Judicial clerks work closely with the court. Clerks perform a wide range of tasks, including legal research, drafting memoranda, and drafting court opinions.
Trial court clerks may be responsible for assisting with discovery disputes, settlement conferences, and trials. Trial court clerks draft trial briefs and opinions.
Appellate judicial clerks often review the record from the trial court, review the parties’ briefs to the court, research the applicable law, and draft memoranda of law. Appellate clerks may also have the opportunity to draft opinions for the judge.
Responsibilities of clerks in specialized courts depend on the judge and docket.