Law Clerks provide assistance to a judge in court by conducting research or preparing legal documents. Law Clerks attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information. They communicate with counsel regarding case management, and confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders. They then draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.
Law Clerks are expected to keep current, staying abreast of changes in the law and informing judges when cases are affected by such changes. They participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges, and research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.
Additionally, Law Clerks review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief. They also review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, O-Net Online