How to Become a Law Clerk in 2025

Updated October 29, 2025

Law clerks play an essential role in the justice system, assisting judges and attorneys with legal research, document review, and case preparation.
Whether working in a courtroom or a private firm, law clerks ensure that complex legal decisions are supported by solid research and organization.

This guide breaks down how to become a law clerk in 2025, the skills you’ll need, and how the position compares to a paralegal.

Paralegal Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $61,010 $29.33 per hour
Job Outlook 0.2% +600 jobs (2024–2034)
39,300 openings/yr
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

Law Clerk vs. Paralegal: Where They Overlap and Differ

While both roles assist lawyers, their focus and environment differ:

Role Primary Focus Work Environment Typical Education
Law Clerk Research, drafting opinions, reviewing case law Courts, government, law firms Bachelor’s or law degree preferred
Paralegal Client documentation, case management, filings Law firms, corporations, agencies Certificate or associate degree

Key Differences

  • Law clerks work more directly with judges or attorneys on legal analysis and research.
  • Paralegals handle more administrative and procedural work like client intake, document filing, and case tracking.
  • A law clerk position can serve as a stepping stone toward law school or advanced legal research careers.

For related reading, see What Does a Paralegal Do.

Education & Training Options

Most law clerk positions require a background in legal studies, political science, or criminal justice.
Here are the most common paths to prepare:

1. Bachelor’s Degree

  • Recommended majors: Pre-law, Legal Studies, Political Science, or Criminal Justice
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Focus: Legal writing, research, and judicial process
  • Duration: 6–12 months
  • Ideal for: Career changers or students looking to qualify quickly for entry-level clerk roles
  • Focus: Case preparation, research methods, and legal terminology

3. Law Degree (for Judicial Clerks)

  • Some clerk positions, especially federal or appellate, require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
  • Law school graduates often pursue a clerkship for one or two years before becoming practicing attorneys.

Explore related programs:
Paralegal Studies · Criminal Justice

Core Skills for Law Clerks

Strong legal clerks combine analytical thinking with precise communication. Top competencies include:

  • Legal Research: Using databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw to summarize statutes and precedents
  • Writing & Editing: Drafting legal memoranda, briefs, and judge’s notes
  • Organization: Tracking deadlines, case progress, and evidence lists
  • Court Procedures: Understanding filing protocols, docket systems, and motion timelines
  • Confidentiality: Handling sensitive documents with discretion

Law clerks are often the bridge between attorneys, judges, and paralegals, managing both the academic and administrative sides of the law.

Entry-Level Hiring Tips & Timeline

Pathway Duration Starting Roles Typical Salary Range
Certificate 6–12 months Legal Clerk, Law Office Assistant $35,000–$45,000
Bachelor’s Degree 4 years Judicial Clerk, Legal Research Assistant $45,000–$60,000
JD Graduate 7 years Federal or Appellate Law Clerk $70,000–$90,000+

Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (23-2011)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.

Median Pay (2024) $61,010 $29.33 per hour
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 0.2% +600 jobs (2024–2034) • 39,300 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$66,510 per year $31.98 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $39,710

$19.09 per hour

25th Percentile $48,190

$23.17 per hour

75th Percentile $78,280

$37.63 per hour

90th Percentile $98,990

$47.59 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 376,200
2034 376,800

Employment: 376,200 → 376,800 jobs by 2034 (0.2%)

39,300 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment
0.2%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
2.38
Employment RSE
1.3%
Projected Annual Openings
39,300

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

How to Get Hired Faster

  • Highlight your research and writing experience on your resume
  • Learn the basics of court filing and citation (Bluebook or ALWD)
  • Gain internship experience at a courthouse or law office
  • Develop proficiency in legal research platforms early

Even short-term clerkships or internships can open doors to full-time paralegal, analyst, or law school opportunities.

FAQs

Is a law clerk the same as a paralegal?
No. Law clerks focus on legal research and supporting judges or attorneys with case law, while paralegals handle more administrative casework.

Do law clerks need a law degree?
Not always. Many entry-level clerks hold a bachelor’s degree or a paralegal certificate, though judicial clerkships typically require a JD.

What is the career path after being a law clerk?
Many move into paralegal work, legal research roles, or law school. Some transition into compliance or court administration careers.

Can law clerks work remotely?
Yes. With digital case management and remote research tools, many firms and courts now allow hybrid or remote clerk positions.

Next Steps

A career as a law clerk offers hands-on experience in legal research and court operations, making it one of the most valuable stepping stones for aspiring lawyers, analysts, and paralegals.

Compare accredited training programs below to start building your credentials.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.