How to become a Law Clerk
Law clerks perform a variety of legal tasks under the supervision of solicitors, barristers or clerks of court. Law clerks may assist their employers in all areas of law, including probating (proving the validity of wills), conveyancing (dealings in land and property), criminal law, family law, wills and power of attorney, insurance law, environmental law, human rights law, company law and civil litigation.
Personal requirements for a Law Clerk
- Interested in the law
- Good knowledge of the English language
- Able to work accurately with attention to detail
- Able to think logically and clearly
Education & Training for a Law Clerk
You can work as a law clerk without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications. You may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.You can also become a law clerk through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Duties & Tasks of a Law Clerk
Law clerks:
- Search land titles to check details such as property boundaries and ownership
- Attend settlements for the purchase or sale of land
- Examine contracts and obtain relevant information so that solicitors can proceed with finalisation
- Fill out necessary forms and lodge them with government offices or the courts
- Undertake company, business name, bankruptcy and other searches
- Assist with maintenance of bookkeeping records
- Assist with the preparation of briefing papers for use by barristers when a solicitor's client has to go to court
- Assist clients by providing information about legal processes and statutory information
- Assist prosecution or defence lawyers in court and arrange for the attendance of witnesses at court
- Assist barristers and senior counsel with case management.
Tasks
- Assists solicitors in areas of conveyancing, contracts, common law, probate and other legal practice matters.
Employment Opportunities for a Law Clerk
Law clerks are employed in a wide range of industries. They work for independent law firms, barristers, government departments and the legal departments of large organisations. Many law clerks begin their careers as legal secretaries or receptionists, learning about the law and legal language before taking on more responsibility.
Specializations
Settlement Clerk
A settlement clerk performs specialised administration work associated with real estate settlements.
Law Clerk
Law clerks perform a variety of legal tasks under the supervision of solicitors, barristers or clerks of court. Law clerks may assist their employers in all areas of law, including probating (proving the validity of wills), conveyancing (dealings in land and property), criminal law, family law, wills and power of attorney, insurance law, environmental law, human rights law, company law and civil litigation.
Average age
30 years
Future Growth
Strong
Gender Share
81% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,119
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
60% Full-Time
Employment Size
8,100 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 2.8%
NSW: 29.1%
NT: 0.5%
QLD: 17.1%
SA: 5.1%
TAS: 1.9%
VIC: 36.3%
WA: 7.2%
Age brackets
15-19: 3.3%
20-24: 26.7%
25-34: 28.5%
35-44: 14.2%
45-54: 14.2%
55-59: 5.6%
60-64: 4.5%
65 and Over: 3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12%
Bachelor degree: 25.7%
Certificate III/IV: 8.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 8.1%
Year 10 and below: 6.6%
Year 11: 5.4%
Year 12: 33.3%
