Law clerk – job description and educational requirements

1. Law Clerk – Job Description and Educational Requirements
The job of a law clerk is mostly administrative, relieving attorneys and judges of their routine duties.
The professionals assist them in their day-to-day routine, such as researching cases, drafting legal
documents, and handling correspondence.
The typical work activities include:
 Studying legal documents to investigate facts of cases
 Preparing cases and determining the course of action
 Researching law sources to prepare briefs and arguments
 Preparing closing statements
 Serving copies of pleas to opposition counsel
 Arranging transportation for witnesses, if required
 Maintaining documents
 Maintaining law libraries of attorneys and judges
 Communicating public or parties involved in a case regarding procedural requirements
 Proofreading judicial opinions and citations
 Staying abreast with changes in law
 Researching court decisions, opinions and other information related to the cases
 Reviewing complaints, petitions and details provided
 Performing courtroom duties
 Responding to questions from public, judicial officers or court staff
The exact job roles and responsibilities may vary depending upon their employment and individual
experience.
Becoming a Law Clerk in Canada
Individuals aspiring to pursue their careers as judicial clerks in Canada need to
undergo a formal legal education or training. The minimum requirement to seek
entry level jobs is to have completed a post-secondary law clerk diploma.
The individuals should have a thorough understanding of Canadian Law in the
areas of family, corporate and civil litigation. They should also possess legal
research and writing skills. In addition, they should be able to apply their
knowledge in real-life legal situations.
Law Clerk Program
Centennial College’s two-year post-secondary law clerk program fully prepares
students for employment in legal profession. It is accredited by the Institute of
Law Clerks of Ontario and provides them an excellent opportunity to acquire
knowledge, skills and abilities to practice in this field.
The program covers a wide range of subjects, including strategies for business
success, current issues in Canadian Law, family law, real estate, civil litigation,
corporate law, legal research and writing, government boards and agencies,
wills and estates, and debtor-creditor and landlord-tenant law. A strong
emphasis is laid on legal communications and computers for judicial clerks.
The final semester includes a four-day-per-week supervised work placement to
provide invaluable work experience, allowing them to apply their classroom
learning to real-life legal situations. The work placement also provides them
with invaluable contacts that can be used as references when they actually
enter the world of work.

2. Enrollment Guide
In order to apply for the Law Clerk program, you need to submit:
 Secondary school diploma or equivalent
 English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
 Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
Students currently in high school can also apply for this course. Their midterm and final term grades
will be automatically transmitted to the college.
Benefits of the Law Clerk Program
The program offers numerous benefits to students considering building a career as a judicial clerk. It
 Emphasizes on practical and career-oriented assignments
 Consists of four days per week placement component
 Provides students an opportunity to find positions assisting a wide variety of legal practices
 Allows students to apply credits earned during the program towards higher studies
 Helps students obtain relevant work experience required to enter the world of work
Graduates of this program can either pursue their careers or choose to study further.