What is a Law Clerk?

Clerking is a legal term that refers to the work performed by a law clerk, who is a person employed by a judge or lawyer to assist with legal research and writing. Law clerks are typically recent law school graduates or students who are working in a judicial or legal setting to gain practical experience and learn about the legal system.

Law clerks perform a variety of tasks, including:

1. Legal research: Law clerks conduct research on legal issues and facts related to cases being heard by the judge or lawyer they are working for.
2. Writing: Law clerks write memos, briefs, and other documents to assist the judge or lawyer in preparing for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings.
3. Drafting orders and opinions: Law clerks may draft orders and opinions for the judge or lawyer to review and sign.
4. Case management: Law clerks may be responsible for managing the flow of cases through the court system, including scheduling hearings and trials, and ensuring that all necessary documents are filed and properly prepared.
5. Assisting with trial preparation: Law clerks may assist the judge or lawyer in preparing for trials by organizing evidence, reviewing witness statements, and helping to develop trial strategies.

Overall, law clerks play an important role in supporting judges and lawyers in their work, and gain valuable experience and skills in the legal field.