Why clerk for a trial court

The trial court law clerks come from a variety of schools across the country. For more information see our listing of law schools. To learn more about the current Trial Court Law Clerks, click on the link underneath their pictures to view their biographies.

To see articles on the law clerk program, click here. Circuit Courier Excerpts To see articles on the law clerk program, click here. Mary Boning. Judge Daniel T. Working contacts are established with judges and other trial court personnel. Work is performed under the general supervision of a senior staff attorney, and is reviewed in progress as required and upon completion. Drafts proposed orders for motions filed in and issues arising during death penalty cases; drafts proposed orders imposing a life-or-death sentence in death penalty cases.

Reviews files, evidence, depositions, pleadings, motions, legal briefs, and memoranda of law, proposed orders and other related documentation in order to advise judges in a variety of legal areas. Provides immediate legal research and recommendations required by judges conducting court sessions.

Appellate court clerks are expected to spend more time on a fewer number of cases and therefore these clerkships are less hectic and hurried than trial court clerkships. Appellate court clerks have little or no contact with the litigants, but have frequent contact with the other judges and clerks as opinions are circulated and discussed.

As a result, these clerks witness and participate in the court's collective decision-making process while advising his or her judge on the merits of draft opinions. Career and Professional Development.