Judicial Law Clerks
O*NET 23-1012.00 · SOC 23-1012
Judicial Law Clerk is a solid career choice. Median pay is $65k a year with +2.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 1,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Research case law and statutes relevant to pending decisions.
- →Draft bench memoranda summarizing legal issues for judges.
- →Review and edit judicial opinions before final publication.
- →Analyze briefs submitted by opposing counsel in cases.
- →Assist judges in preparing questions for oral arguments.
Education & How to Get In
Judicial Law Clerk roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Judicial Law Clerk involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Judicial Law Clerk?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Judicial Law Clerk Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Judicial Law Clerks is projected to grow 2.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Judicial Law Clerk make?
The median Judicial Law Clerk earns $65k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Judicial Law Clerk jobs?
Our model puts Judicial Law Clerk at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Judicial Law Clerk a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 1,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Judicial Law Clerk?
Judicial Law Clerk roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Judicial Law Clerk?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Judicial Law Clerk career right for you?
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