Judicial Law Clerks

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.
• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.
• Respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.
• Prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.
• Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.
• Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.
• Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.
• Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.
• Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.
• Supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.
• 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.
• Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.
• Participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.
• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.
• Maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.
• Coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.
• Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.