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How a judicial law clerk can use AI, task by task

O*NET 23-1012.00: Judicial Law ClerksMedian pay $64,920/year (BLS, May 2025)18 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

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

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Appellate Law Clerk, Career Judicial Law Clerk, Career Law Clerk, Judicial Assistant, Judicial Clerk, Judicial Law Clerk, Law Clerk, Law Researcher, Pro Se Law Clerk, Term Law Clerk.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 28%AI-assist 47%Stays human 25%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 4 AI-ready, 8 AI-assist and 6 human-led tasks out of 18. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

AI can draft these 4

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.

Several times a day

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
Document: [will, deed, brief, contract]
Facts and instructions: [paste, no client names]

Draft a structure and first draft, marking every legal point to verify with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Legal document first draft

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare briefs, legal memoranda and statements of issues.
Step 2Fill in [Document] and [Facts and instructions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3A lawyer must review and verify every citation and clause. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare legal documents.. Also involves: Prepare documentation of legal proceedings..

Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
Document: [will, deed, brief, contract]
Facts and instructions: [paste, no client names]

Draft a structure and first draft, marking every legal point to verify with [CHECK]. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Legal document first draft

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions and citations (today).
Step 2Fill in [Document] and [Facts and instructions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3A lawyer must review and verify every citation and clause.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare legal documents.. Also involves: Prepare documentation of legal proceedings..

Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.

Weekly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 96% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Access.
Data: [GPS, court info]
System: [describe]

List entry steps and checks. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Code entry

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you enter information (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [System] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Enter codes or other information into computers.. Also involves: Enter information into databases or software programs..

Prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
Proceedings: [period, type]
Data: [cases, outcomes]

Draft the periodic report. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Court proceedings report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare periodic reports on court proceedings.
Step 2Fill in [Proceedings] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 2.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare documentation of legal proceedings..

AI can help you prep these 8

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.

Several times a day

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 44% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.

Context: We use Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) and Thomson Reuters Westlaw; the work draws on law and government and administrative.
Legal question: [the question, jurisdiction]
Facts: [key facts, no names]

Outline the relevant statutes, regulations and leading cases to look up, the arguments on each side, and search terms for legal databases. Mark anything you're unsure of. I will verify every citation.

10-minute exercise: Legal research brief

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you research laws, court decisions and documents.
Step 2Fill in [Legal question] and [Facts] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Look up every citation it gives in your legal database. AI can invent cases. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making..

Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.

Daily

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 53% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.

Context: We use Thomson Reuters Westlaw and LexisNexis; the work draws on law and government and administrative.
Legal question: [the question, jurisdiction]
Facts: [key facts, no names]

Outline the relevant statutes, regulations and leading cases to look up, the arguments on each side, and search terms for legal databases. Mark anything you're unsure of. I will verify every citation.

10-minute exercise: Legal research brief

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review complaints, petitions and motions (today).
Step 2Fill in [Legal question] and [Facts] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Look up every citation it gives in your legal database. AI can invent cases.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.. Also involves: Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information..

Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.

Monthly

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
Proceeding: [hearing, meeting]
Notes: [paste rough notes]

Turn into structured notes. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Proceedings notes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend court sessions.
Step 2Fill in [Proceeding] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check against the official record or recording.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record information from legal proceedings..

Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.

Monthly

AI explains and quizzes you; confirm against official sources.

Show prompt & steps

AI can explain new developments and quiz you. Confirm what you learn against official sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.

Context: The work draws on law and government and administrative.
Act as my tutor.
Topic: [a recent change in changes in the law and inform judges]
What I already know: [your level]

Explain it in 5 short sections with examples from law and government and administrative. Then quiz me with 5 questions, one at a time, and wait for my answer before giving feedback. End with 3 trustworthy sources to go deeper.

10-minute exercise: Tutor session: changes in the law and inform judges

Step 1Pick one development in changes in the law and inform judges you've been meaning to understand.
Step 2Put it in [Topic], be honest in [What I already know], and actually answer the quiz.
Step 3Check one claim against an official or professional source, since AI's knowledge has a cutoff date.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues..

Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and LexisNexis CourtLink Strategic Profiles; the work draws on law and government and administrative.
Documents: [paste or describe]
Requirements: [regulatory, policy]

Check completeness, accuracy and timelines. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Submission review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review dockets of pending litigation (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Documents] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.. Also involves: Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records..

Coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.

Monthly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Access.
Calendar: [judge, hearings]
Items: [cases, meetings, deadlines]

Organize a schedule and flag conflicts. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Court calendar

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.
Step 2Fill in [Calendar] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Coordinate legal schedules or activities..

Verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.

Weekly

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
File: [case, library]
Contents: [list]

Suggest an order and checklist. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Case file order

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify that all files, complaints, or other papers (this week).
Step 2Fill in [File] and [Contents] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain the order of legal documents..

Maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.

A few times a year

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.
File: [case, library]
Contents: [list]

Suggest an order and checklist. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Case file order

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain judges' law libraries.
Step 2Fill in [File] and [Contents] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 2.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain the order of legal documents.. Also involves: Prepare legal documents..

These stay human 6

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Impact of decisions: very important results · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.

Context: The work draws on law and government and administrative.
Question: [legal, procedural]
Who: [judge, court staff]

Prepare a concise question and supporting facts. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Court staff consultation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you confer with judges concerning legal questions and construction of documents (today).
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Confer with court staff to clarify information..

Respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.

Weekly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.

Context: The work draws on law and government and administrative.
Question: [legal, procedural]
Who: [judge, court staff]

Prepare a concise question and supporting facts. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Court staff consultation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you respond to questions (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Confer with court staff to clarify information..

Communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.

Context: The work draws on law and government and administrative.
Hearing: [type]
Procedures: [rules]

Prepare a run sheet and procedural reminders. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Courtroom procedure prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.
Step 2Fill in [Hearing] and [Procedures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Direct courtroom activities or procedures..

Participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.

Context: The work draws on law and government and administrative.
Question: [legal, procedural]
Who: [judge, court staff]

Prepare a concise question and supporting facts. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Court staff consultation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in conferences or discussions.
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Confer with court staff to clarify information..

Supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.

A few times a year

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.

Context: The work draws on law and government and administrative.
Team: [assistants, clerks, volunteers]
Work: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Supervising legal staff

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise law students and volunteers. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Work] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 2.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise activities of other legal personnel..

Perform courtroom duties, including calling calendars, administering oaths, and swearing in jury panels and witnesses.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a judicial law clerk. Part of my job is to perform courtroom duties, including calling calendars, administering oaths, and swearing in jury panels and witnesses.

Context: The work draws on law and government and administrative.
Proceeding: [hearing, court]
Oath: [standard text]

Prepare the script and procedure. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Oath administration

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform courtroom duties.
Step 2Fill in [Proceeding] and [Oath] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 2.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Administer oaths to court participants.. Also involves: Coordinate legal schedules or activities..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Speakingimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Time Managementimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Active Learningimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  • Learning Strategiesimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Writingimportance 4.1/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 4.2/5
    Used in: Getting Information
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.5/5
    Used in: Getting Information
  • Active Listeningimportance 4.2/5
    Used in: Getting Information

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers51% human-led · Same preparation · $117,860/yr · usually doctoral degreeSkills to build: Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness
  • Lawyers35% human-led · Same preparation · $159,670/yr · usually doctoral degreeSkills to build: Persuasion, Negotiation, Systems Analysis

Getting into this job

Doctoral degree is most common (52% of workers)

  • High school or less 7%
  • Certificate or some college 2%
  • Graduate degree 91%
  • On-the-job training: up to 1 month
  • Related experience: 1–3 months
  • Professional certification: important (3.1/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values). Some of these estimates are lower precision.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe AcrobatMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word