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This question is about what a law clerk does, what an associate does, and law clerk.
Law Clerk vs Associate
A law clerk is an attorney that provides direct assistance and counsel to a judge, while an associate is a lawyer who works at a law firm under the firm's partners.
A law clerk works with a judge by helping them make legal determinations and write opinions by researching issues before the court. They also draft trial briefs and other legal documents, review and verify briefs and legal authority, research and write bench memoranda, and orders.
An associate works at a law firm and typically is specialized in one or several areas of the law. An associate serves the law firm's client base, which may include individuals, corporations, and other organizations. They may participate in court cases or out-of-court settlements and other forms of arbitration.
Here are the key differences between a law clerk and an associate:
A law clerk works under a judge in a court of law
An associate works for a law firm, under the firm's partners
A law clerk mostly works in a court setting or a judge's office
An associate may work in a court setting, but also works in a host of other environments and capacities
An associate has a higher salary than a law clerk
An associate helps a firm represent individuals, corporations, and other organizations
A law clerk does not represent any clients, their duties are solely to assist a judge
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