In a typical work setting, law clerks:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Have a medium level of contact with others. Clerks talk to lawyers or judges, but also spend time alone conducting research.
- Communicate by telephone, e-mail, letters, memos, and in person on a daily basis.
- Occasionally deal with conflict situations in which others are angry or rude.
- Sometimes work in a group or as part of a team.
Physical Work Conditions
- Always work indoors.
- May share the same office space with other clerks or judicial employees.
Work Performance
- Must be exact in their work. Errors could cause evidence to be thrown out or clients to lose their cases.
- Make decisions that affect other clerks and claimants on a daily basis. They make most of their decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
- Set some of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
- Work in a competitive environment and meet weekly deadlines.
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- Repeat the same activities often, such as writing briefs.
Hours/Travel
- Usually work at least 40 hours per week.
- Generally work a set schedule.
- May work nights and weekends to meet deadlines on cases.