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Graduate Law Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Courts

Career Law Clerk

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$106K - $164K/yr

Strong writing skills are required; prior federal clerkship experience is preferred. Learn more ... A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10% ranking and ...

Ohio Department of Aging

Law Clerk - Lima, OH

Lima, OH · On-site

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender is seeking a post-graduate professional to serve as a Law Clerk in the Northwest Regional Hub (NWRH) of our Trial Services Division. The NWRH is located in Lima ...

U.S. Courts

Term Law Clerk

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $106K/yr

... Term Law Clerk to United States District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. The Court will consider ... Education Law School Graduate Additional information To view the full job announcement please visit ...

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Graduate Law Clerk information

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$82K

How much do graduate law clerk jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 degree do I need to be a graduate law clerk?

A graduate law clerk typically holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or an equivalent law degree from an accredited law school. Some positions may require passing the bar exam or having legal research and writing skills, but a law degree is generally essential for this role.

What is a graduate law clerk?

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.

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.

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:
Graduate Law Clerk jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Law Clerk job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,711 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Career Law Clerk

U.S. Courts

Norfolk, VA • On-site, Remote

$106K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia seeks a Career Law Clerk for Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen beginning June 1, 2026. Duties include legal research, reviewing filings, drafting memos and orders, and managing chambers operations. Strong writing skills are required; prior federal clerkship experience is preferred.
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Duties
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ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
  • Closely monitor dockets of all pending cases and draft orders, as appropriate, for scheduling and discovery-related issues, default proceedings, service deficiencies, and other miscellaneous matters.
  • Serve as chambers liaison for all outside personnel, including other District and Magistrate Judges, the Clerk of Court, the Clerk's Office staff, the Probation and Pretrial Services Office, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
  • Train, assist and supervise the two bi-annual term law clerks extensively.
  • Receive, screen, and refer telephone and in-person callers.
  • Prepare in final form the judge's written correspondence, memoranda, annual reports, and other items. Assemble and attach supplemental material as required.
  • Monitor all incoming mail and email communication; screen incoming mail daily, routing the mail to appropriate recipients; review all outgoing mail for accuracy.
  • Maintain the judge's calendar; schedule, change, and cancel meetings, appointments, and hearings as directed; relieve the judge of routine details and oversee chambers supply stock and general chambers' management.
  • Arrange all business travel itineraries for the judge, including plane tickets, hotel reservations, lodging plans, car rentals, and other arrangements.
  • Perform other miscellaneous administrative duties as assigned by the judge and as necessary for the efficient operation of chambers.

LAW CLERK DUTIES:
  • Research and analyze novel and complex legal issues in diverse areas of federal criminal law and civil litigation.
  • Draft orders and memorandum opinions in civil and criminal cases for the judge's review.
  • Prepare bench memoranda and other written materials for motions hearings and trial proceedings, as directed.
  • Provide information and guidance to the judge on individual cases, as directed.
  • Perform extensive computer legal research via Westlaw and/or Lexis.
  • Monitor significant changes in federal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and Supreme Court and Fourth Circuit precedent.
  • Review and edit orders, opinions and memoranda drafted by term law clerks and staff attorneys.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Employees must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.
  • Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available to applicants to review upon request.
  • Employees will be hired provisionally pending the results of a background investigation.
  • Employees are required to use the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The Career Law Clerk manages a large docket of civil and criminal cases and has primary responsibilities regarding the drafting and finalizing of opinions and orders. This fast-paced "Rocket Docket" District demands excellent writing and analytical skills. The successful applicant must meet multiple deadlines in a timely and organized fashion and must be able to produce written materials (i.e. orders, opinions, etc.) quickly and accurately. Flexibility to meet demanding deadlines and a concomitant strong work ethic are both required. Candidates must maintain a courteous and professional demeanor within chambers, the Court, and the Bar, and before the public.
At the time of appointment, the candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:
  • A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10% ranking and law review editorial board experience is preferred).
  • Possess a legal license, with Virginia Bar membership preferred but not required.
  • A strong work ethic, collaborative spirit, and "can do" and resourceful attitude.
  • The ability to thrive and lift up others in an environment that is mission-centered, deadline-driven, team-based, and highly dynamic.
  • Demonstrated excellence in performing legal research, writing, and analysis.
  • Extensive skills in computer assisted research, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, Outlook, Zoom and Microsoft Teams is required.
  • Strong attention to detail, including meticulous editing skills.
  • Ability and desire to work as part of a team, including being a thought partner for others, and to take collective ownership of the work and well-being of chambers.
  • Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to communicate well and respectfully with persons of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities; a talent for adapting quickly and effectively; and awareness of what helps others do their jobs well.
  • Work habits that result in being consistently prepared, very organized, and able to anticipate challenges and propose solutions.
  • The capability to receive feedback well and to provide feedback constructively.
  • Respect for the role of the judiciary within our constitutional structure.
  • At least five years of legal experience after law school (federal judicial law clerk experience is strongly preferred).
  • Eligibility for a Top Secret/SCI level national security clearance.

To qualify for JSP 14, an applicant must have at least five years of legal work experience after obtaining a juris doctor degree, and two of the five years must be law clerk experience in the federal judiciary.
Education
  • A graduate of an ABA accredited law school with an excellent law school record (top 10% ranking and law review editorial board experience is preferred).
  • Possess a legal license, with Virginia Bar membership preferred but not required.

Additional information
  • Employees of the United States District Court are Excepted Service Appointments. Excepted service appointments are "at will" and can be terminated with or without cause by the Court.
  • The Court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position sooner than the closing date, if a closing date is shown; any of these actions may occur without any prior written or other type of notice.
  • To view the full job announcement please visit our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov.

The United States District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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Pay is only part of the generous total compensation package you will receive while working for the federal Judiciary. We offer employees a diverse group of benefit programs and family friendly flexibilities to meet the needs of you and your family.
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