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Graduate Law Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Law Clerk

Salem, OR · On-site

$7.0K - $8.1K/mo

Law Clerk Law Clerk The Oregon Supreme Court and Oregon Court of Appeals are hiring for post-graduate law clerk positions that begin in August 2027. The positions are full-time and limited duration ...

Law Clerk

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$19.23/hr

Required to be a law school graduate. * Taken or passed the Michigan State Bar examination at the ... Clerk on a prorated basis for the actual period working as Law Clerk pursuant to this agreement.

Typical Qualifications Required to be a law school graduate. Taken or passed the Michigan State Bar ... Clerk on a prorated basis for the actual period working as Law Clerk pursuant to this agreement.

The Career Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary ... A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10% ranking and ...

Law Clerk

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Graduate of an accredited Law Clerk program * Experience supporting project finance, infrastructure, P3, secured lending, or major commercial transactions is an asset Perks * Salary ranges from $75 ...

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Graduate Law Clerk information

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$26K

$53.7K

$82K

How much do graduate law clerk jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate law clerk in the United States is $53,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Graduate Law Clerks face when transitioning from academic studies to professional legal practice?

Graduate Law Clerks often find the transition from academic environments to professional legal practice challenging due to the fast-paced nature of law firms and the expectation to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world cases. Adapting to multiple deadlines, managing competing priorities, and learning firm-specific procedures are common hurdles. Additionally, clerks must quickly develop strong drafting and research skills while collaborating with attorneys and clients. Regular feedback and mentorship from senior lawyers can help new clerks navigate these challenges and grow in their roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Law Clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Law Clerk, you need a law degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and a foundational understanding of legal procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), document management systems, and sometimes completion of a practical legal training program are valuable. Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate legal documents, supporting attorneys, and ensuring smooth case preparation in legal environments.

What are Graduate Law Clerks?

Graduate Law Clerks are recent law school graduates who assist judges or attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and helping prepare for court cases. This role provides valuable practical experience and often serves as a stepping stone to becoming a licensed attorney. Graduate Law Clerks work under supervision, gaining insight into the legal process and courtroom procedures, while refining their legal writing and analytical skills.

Is a law clerk entry level?

A graduate law clerk position is typically considered entry-level, often suitable for recent law school graduates or those with limited legal experience. The role usually involves assisting attorneys with research, drafting documents, and case preparation, requiring strong analytical and research skills. However, some law clerk positions may prefer candidates with prior legal internships or related experience.

Do law clerks get paid more than paralegals?

Law clerks typically earn higher salaries than paralegals due to their advanced legal research, writing, and analysis responsibilities, often requiring a law degree or legal training. Paralegals generally have less formal education and perform support tasks, resulting in lower pay. Salary differences can vary based on experience, location, and employer, but law clerks usually have a higher earning potential in the legal field.

What is the difference between Graduate Law Clerk vs Law Clerk?

AspectGraduate Law ClerkLaw Clerk
Required CredentialsLaw degree or nearing completion of law schoolTypically a law graduate or current law student
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, courts, or government agenciesLegal offices, courts, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal institutions hiring recent graduates for research and supportLegal institutions supporting attorneys and judges
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a Graduate Law Clerk is often a recent law graduate or law student gaining practical experience, while a Law Clerk may be a more experienced individual or someone with a law degree working in a similar role. Both roles support legal professionals, but Graduate Law Clerks are typically at an earlier career stage.

Is clerking after law school worth it?

Clerking after law school as a graduate law clerk provides valuable courtroom experience, legal research, and writing skills, which can enhance future employment prospects. It often offers mentorship and networking opportunities, but the decision depends on career goals and the competitive nature of judicial clerkships. The position typically requires strong academic performance and attention to detail.

What career paths can a law clerk take?

A law clerk can pursue various career paths including becoming a practicing attorney, legal analyst, or legal consultant. Many law clerks gain experience that prepares them for roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or judicial positions, often leveraging their research, writing, and analytical skills.
More about Graduate Law Clerk jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Law Clerk jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Law Clerk job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Law Clerk jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Law Clerk jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Law Clerk jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Law Clerk jobs are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Law Clerk job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,711 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
GRADUATE LAW CLERK (Relief)

$22.98 - $27.93/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


County Of San Luis Obispo rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

407th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description R E L I E F P O S I T I O N Schedule: Full-Time for no more than 6 months. Requires graduation from an accredited law school within the last twelve (12) months AND awaiting California State Bar Examination results. The County of Tuolumne offers a Graduate Law Clerk Program to recent law school graduates who are awaiting California Bar Examination results.

Graduate Law Clerks can be assigned to the District Attorney or Public Defender, on an as needed basis. The Graduate Law Clerk Program offers full-time paid positions where incumbents will be expected to work forty (40) hours a week and will be employed while awaiting Bar results, for a period of no longer than 6 months. Once successful results have been received from the California Bar Association and satisfactory work performance has been observed, you may be offered regular employment as a licensed attorney with the County of Tuolumne.

Failure to pass the California Bar Examination within the six (6) month timeframe will result in termination of employment. GRADUATE LAW CLERK DEFINITION Under direction or general supervision, provides legal research assistance to attorneys and performs related work as required. This position provides incumbents who have graduated from law school and who are candidates for admission to the State Bar of California, work experience with the practical application of law, including criminal, municipal, civil, and business law.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives administrative and technical direction and supervision from a California Bar licensed department Attorney. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS The Graduate Law Clerk is a single-position classification that is distinguished from the Deputy District Attorney and Deputy Public Defender classes in that former is filled on a limited basis by incumbents who are awaiting test results. Examples of Duties (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Researches, studies, interprets, and applies laws, court decisions, and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of cases, opinions, pleadings, briefs and other legal documents. Organizes extensive legal discovery, reports, documents and potential exhibits. Conducts pretrial review of case files for witness subpoenas and other necessary evidence for trial.

Conducts preliminary interviews of potential complainants in criminal cases and reports on findings of facts to determine if cause of sufficient evidence is present to undertake prosecution. Reads, understands and analyzes legal documents such as pleadings, affidavits, court orders, transcripts statutory codes and appellate decisions. Prepares a variety of legal documents including drafts and memoranda summarizing the results of court decisions, administrative board decisions, State statutes, ordinances and opinions.

Provides information to judges, attorneys, and the public concerning the work of the department. Communicates with witnesses, experts, clients and other interested parties. Schedules witnesses and prepares witnesses and clients in courtroom procedures and appropriate protocol.

Interviews clients to obtain factual, biographical and financial information. Performs other related work as required. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Legal principles and practices Methods and techniques of legal research Telephone, office, and online etiquette County customer service objectives and strategies.

Ability to: Present statements of facts, law, and argument clearly and logically in written and oral form Perform legal research Prepare drafts of resolutions and other legal documents Communicate effectively orally and in writing Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited law school within the last twelve (12) months AND awaiting California State Bar Examination results. Eligible for Law Student Certification pursuant to the State Bar of California's Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program. PTLS program Information: http://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Special-Admissions/Practical-Training-of-Law-Students Candidates may apply during their year of anticipated graduation

Offers of employment conveyed prior to the candidate's graduation shall be conditioned upon the candidate's (1) graduation from an accredited law school, (2) completion of the California bar exam, and (3) eligibility for Law Student Certification pursuant to the State Bar of California's Practical Training of Law Students (PTLS) program. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid California driver's license. Eligibility for Certification as a Law Clerk.


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