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Job outlook for law clerks in the United States
Law clerk job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected law clerk job growth rate is 10% from 2018-2028.
About 80,200 new jobs for law clerks are projected over the next decade.
Law clerk salaries have increased 11% for law clerks in the last 5 years.
There are over 193,375 law clerks currently employed in the United States.
There are 75,014 active law clerk job openings in the US.
The average law clerk salary is $55,916.
Are law clerk jobs in demand?
Law clerk job and salary trends over time
Law clerk jobs over time
Law clerk job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 193,375 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 187,641 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 189,037 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 184,493 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 179,268 | 0.05% |
Average law clerk salary over time
Law clerk salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,916 | $26.88 | +6.5% |
| 2024 | $52,513 | $25.25 | +0.9% |
| 2023 | $52,056 | $25.03 | +4.3% |
| 2022 | $49,908 | $23.99 | --0.8% |
| 2021 | $50,326 | $24.19 | +2.0% |
Law clerk jobs by state
Most common states for law clerks
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 315 | 45% |
| 2 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 488 | 17% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 127 | 17% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 96 | 17% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 871 | 16% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 651 | 16% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 283 | 15% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 144 | 15% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,067 | 14% |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 967 | 14% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 764 | 14% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 490 | 14% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 121 | 14% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 5,166 | 13% |
| 15 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 894 | 13% |
| 16 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 822 | 13% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 401 | 13% |
| 18 | Vermont | 623,657 | 81 | 13% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 712 | 12% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 210 | 12% |
Most common cities for law clerks
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 15 | 2% | $107,457 |
| 2 | Altoona | 1 | 2% | $51,906 |
| 3 | Rosemead | 1 | 2% | $69,423 |
| 4 | West Des Moines | 1 | 2% | $43,726 |
| 5 | Alexandria | 1 | 1% | $54,843 |
| 6 | Silver Spring | 1 | 1% | $52,689 |
| 7 | Sioux City | 1 | 1% | $43,468 |
| 8 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $69,607 |
| 9 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $79,294 |
| 10 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $63,694 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $37,251 |
| 12 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $68,561 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $42,981 |
| 14 | New York | 1 | 0% | $84,006 |
Law Clerk job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of law clerk experts
University of North Dakota
Rollins College
University of Houston
University of Cincinnati
Catholic University of America
Berkeley College
Lewis and Clark School of Law
The University of Illinois at Chicago
California University of Pennsylvania
University of Iowa
Drake University
University of Houston - Clear Lake
University of California - Davis
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Faulkner University
Ferris State University
New England Law | Boston
Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University
What general advice would you give to a Law Clerk?
Kimberly Dasse: The concept of a legal career encompasses a wide array of roles, extending beyond the traditional associate-partner trajectory. I therefore recommend that law students plan early. While still in school, seek out internships or externships that afford opportunities to explore diverse roles, such as placements at non-profits, district attorney’s offices, public defender’s offices, and law firms. This type of exposure will help students to determine what roles align best with their personal circumstances, identity, and aspirations. Once a course is set, pursue that path with determination. As practitioners, they should strive to excel by applying their academic knowledge and life experiences to their work. Pose thoughtful questions that reflect genuine engagement and consideration for the work. Cultivate mentoring relationships with seasoned professionals who can offer guidance in navigating legal practice and office dynamics. The above steps are particularly important for first-generation professionals. As new entrants to the profession, one may not have a built-in or pre-existing network, so building connections early in law school can yield significant benefits later when transitioning into the profession.
What Law Clerk skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kimberly Dasse: By taking the steps I have outlined above, new entrants will set themselves up for success by finding the right roles for themselves and developing valued skills.
What will help Law Clerks increase their earning potential?
Kimberly Dasse: Lawyers must adeptly navigate a diverse array of roles, ranging from advisors to counselors to planners, writers, researchers, supervisors, and more. Aside from producing quality legal work, reflect on your other strengths and dedicate time to developing yourself further. A skilled lawyer who is also an excellent manager of people offers a unique set of skills that may appeal to upper legal management in your organization. As the legal landscape evolves, I believe two key skills will emerge: technology and teamwork. The integration of AI into legal services is reshaping the profession with more innovation on the horizon. For our clients, blockchain technology, data analytics, and digitized workplaces are becoming standard. Thus, technology will become more embedded into an array of fields, not just “techie” industries. Those who follow and understand technological developments will engage the worlds our clients live in, enhance their own efficiency within their firms and deliver cost-effective services. Consequently, I urge new entrants to deepen their technological understanding and remain abreast of advancements. Additionally, collaboration lies at the heart of legal work, but its dynamics are transforming. While a solid grasp of technology is pivotal for future legal careers, honing interpersonal skills is equally vital. The future legal team may encompass a wide range of professionals in virtual settings. Thus, lawyers with high emotional intelligence who are adept at motivating individuals, building teams, and integrating the work of diverse professionals will become a valued skill. Accordingly, as lawyers consider ways to develop their skills, they should consider refining their skills as managers, supervisors, or coaches.
What general advice would you give to a Law Clerk?
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: Find a mentor and be involved with your local legal associations. Porter Gale said, “your network is your net worth.” And, I couldn’t agree more! As a new paralegal, legal operations specialist, or attorney, growing your network helps in all aspects of your career. You will gain new skills, increase your business development ability, engage in meaningful volunteering opportunities, and truly find an area of law you want to specialize in.
What Law Clerk skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: GenAI! Which means highlights the importance of skills like organization, communication, and consensus building. The legal field has historically been technology hesitant, but the pandemic and AI have forced the use and adaptation of technology. AI’s exponential growth will require new skills at a lightning fast pace. A bellwether in the legal field is eDiscovery as it requires the ability to organize massive amounts of information as well as clearly and concisely communicate the information. AI is helping paralegals and attorneys do just this! Finally, in a world that often hides behind screens, having the ability to build consensus and connect with others will be invaluable.
What will help Law Clerks increase their earning potential?
Charity Rohlfs J.D.: Do your research and clearly communicate your ask with supporting evidence. A simple internet search will provide you actual salary ranges. An applicant then needs to take this information and explain why X is the amount based on individual specifics. Also, never negotiated against yourself—meaning sometimes you need to be silent and wait.
Mike Gunter Ph.D.
Director, Holt International AffairsRollins College
International Relations Faculty
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Mike Gunter Ph.D.: Critical thinking is what we emphasize most and what studies show employers value most. This applies to both oral presentations and the written word. The truth is, today's graduates will hold well over a dozen different jobs in their careers. Oftentimes, you will have little to no training for those jobs. You will need to learn on the job. Solid critical thinking skills are a huge asset in negotiating this process.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Law Clerks?
Mike Gunter Ph.D.: Good writing will always be crucial. There are all types of audiences, of course, so you need to adjust accordingly. But even as technology changes, good writing will remain a valuable asset.
What skills stand out on Law Clerk resumes?
Katherine Butler Brem: From the 30,000 foot view, the things that stand out on a new lawyer's resume are things that reflect work ethic and intellect. This is why lawyers, perhaps more than any other profession, are "credentials conscious." To an employer, GPA is important because it reflects both intellect and a good work ethic. Of course, where you go to law school is also important. But there are other things students can do to enhance these qualities of work ethic and intellect on their resumes. Journal work reflects a strong work ethic and is, typically, derivative of a student's GPA. Participating in moot court and mock trial also indicate strong work ethic and a student's willingness to think hard about difficult problems. Employers also appreciate things that reflect practical skills: judicial internships, summer clerkships, and other work experience, as well as clinic experience. Clinics offer a wealth of real-world experience. I always tell students that even if they don't intend to do work similar to the work they do in a clinic - immigration work, for example - the people skills they learn dealing with real-world clients are invaluable, and the knowledge they take away will be useful for a lifetime.
And if students have any unique characteristic that sets them apart from the average law student, definitely include that on your resume. If you were a fishing guide in the summers, for example, or a zip line instructor at a summer camp, include it. Our career counselors usually advise against including this sort of non-legal experience but, when I was in practice and interviewing law students, it was the first thing my colleagues and I looked for. A lot of resumes look more or less the same - making your resume memorable may move your resume to the top of a pile. On two occasions, students have told me this advice was very helpful. One was a ballerina for a professional company in Poland before emigrating to the United States and attending college and then law school. The other had an FFA scholarship in college that required her to castrate hogs as part of a work-study experience. Each told me they left these experiences on their resumes against Career Development's advice, yet it was all anyone ever asked about during interviews. And, interestingly, both were offered employment at firms that typically looked for students with better traditional qualifications.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Law Clerks?
Katherine Butler Brem: Two things: Research skills, especially research skills specific to a particular specialty area like tax or immigration. If you're looking for work in these fields, you need to be knowledgeable about where and how to research law relevant to these specialties. Secondly, just minimum competence in the technology you need to practice law in the absence of significant administrative assistance - things like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and billing software.
James Tomaszewski
Director of the Center for Professional DevelopmentUniversity of Cincinnati
College of Law
What hard/technical skills are most important for Law Clerks?
James Tomaszewski: Excellent writing skills.
What skills will help Law Clerks earn the most?
James Tomaszewski: Hard work, excellent writing, and interpersonal finesse.
What skills stand out on Law Clerk resumes?
James Tomaszewski: Demonstrated commitment to a particular practice area, especially experiential learning opportunities such as externships and clinics.
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
James Tomaszewski: Engagement, Resilience, Responsiveness, Respectfulness, Integrity.
Chad Smith
Director of Legal ProgramsCatholic University of America
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies
What skills stand out on Law Clerk resumes?
Chad Smith: Skills that stand out are those that point directly to a professor's ability to teach, present, and explain. Multifaceted. Personable. Memorable. So, I generally look for public speaking experience, trial experience, excellent communication, writing, and legal research skills.
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Chad Smith: Soft skills are those intangibles that every great professor has- a dynamic presenter that commands the attention and interest of their class/audience. These are the professors that intuitively know how to communicate lessons and convey meaning. Strong reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking, and flexibility. Last, is leadership as every great professor needs to lead their class and be comfortable being the center of attention.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Law Clerks?
Chad Smith: Most important would have to be strong computer and related technology skills. In today's world, more and more professors are having to rely on the use of technology and platforms such as Zoom, Blackboard, and Canvas for remote/online learning. Professors today need to be able to convey information in-person and online.
What skills will help Law Clerks earn the most?
Chad Smith: I do not think there is a particular skill or set of skills that allows a professor to earn the most. Rather, it is a combination of everything from skills, legal knowledge, ability to teach dynamically, positive attitude, etc. In order to earn the most, you really have to be very good at all aspects of the job and a very strong educator that positively impacts student learning.
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Traci Dingle Ph.D.: Important soft skills include emotional intelligence and attention to detail. Working in the legal field, you may interact with attorneys, clients, or the public during stressful times. Accordingly, it is crucial to have self-awareness to be able to understand and control your emotions. It is also essential to gauge the feelings of others to provide the needed resources to support them and to show empathy, as working through the legal process may be emotional for some. Lastly, it is vital to exercise attention to detail when drafting documents or when talking with clients, as errors or not remembering important information about the client may imply that you or the office does not care about the client. Remember, you are a representative of the office, and your actions also reflect back on your colleagues.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Law Clerks?
Joel Silverman: We are unique, in that we are looking for team players and attorneys that want to market and learn about the business of law. For us, it is imperative that an attorney keep an open mind towards learning about more than just the law, but about psychology, business, marketing, sales and the law. We aren't looking for experts, but those that want to grow in a more wholistic sense, within the practice of law.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Joel Silverman: I believe that the biggest trend we will see in the job market is that job seekers are going to have to become more flexible. Not only are they going to have to think about what is going to get them a job, but what are they going to bring to the table for an employer in a rapidly changing market? How can the recent graduate bring more than just the same old legal knowledge? Do they have marketing and sales experience? How can a new attorney help a firm with their social media presence? IT experience and remote learning/educating? Technology continues to evolve and shape the way in which we practice our craft and market our skills. The new graduate has the potential for a set of skills that the employer does not have and therefore, the graduate has to make that part of their practice shine.
How have salaries changed over time for Law Clerks?
Joel Silverman: Absolutely. Salaries have gone up by 50%, since I started, 20 years ago. Unfortunately, the cost of education has gone up faster than the increase in salaries. With that said, an attorney truly has a sky's the limit to their salary. If an attorney can understand the business of the practice of law, then that attorney has a leg up on all other competition. The business of the practice will also change, based upon the firm you are working in, at the time. However, the end result is that the better you understand the business (which isn't taught in law school), then the more you will make within the practice.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Mark Wojcik: The economy is in a "K-shaped recovery." Some businesses and industries are in the upper part of that "K," and they're doing well. Other businesses and industries are in decline -- the lower part of that "K." Law firms that represent clients in the upper part of that K are succeeding. These client companies are expanding and have legal work for firms.
Law firms also did well when their clients were able to take advantage of pandemic relief funding. These clients were often larger companies that benefitted from that government support.
I recommend that students and new lawyers get involved in bar associations. You'll be able to network and learn about which firms are doing well. Be active in a visible way -- volunteer to speak at an upcoming meeting or write an article for the bar journal or a committee newsletter.
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Mark Wojcik: New lawyers need to have good communication skills. Even in an age of Zoom meetings, new lawyers have to be able to pick up a phone and be comfortable having a phone conversation. Law firm partners tell me that their associates know how to text someone but they don't know how to call someone. If you're a law student or new lawyer and you recognize that you're uncomfortable making phone calls, pick up a phone and practice!
When lawyers do text or email, it's important to read that message before you hit send. You might be surprised, for example, to see that AutoCorrect changed the name of your client. Read that message before you click send. And if you can't read it, why should anyone else?
How have salaries changed over time for Law Clerks?
Mark Wojcik: Some firms have skipped or reduced year-end bonuses, but that may be a temporary reduction during the pandemic. Other firms, however, did give bonuses and some even gave double bonuses, particularly where the firms had lower office overhead when attorneys worked from home.
Public sector salaries have stayed constant. Some salaries may have risen slightly to keep up with cost of living.
And at small-to-midsize firms, salaries are similar to what they have been for over a decade. Salaries at those firms are more dependent upon practice area, experience level, and volume of business. And even at small firms that may start new grads at $50-60K, there are usually opportunities to add to that salary by developing business for the firm.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Brian Kohlhepp: I think that many folks have taken advantage of workplace flexibility and have sought additional education. This increased enrollment in Master's degree as well as post-graduate certificate programs.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Law Clerks?
Brian Kohlhepp: Largely, this would be acquiring a Master's degree. Many folks obtain this degree for an advancement at their current employer or in order to make themselves a more attractive candidate to the overall job field.
How have salaries changed over time for Law Clerks?
Brian Kohlhepp: Salaries have definitely increased especially for those with advanced degrees. We have seen a rise in need for those with advanced degrees in Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, and Homeland Security.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Bram Elias: Yes, definitely. (What will the enduring impact be? Ah. I have pretty much no idea. I happily defer to the wisdom of Melissa in Career Services!)
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Bram Elias: So much of legal work is research, analysis and writing - so any job that involves learning new things and synthesizing what you've learned into a written final product is helpful, especially if you have to get work done on tight deadlines. Journalism is great. Advocating on behalf of others is great. Policy advocacy, politics, non-profit work - all great. Doing something you care about. For folks who haven't had any exposure to lawyers in their life, it can be useful to have some time seeing what lawyers really do all day so you know what you're getting into - so working as a paralegal, an investigator for lawyers, a translator for lawyers, or for a court system - all great. Really, any job at all is great, as long as it's a job you care about and want to do well. And no job at all is fine too! The most important thing is knowing why you want to go to law school in the first place.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Katie Atkinson Overberg: The legal market is learning a little later than others how remote work can be successful. Hopefully this will allow attorneys to better balance their professional commitments with personal needs. Remote work can also help law students, for example, if they can remotely compete for an internship that may have otherwise been geographically unavailable to them, allowing them to experience new fields of law. Finally, most employers seem to prefer in-person recruitment when possible, although we all now know we have the flexibility and capability to hold successful recruitment events virtually if the need arises.
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Katie Atkinson Overberg: The pandemic has shown us how important it is to be a problem-solver, to be adaptable, and to be a team player. In addition, skills such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and resiliency will always add to a lawyer's talents.
How have salaries changed over time for Law Clerks?
Katie Atkinson Overberg: Legal salaries vary greatly by employer size and geography. The Midwest, and Iowa in particular, has maintained a steady yet conservative increase before the pandemic and held steady during the pandemic, hoping to avoid the cuts and layoffs that occurred during 2008.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Vanessa Johnson: The biggest trends that I have noticed are:
-More remote / work from home opportunities.
-Stagnant and/or reduced compensation (e.g., delayed or smaller merit increases, limited bonuses, reducing or eliminating company match on 401K) due to the economic uncertainty.
-Layoffs, accompanied by severance packages with reduced benefits (compared to pre-pandemic)
-Reduced participation by women in the workforce due to childcare difficulties caused by the pandemic.
-More of a focus on recruiting and retaining diverse talent (driven by the racial unrest / exposure of systemic racism, not the pandemic)
What technical skills for a Law Clerk stand out to employers?
Vanessa Johnson: Data and/or statistical analysis skills, accounting / financial management skills, and coding / programming skills are the technical skills that come to mind. Many people don't think of human resources are a quantitative function, but analytical and financial skills are foundational to all corporate functions. Additionally, because of the overall influence of technology in business, basic coding / programming skills are becoming increasingly important in all corporate functions. Finally, I don't know whether or not language skills fall into the "technical skills" category, but I have seen growth in the requirement of or preference for employees that are bilingual (English and Spanish).
How have salaries changed over time for Law Clerks?
Vanessa Johnson: Generally, I think that human resources salaries mirror the broader market, varying based on location, industry, and specialization. The growth in pay is lower in industries that have been hit hard by the pandemic. However, I think the move to more remote work will result in increased demand for, and therefore the salaries of, compensation specialists. Companies will probably adjust their pay strategies and practices to respond to these changes.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Kevin Johnson: The job market continues to be robust. Hiring by many employers was put off from August to January. Besides the timing change, the hiring market has the hiring of our students has been steady.
How have salaries changed over time for Law Clerks?
Kevin Johnson: Salaries do not seem to have change much to this point in time.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Law Clerks?
Robert Birrenkott: I think there will be enduring impacts of the pandemic on recent law graduates entering the legal profession in 2021. The pandemic forced nearly every segment of the legal sector to adopt technological solutions at the exact same time. Whether it was courts allowing parties to appear by video platforms, law offices transitioning to work from home arrangements, or client meetings that used to take place in person now occurring virtually, the vast majority of the legal profession simultaneously made these adjustments.
As a result, I think the legal industry collectively has become more accepting of these platforms and realized that there can be increases in efficiency without adversely impacting the delivery of legal services. So, while I think these changes were forced by the pandemic, the legal profession will elect to retain them, and in that sense, the pandemic will create an enduring impact on recent graduates. These changes may afford more flexibility for recent graduates in terms of working from home, but if this is the case, it may also make it more difficult for recent graduates to build relationships with others within their organizations.
What's a day at work look like for a Law Clerk?
Robert Birrenkott: I think the very nature of what it means to be "at work" is currently up for consideration. Before the pandemic, there would have been a very clear understanding of what this meant. Now, this is more open for debate. Lawyers have realized that their work can be done in a remote fashion in a manner that may reduce costs and increase productivity. I would not be surprised if a segment of recent graduates were "at work" despite not leaving their home.
What will help Law Clerks increase their earning potential?
Robert Birrenkott: First, recent graduates should be prepared to work hard and demonstrate the ability to deliver a high quality product. In a law firm setting, a recent graduate's "client" is likely to be an internal lawyer with more seniority, and it is important to demonstrate to your client the ability to provide outstanding service and produce outstanding work. Second, seek out more established associates at the firm with stellar reputations, and learn how they were able to advance so you can follow in their footsteps.
Third, begin to strengthen client development skills and identify outside organizations to become involved in. While there is not an expectation that you will bring in new business in the early stage of your career, that does not mean recent graduates should ignore beginning to develop skills in this arena... begin to cultivate relationships that will develop over time. Fourth, take care of yourself and be patient. There is a steep learning curve for recent graduates, so be kind to yourself, develop good habits, and keep the big picture in mind as you begin your legal career.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Law Clerks?
Bryan Morgan: Passing the State Bar Exam in the states where our graduates will practice is the key certification for each graduate. Preparation for the exam and the actual taking of the exam are impacted by the coronavirus but all of the State Bars have given several exams in the coronavirus environment.
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Bryan Morgan: As mentioned earlier, the Class of 2021 can adapt and are also resilient which should help them succeed in their legal careers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: Within the Criminal Justice system, the job market has been open despite the pandemic. Those with the master's degree or are working on their degree are being hired quicker than those with just a B.S. Case in point--one student just got hired last week at the Department of Health & Human Services.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Law Clerks?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In Michigan, to be a police officer you must have MCOLES certification and to be a correctional officer you need the MCOTC certification, which Ferris offers both for the undergraduate. We also have defensive tactics and firearms available for students as well. On the master's level, though, the degree itself works to 1) get on the ground floor of a desired job, 2) get federal employment, 3) prepare for law school, and 4) to apply to a Ph.D. program as well as 5) get promoted within the field. Thus, if an undergraduate has MCOLES certification and the master's degree, they get hired quicker than those who don't have the master's degree.
What's a good job out of college for Law Clerks?
Nancy Hogan Ph.D.: In our field, policing, probation, jail or prison correctional officer, or social services (whether private or public) are very good jobs, particularly if they are state employed or federally employed.
Peter Towne
Assistant Director of Career Services and Pro Bono CoordinatorNew England Law | Boston
Career Services Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Peter Towne: The legal world has been fortunate in not being hit as hard by the pandemic as other sectors of the economy. As with others though, we've seen a big shift towards remote work and increased flexibility in the workplace location. Thankfully, even now with many courthouses shifting to remote hearings and appearances for the time being, the past year has proven that most legal work can be done in a remote capacity and so there are still jobs and opportunity to be had. A silver lining here as well is that anything that was litigation based and had significant slowdowns due to the initial shutdown, will still likely see consistent work increases moving forward due to the now mounting backlog in the court system that will keep litigators busy for years to come.
Also, we are likely to see other upward shifts in legal work similar to other economic down turns, as there tends to be an uptick in the kinds of legal work that helps sort out the challenges faced when things go poorly. In other words, any areas where there are widespread economic challenges, the fallout tends to create legal work. For example, we'll likely see increases in bankruptcy filings, mortgage/foreclosure related litigation, evictions/housing disputes, issues around unemployment benefits, and general consumer protection actions related to consumer debt and predatory lending practices. Interestingly, despite the challenges of the pandemic, another area that has seen consistent work is real estate, resulting from the positive impact of lower borrowing costs, and perhaps some urban flight. There also is likely to be a continued uptick in divorce filings and family law related disputes.
Long term there will inevitably be other unique or novel challenges that crop up that attorneys will be called in to assist with as a result of the current crisis. Some of these may be related to contract disputes in the entertainment industry or event planning, as well as possible changes in the insurance landscape relating to business interruption insurance, workers compensation coverage, or health insurance issues.
What technical skills for a Law Clerk stand out to employers?
Peter Towne: In a typical law office or other legal setting, technical skills aren't the biggest priority as much of the work in the legal world was still highly analog prior to 2020. Overall, the expectations are set fairly low in this category for legal practitioners as a result, but there is a certain amount of basic skill that is assumed in using software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. The past year has created some opportunity for those that are skilled in a virtual setting, i.e. using video conferencing or knowing how to file documents electronically, to stand out.
I would encourage any law student to take advantage of the various opportunities in law school to learn as much as they can about using legal research platforms, including certifications offered by Lexis and Westlaw. Though it can be difficult to predict what methods a legal employer will use for this part of the job, the skills are easily transferrable. In a similar way, familiarity with practice management, billing, or administrative software can be an advantage. It may not be a "need to have" for a candidate to get a great job, but certainly a "nice to have" that can help boost a candidates profile.
What's a good job out of college for Law Clerks?
Peter Towne: Out of law school, a good job can look very different depending on each person's interests and aspirations. That being said, generally a good job is one in legal practice, i.e. requires bar passage a license to practice law, or a position that requires a level of skill or knowledge that having a juris doctor degree provides an advantage, such as in compliance, regulatory affairs, corporate governance, data privacy/security, HR, or risk management.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Law Clerks?
Paula Smith: The answer to this is yes, but it will include both positive and negative impacts. I think the job market for law jobs remains a bit under previous years at this time. It may take more time for a robust rebound to the hiring levels of previous years. We are seeing constant, small steps toward recruiting both upcoming graduates and laterals. On the positive side, our upcoming graduates have proven themselves with resilience and agility to meet the challenges of remote learning and they maintain an expectation of success. I think the grit and determination of this group will be the enduring characteristics of the Class of 2021.
What's a good job out of college for Law Clerks?
Paula Smith: The first professional legal job out of law school covers every area of law and every geography. Every legal job provides opportunity for growth and experience in the profession. Students choose law firms, government agencies, and public interest jobs according to their interest and passion. Some graduates work in civil litigation, others work in criminal prosecution or criminal defense. Some choose a more client-centered practice area including family law, personal injury, or legal aid services.
What technical skills for a Law Clerk stand out to employers?
Paula Smith: Legal employers are seeking young lawyers with a good academic grasp of the law, excellent legal research and writing skills, advocacy abilities including negotiation, trial, and appellate exposure, and personal attributes of integrity, teamwork, diligence, resilience, and an expectation of success.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Law Clerk job market given the pandemic?
Jennifer Brobst: Legal job growth often follows political conflict and calls for reform. In this respect, I think there will be an array of health law positions addressing the health insurance market, in both private practice and as counsel for insurance companies or for state and federal government agencies. We also continue to see the fallout from the 2008 economic crisis, where wages for all but the highest earners never seemed to recover, only to be exacerbated by the pandemic and resulting job losses.
This current administration will probably try to address this disparity by increasing government agency middle income positions in housing, employment, and education. Lawyers will be needed to fill those new agency positions and if grant funding increases to nonprofits, then starter positions in legal advocacy nonprofits will be interesting, but lower-paid jobs for new attorneys, particularly for the reform-minded Millennials and Gen Z cadre. The international global market is more important than ever and attorneys able to be mobile may find more opportunities in the larger firms and as corporate counsel if, and when, the pandemic shutdowns finally disappear. An interesting area of increasing need will be in the medical-legal and public health fields, where an Executive Order from President Biden has already put in place a new COVID-19 board to coordinate federal public health efforts and the creation of a national public health surveillance database. Privacy attorneys and those advocating for and against expansion of traditionally local public health law into a federal oversight approach will be needed. I also think that job opportunities will continue to grow for attorneys working for the online legal technology companies like LegalZoom, as cross-jurisdictional practice relaxes, as seen in some of the reform of the Rules of Professional Conduct and related ethics opinions.
Traditional job opportunities in small and medium-sized regional firms engaged, for example, in family law, small business law, and trusts and estates, may be fewer for awhile, as middle-class clients may not be able to afford legal services until their own employment situations recover. Positions in the criminal justice legal fields are more difficult to predict. Crime rates have been declining for decades, but movements against mass incarceration and racial injustice may support better resources for public defender offices that are cash-strapped and under-staffed.
What soft skills should all Law Clerks possess?
Jennifer Brobst: Two soft skills come to mind immediately: kindness and self-restraint. I have noticed that this generation of new attorneys is less accustomed to taking conflict in stride. What I mean is that in a social media world, one can overreact without facing the other person or simply walk away without responding to a text or post that seems confrontational or disrespectful. In person, there is usually no way to walk away without making the situation worse, so we get better and better at figuring out how to respond with kindness, humor, and patience. That is an excellent skill to have with clients who naturally feel stressed, or with overworked or overzealous opposing counsel or judges.
As to self-restraint, many ethics violations occur among attorneys who feel overwhelmed by their workload. Law school is the best place to learn how to figure out how to manage one's time, and to learn self-restraint -- i.e., when to stop and move on to the next task. This quality of self-restraint will not only help to make sure that new attorneys are reliable on behalf of their clients, but that they are happy with their job for the long-haul. There will always be more clients, but an attorney who knows their limits, but still gets the job done, will be glad to be an attorney throughout their career.
What's a day at work look like for a Law Clerk?
Jennifer Brobst: Recent graduates who are newly employed will be relieved to learn that there is always some leeway given to the new hire, at least for a little while. Even the harshest supervising attorneys will put together some form of onboarding. If they don't, and a recent graduate working as a deputy prosecuting attorney, for example, is sent to court without instruction, then it will show if they appear lost as to what to do. It's a little humiliating, but the best of attorneys have been through it. Recent graduates need to be willing to be professional and ask court clerks, opposing counsel, judges, and others in the profession basic questions when necessary.
On the other hand, new attorneys in large firms may find the onboarding process frustrating if it is very extensive, as they may want to jump in the deep end and have more responsibility more quickly. If the pandemic continues to impact whether attorneys must work from home, it may be a little lonely at first, working remotely at a new job. However, this will be temporary, and all new attorneys hopefully will remember to appreciate that they have successfully finished law school and passed the bar, a major accomplishment, in itself. During the pandemic, attorneys have been considered essential workers and there is a reason for that. They genuinely are of service to their communities, especially in times of crisis.