Career Profile: Legal Clerk

Why Is a Legal Clerk a Job of Tomorrow?
Legal clerks will experience a rise in value similar to that of attorneys, as the number of cases rises and lawyers seek assistance handling them. Legal clerks will be needed to help busy attorneys and keep law firms operating efficiently. Employment opportunities for legal clerks are expected to remain steady well into the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Legal clerks make an average salary of $40,580 annually.

What Does a Legal Clerk Do?
Legal clerks assist lawyers and judges in researching and preparing legal documents. Unlike paralegals, who cannot take part in any actual legal actions, legal clerks may help lawyers or judges in court and consult with clients. Legal clerks are invaluable to law firms and court systems, as they often are specialized in particular types of cases, and therefore can offer sound advice on them. Legal clerks are typically recent law school graduates in an entry-level law job who are looking to gain professional working experience before becoming attorneys.

What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become a Legal Clerk?
A minimum of a bachelor's degree is generally required for legal clerks as well as graduation from an accredited law school. To gain entry into highly competitive law schools, prospective legal clerks must earn excellent grades during their undergraduate studies and score well on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).