ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Law Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

Esquire Law

Law Clerk

Nashville, TN · On-site

Qualifications: • Currently enrolled in a law school program or recent law school graduate. • Strong legal research and writing skills. • Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time ...

City of Roanoke, VA

Law Clerk

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$63K/yr

... law clerks to work with five (5) different Circuit Court Judges throughout the 23rd Judicial ... Must be a graduate of an accredited law school in the upper third of law school; and a member in ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGraduate Law Clerk Jobs

Graduate Law Clerk information

See salary details

$26K

$53.7K

$82K

How much do graduate law clerk jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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 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.

What degree do I need to be a graduate law clerk?

To become a graduate law clerk, candidates typically need 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.
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, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,711 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Career Law Clerk to United States Bankruptcy Judge

US Judicial Branch

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$77K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama is accepting applications for a career law clerk in Huntsville. A career law clerk performs substantive legal research, writing, and review of matters pending before the Court and has extensive knowledge of the Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and court practice. A career law clerk must have strong organizational skills, pay attention to details, and can manage multiple assignments and deadlines.Qualifications:For appointment at JSP Grade 11, an applicant must be a law school graduate at the time of appointment (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing, and have one or more of the following attributes:
  • Standing within the upper third of the law school class from a law school on the approved list of either the American Bar Association or the Association of American Law Schools;
  • Experience on the editorial board of law review of such a school;
  • Graduation from such a school with an LLM degree; or
  • Demonstrated proficiency in legal studies, which in the opinion of the Judge, is the equivalent of one of the above.

For appointment at a JSP Grade 12, 13 or 14, an applicant must also be a member of the Bar of a federal, state, or territorial court of general jurisdiction, and must possess the following year(s) of full-time legal work experience after graduation from law school:
  • JSP 12 - one year of legal work experience;
  • JSP 13 - two years of legal work experience;
  • JSP 14 - three years of legal work experience (two of the three required years of legal work experience must have been served in the federal judiciary).
Education:Law school graduate at the time of appointment (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree) from a law school of recognized standing.Employment Type: OTHER

Apply