious law schools. Working as a law clerk generally opens up career opportunities and usually earns an honor and a good addition to the resume. Entering into the profession is a task that is not easy, since the judges receive numerous applications for extremely limited positions in any given year. Various studies have shown clerks to be influential in the formation of case law through their influence on judges decisions. Clerks also gain an opportunity to serve with specialty judges for which reason they are preferred by the firms more as they have training in a highly complex and specialized area of the law. Extreme competition prevailing in the field, gives rise to a situation where the Judges get to select from the best and candidates too get the best clerkships.


Here are a few sample law clerk job descriptions:

Fall 2016 Law Clerk Internship

The candidate will work for office of police complaints. Interns investigate citizen complaints; conduct legal research and write legal memoranda on issues relating to police misconduct and agency operations; conduct best practices research; draft proposals for police reform; and work with Metropolitan Police Department, DC Housing Authority Police, attorneys, advocacy groups, and local and federal agencies on issues affecting police accountability. Should have strong interpersonal skills; excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills. Must have familiarity with electronic legal research databases; and ability to work with diverse populations. Courses in government, public policy, civil rights, and criminal justice viewed favorably, as are foreign language skills (especially Spanish). 2ls and 3ls can apply.

Deadline: 30-9-2016.

Law Clerk Internship, Fall

The interns investigate citizen complaints; conduct legal research and write legal memoranda on issues relating to police misconduct and agency operations; conduct best practices research; draft proposals for police reform; and work with Metropolitan Police Department, DC Housing Authority Police, attorneys, advocacy groups, and local and federal agencies on issues affecting police accountability. 2Ls and 3Ls will be considered for the unpaid, part-time (15+ hours/week) programs. Should have strong interpersonal skills; excellent legal research, analysis, and writing skills; familiarity with electronic legal research databases; and ability to work with diverse populations. Courses in government, public policy, civil rights, and criminal justice viewed favorably, as are foreign language skills (especially Spanish).

Application Deadline: September 26, 2016.

Law Clerk Program - Summer

Law clerks work closely with organization's experts on domestic and international research projects spanning organization's full range of program areas. Law clerks may also assist in the editing and production of organization's publications, such as the Environmental Law Reporter. Law clerks provide crucial support for organization's projects and publications by conducting legal and policy research, drafting memoranda, attending and reporting on briefings and current events, and assisting in the preparation of reports and other published materials. Law clerks will get supplement work experience by attending the lunchtime seminars and events that organization's hosts, as well as social and networking opportunities provided by organization and partners. 1L, 2L (Preferred), and 3L Law Student for unpaid (10/weeks).

Beginning October 15 - Summer Internship.

Law Clerk Program (Fall)- Part-time

The candidate will work for Youth Mentor Program. Will conduct research, provide administrative support, write legal briefs, and attend court hearings, depositions, and trials. Most placements are in Post-Conviction Relief, Criminal, and Civil Divisions. 2ls and 3ls can apply. Will work for 12-15 hours/week.

Deadline: June 28, 2016.

Law Clerk Program (Fall)- Part-time

The candidate will work for Victim Assistance division. Will conduct research, provide administrative support, write legal briefs, and attend court hearings, depositions, and trials. Most placements are in Post-Conviction Relief, Criminal, and Civil Divisions. 2ls and 3ls can apply. Work for 15-25 hour/week.

Deadline: June 28, 2016.

Law Clerk Program (Fall)- Part-time

The candidate will work for Internet Crimes Against Children division. Will conduct research, provide administrative support, write legal briefs, and attend court hearings, depositions, and trials. Most placements are in Post-Conviction Relief, Criminal, and Civil Divisions. 2ls and 3ls can apply. Work for 15-25 hour/week.

Deadline: June 28, 2016.'