Judicial Law Clerks

23-1012.00

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.
• Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.
• Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.
• Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.
• Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.
• Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.
• Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.
• Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.
• Communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.
• Respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.
• Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.
• Verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.
• Coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.
• Participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.
• Prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.
• Compile court-related statistics.
• Supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.
• Maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.
• Perform courtroom duties, including calling calendars, administering oaths, and swearing in jury panels and witnesses.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - LexisNexis CourtLink Strategic Profiles
• Calendar and scheduling software - Aderant CompuLaw; American Legalnet eDockets; American Legalnet Smart Dockets; Compugov DocketView; Infocom JACS; Levare Center Court
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Orion Law Management Systems Orion; PTS Solutions WinJuris Court Solutions
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook
• Information retrieval or search software - LexisNexis; LexisNexis Lexis Advance; LexisNexis SmartLinx; Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER); Thomson Reuters Westlaw; Thomson Reuters WestlawNext
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Office suite software - Corel WordPerfect Office Suite; Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Microsoft operating system; Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Project management software - Advanced Technologies Class Act; Canyon Solutions Jcats; Justice Systems FullCourt Enterprise; Legal Files software; New Dawn Technologies JustWare Court; Syscon Court Clerk; Thomson Reuters Elite ProLaw
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web platform development software - Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word ; Word processing software; WordPerfect

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Prepare documentation of legal proceedings.
• Prepare legal documents.
• Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
• Confer with court staff to clarify information.
• Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
• Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
• Record information from legal proceedings.
• Direct courtroom activities or procedures.
• Maintain the order of legal documents.
• Coordinate legal schedules or activities.
• Supervise activities of other legal personnel.
• Administer oaths to court participants.