Judicial Law Clerks

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

SOC: 23-1012.00

Common Job Titles

  • Judicial Assistant
  • Judicial Clerk
  • Judicial Law Clerk
  • Law Clerk

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeSynthesize complex legal research findings into judicial opinions, memoranda, and orders under tight deadlines while maintaining judicial standards of clarity and precision.
  • KnowledgeFormulate draft judicial opinions and bench memoranda addressing complex constitutional, statutory, and common law issues under judicial supervision.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze legal precedents, statutes, and case law using legal research databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw to support judicial decision-making.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate legal arguments and evidentiary materials for compliance with procedural and substantive standards independently within appellate and trial court settings.
  • KnowledgeInterpret constitutional provisions, regulatory frameworks, and legislative intent to advise judges on novel or ambiguous legal questions.
  • KnowledgeCompare conflicting case law and legal theories across jurisdictions to identify persuasive authority and recommend coherent legal reasoning.
  • KnowledgeApply legal reasoning and analytical frameworks to evaluate motions, briefs, and discovery materials in support of judicial review.
  • MindsetIntegrate principles of judicial ethics and impartiality with case analysis when managing confidential and sensitive legal matters.
  • KnowledgeOrganize case research, document management, and analytical workflows using legal docket management systems and case tracking software to prioritize competing judicial demands.
  • MindsetEngage collaboratively with judges and court personnel to facilitate efficient court operations and maintain professional relationships.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Judicial Law Clerks (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

13,220

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $42,000. 25th percentile: U.S. $49,840. 50th percentile: U.S. $60,400. 75th percentile: U.S. $78,060. 90th percentile: U.S. $113,150. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$42,000
10% of workers earn the following or more$113,150
Workers on average earn$69,850

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Law and Government4.9/5
  • English Language4.5/5
  • Administrative3.5/5
  • Computers and Electronics2.9/5
  • Public Safety and Security2.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Aderant CompuLaw
  • Advanced Technologies Class Act
  • American Legalnet Smart Dockets
  • American Legalnet eDockets
  • Canyon Solutions Jcats
  • Compugov DocketView
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Infocom JACS
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Computer inkjet printers
  • Computer laser printers
  • Document scanners
  • Laser facsimile machines
  • Personal computers
  • Photocopying equipment
  • Tablet computers