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Temporary Law Clerk Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Temporary Law Clerk

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Overview of the Position The Temporary Law Clerk gives legal advice and assistance to the court in connection with social security appeals. This vacancy is subject to the availability of funding.

Temporary Law Clerk

Richmond, VA · On-site

$65 - $70/hr

District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is currently accepting applications for a full-time, Temporary (12-Month) Law Clerk.The Court is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and ...

$65 - $70/hr

District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia is currently accepting applications for a full-time, Temporary (12-Month) Law Clerk.The Court is seeking a highly qualified, motivated, and ...

$65 - $90/hr

Position:Law Clerk (Temporary) Vacancy:26-11 Duty Station:Buffalo, New York Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and education Overview The United States District Court for the Western ...

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Law Clerk (Temporary)

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Position:Law Clerk (Temporary) Vacancy:26-11 Duty Station:Buffalo, New York Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and education Overview The United States District Court for the Western ...

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THIS IS A TEMPORARY POSITION.** The anticipated term of this position is approximately **October 12, 2026, through December 31, 2026**. The Law Clerk will provide legal and administrative support to ...

JR2026-00028349 Law Clerk (SOS Temporary) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): Join the State of Nebraska Team as a Temporary Law ...

Term Law Clerk

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$75K/yr

The Temporary 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 ...

Term Law Clerk

Norfolk, VA · On-site +1

$75K - $106K/yr

Qualifications The Temporary 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 ...

Temporary Emergency Law Clerk the option to work remotely within the Western District of New York may be considered. Vacancy:26-10 Duty Station:Buffalo, New York Salary: Grade 11, step 01 ($78,091 ...

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Law Clerk

White Cloud, MI · On-site

$19.23/hr

Temporary Job Number: 00080 Department: 27th Circuit Court Opening Date: 07/28/2022 Closing Date ... The Law Clerk will always act in a manner consistent with the highest standards of ethical and ...

$70 - $86/hr

Temporary Emergency Law Clerk the option to work remotely within the Western District of New York may be considered. Vacancy:26-10 Duty Station:Buffalo, New York Salary: Grade 11, step 01 ($78,091 ...

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Temporary Law Clerk information

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$26K

$53.7K

$82K

How much do temporary law clerk jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary 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 temporary law clerk?

A Temporary Law Clerk is a legal professional hired for a limited period to assist judges, attorneys, or law firms with legal research, drafting legal documents, and reviewing case materials. Temporary Law Clerks typically work on specific projects or cases and may be employed during busy periods or to cover staff absences. Their duties are similar to those of permanent law clerks but their assignments have a set end date. This role provides valuable hands-on legal experience and can be a stepping stone toward permanent legal positions.

What types of projects and tasks can a temporary law clerk expect to work on during their assignment?

As a Temporary Law Clerk, you can expect to support attorneys with legal research, drafting memoranda, preparing case summaries, and assisting with document review and case management. Assignments often vary depending on the firm's needs, but they typically involve analyzing case law, statutes, and regulations relevant to ongoing litigation or transactional matters. You may also be asked to help prepare for hearings or trials, and collaborate closely with legal teams to ensure timely and accurate completion of tasks. This role offers valuable exposure to a variety of legal practice areas and workflows, making it an excellent opportunity for skill development and networking.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary law clerk, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Law Clerk, you need strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, generally supported by current law school enrollment or a recent law degree. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis and proficiency in word processing software are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for producing accurate legal documents, supporting attorneys efficiently, and managing shifting priorities in a fast-paced legal environment.

What is the difference between Temporary Law Clerk vs Permanent Law Clerk?

AspectTemporary Law ClerkPermanent Law Clerk
Duration of EmploymentShort-term, project-based or seasonalLong-term, ongoing position
CredentialsTypically requires a law degree or current law student statusSame as Temporary Law Clerk, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, courts, or legal departments for limited periodsLaw firms, courts, or legal departments with ongoing roles
Employer UsageUsed for specific projects or to cover staffing needs temporarilyUsed for stable, continuous legal support roles

Temporary Law Clerks are hired for short-term needs, such as specific cases or projects, while Permanent Law Clerks hold ongoing positions within legal organizations. Both roles typically require similar credentials, but their employment duration and purpose differ significantly.

More about Temporary Law Clerk jobs

What cities are hiring for Temporary Law Clerk jobs?

Cities with the most Temporary Law Clerk job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Law Clerk jobs?

The most popular types of Law Clerk jobs are:

What states have the most Temporary Law Clerk jobs?

States with the most job openings for Temporary Law Clerk jobs include:

Infographic showing various Temporary 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.

Temporary Law Clerk

United States Courts

Syracuse, NY • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


United States Courts rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

546th of 855 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Overview of the Position The Temporary Law Clerk gives legal advice and assistance to the court in connection with social security appeals. This vacancy is subject to the availability of funding. Please Note: Since this position is temporary, renewal may be possible depending on performance, budget, and needs of the court. However, employment as a temporary law clerk may not exceed four years. Any prior service as a temporary federal judicial law clerk counts toward the four-year lifetime limit.

  • Performs substantive work on social security appeals. Drafts appropriaterecommendations and orders for the court's signature.
  • Reviews social security appeals, complaints, petitions, and pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved and basis for relief.
  • Performs research, as required, to assist the Court in preparing social security opinions.
  • Maintains liaison between the Court and litigants. Corresponds with other officials, such as U.S. Attorney, as required.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

To qualify for the position of JSP-11 law clerk, a person must be a law school graduate (or be certified as having completed all law school studies and requirements and merely awaiting conferment of degree).

Court Preferred Skills

Knowledge of and familiarity with social security law ispreferred.

Employee Benefits
  • A minimum of 11 paid holidays per year
  • Optional participation in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the United States. The individual being selected for this position will be required to submit to a security background check, which includes fingerprinting. All appointments are provisional upon a favorable suitability determination. Employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees, which is available to applicants upon request. Employees of the U.S. District Court are Excepted Service Appointments. Appointments are “at will” and can be terminated with or without cause by the court. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer participation for payroll deposit.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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