What is a Law Clerk Diploma?
A law clerk diploma teaches students how to conduct legal research, interview witnesses, and write legal briefs for lawyers and judges. Law clerks are an integral part of any law office as they perform vital research tasks that help lawyers put cases together.
Having an interest in law is just one of the traits a person must possess in order to perform the job of law clerk. Other job skills include an attention to detail, ability to conduct online and library research, the ability to communicate verbally and in written communication, and a willingness to work long hours before a trial or court date.
Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, those who have a law clerk diploma can expect to earn between $31,000 and $49,000 annually.
Occupational Outlook
The BLS predicts that the law clerk field will continue to grow. This is due to several reasons. More law firms are seeking trained law clerks who can take over administrative and research related areas of cases. Changing laws and medical breakthroughs and failures have prompted a growing number of lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and doctors resulting in increase work for law firms.
Degree Specifics
Required Courses:
The courses required to earn a law clerk diploma include:
- Political science
- Introduction to the United States legal system
- Business and contract law
- Property law
Skills Obtained:
Students will learn a variety of skills while earning their diploma. Specific skills acquire may include the following:
- How to research
- How to use databases
- How to organize information
- How to find information in archives
- How to conduct interviews
- How to prep witnesses for upcoming trials.
