Law Clerk Job Description
[Intro Paragraph] Grab a candidate’s attention by showing why your law firm is a great place to work. Discuss the company culture, team values, and any awards your firm has won. It’s also helpful to note any professional development opportunities your firm offers like training programs, professional development stipends, and mentorship programs. Attract driven law clerks by highlighting the career trajectory for the role.
Mention if the law clerk would need to specialize in a particular type of law—criminal, corporate, family and juvenile, employment and labor, immigration, or real estate—so interested and qualified candidates hit “apply.” Increase the likelihood that candidates will find your job description by including similar titles like “paralegal,” “legal assistant,” and “legal secretary” throughout your job description.
Law Clerk Job Responsibilities: Use this section of your law clerk job description to note the most important job responsibilities. Include a detailed list so candidates can determine whether they have the skills you need and are excited about the opportunity. Depending on your hiring needs, you may be looking for someone who:
- Helps associates and partners prepare for trials, depositions, interviews, hearings, and client meetings.
- Supports lawyers throughout the entire litigation or corporate transaction process.
- Assists with the preparation and filing of court papers.
- Conducts legal research and pulls cases.
- Proofreads and cite-checks briefs and other materials.
- Organizes and maintains physical and digital case files.
- Uses legal research and e-discovery software.
- Handles multiple matters simultaneously.
- Maintains client confidentiality.
- Follows firm guidelines, policies, and procedures.
[Work Hours and Benefits] Use this section to denote whether you’re hiring a full-time or part-time law clerk. If it’s a part-time role, mention the days and hours.
Law clerks will likely need to work long hours and travel. Show that their hard work and late nights in the office will pay off by sharing the benefits offered, such as health insurance, dental insurance, overtime pay, paid time off, paid parental leave, bonuses, commuter benefits, and stipends. If you know the salary range, include it so candidates can determine whether they want to apply.
Law Clerk Qualifications and Skills: Use these sections of your law clerk job description to share the qualifications for the position. Keep in mind that some people will only apply for a job if they meet all the qualifications. You’re likely to have more applicants if you specify what is preferred versus required. Depending on your hiring needs, you might want to include:
- Collaborates with colleagues and has strong social skills.
- Interacts with clients and has excellent client services skills.
- Handles multiple matters simultaneously and has good time-management and organization skills.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- A bachelor’s or associate degree is required.
- At least [number] years of legal experience is preferred.
[Call to Action] End your law clerk job posting with a strong call to action. For example, you could invite candidates to apply and say that your team is excited to review their application. It’s helpful to share the hiring timeline and next steps in the hiring process so candidates know what to expect.
Hire a Law Clerk Who Will Impress Your Colleagues and Clients
After making your edits, you’ll have an effective law clerk job description. Your next step is to attract candidates who have the legal knowledge and interpersonal skills to be an asset to your colleagues and clients. Reach qualified law clerks quickly with a free job posting on Monster.
