Law Clerk

If you are interested in legal process and procedure, but the thought of a four year Bachelor of Law degree and one year as an articled clerk seems a bit daunting, you might want to consider becoming a law clerk instead. A law clerk assists a lawyer in a wide range of clerical, administrative and basic legal duties. They may be asked to draft letters to clients, solicitors or other parties and to assist with telephone inquiries.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Entry into this occupation is generally through Certificate III or higher qualification. In some instances, three years relevant work experience may substitute for the formal qualification. Of those people currently employed in this industry 14% have Bachelor degrees; 13% have Certificate III or IV; 10% have Certificate I or II; and 8% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas. Around 44% have no post-school qualifications. It is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment.

TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation: Certificate III and IV in Local Government, Certificate III and IV in Local Government (Regulatory Services), Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance) and the Diploma of Local Government Administration. For further information about award courses please check the TAFE SA website. Still unsure? Then contact the TAFE SA Information line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about availability of related short courses.

Progression to the position of a senior law clerk is possible but usually takes a number of years. A senior law clerk works mostly unsupervised and has increased responsibility. Your role as a senior law clerk may also involve the supervision of staff working as junior law clerks, secretaries and outside clerks. 'After several years practice as a law clerk, I feel that I can complete more complex tasks and that I am a significant part of the legal process. I enjoy knowing that I am a valuable asset to my employer', says a senior law clerk. There will always be a need for competent law clerks. However, due to a low staff turnover rate, job openings occur infrequently. Most people tend to stay employed in the same position for a number of years. Many positions are filled through networking, rather than through advertising. If you are someone with a good positive attitude and outlook, who can show that they are well organised and thorough, and willing to learn about legal procedures, then you will suit this occupation.

Property and Business Services

Law clerks are involved in a variety of legal tasks under the supervision of solicitors, barristers or clerks of court. Under the supervision of a lawyer, they establish client files and undertake any necessary searches and procedural tasks. They may also prepare simple legal documents for the lawyer's consideration and approval.

Law clerks are not, however, entitled to give legal advice or make any legally based decisions. That is the job of a qualified lawyer. The exact nature of a law clerk's duties is determined by the area of the law their employer specialises in. Law clerks working in the area of conveyancing, for example, will prepare legal documents such as transfers of land for the sale, purchase or rental of commercial or residential properties. If the law firm specialises in securities, law clerks are likely to prepare mortgage documents. If they are working in the area of probate, the law clerk will be involved in the preparation of wills.

There are many skills that a law clerk must possess. An understanding of legal terminology and good typing and computer skills are important. Excellent organisational skills are needed to ensure that files are in order and up to date. As a go between for the client and the lawyer, it is essential that law clerks have excellent oral communication skills and good presentation capabilities.

Most law clerks work in legal firms. However, there are opportunities for employment in government departments. Opportunities also exist in real estate and working for settlement and conveyancing agents. Most work is completed indoors in a normal office environment. The working day is usually from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, overtime is expected if a particular deadline has to be met.

A law clerk also provides assistance by undertaking research. Often they will search for previous cases where the final judgement of the court may be used as supporting evidence for a client's claim. One former law clerk and current articled clerk that we spoke to loved that aspect of the work. Being a law clerk can be both challenging and exciting, especially exploring the controversial and unpredictable side of the law. The size of the law firm will also play a role in determining the everyday duties of law clerks. In smaller law firms, law clerks may have a combined role of a law clerk, a receptionist and an 'outside' clerk. The duties of law clerks employed in larger firms tend to be more specialised and may involve quite detailed research. Large firms typically also engage 'outside' clerks who spend their time visiting courts and government agencies to lodge legal documents, or attending settlements for clients.

For further information, contact:

Law Society of South Australia
GPO Box 2066, Adelaide 5001
Ph: (08) 8229 0222
Fax: (08) 8231 1929
Email: email@lssa.asn.au
Website: www.lssa.asn.au

Legal Services Commission of South Australia
GPO Box 1718, Adelaide 5001
Ph: (08) 8463 3555
Fax: (08) 8463 3599
Email: lscswitch@saugov.sa.gov.au
Website: www.lsc.sa.gov.au

Salaries for law clerks vary from firm to firm. However, in general, salaries may range from approximately $35,000 through to $45,000 per year. Experienced, senior law clerks can earn more than this.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au