Career as Law Clerk

Law clerk is a person who assists a judge in making decisions pertaining to legal matters. Law clerks are, in fact, well skilled lawyers who work in one of the most important positions in the legal system. The main responsibilities of a law clerk are to assist the judge in court room proceedings, manage documents and coordinate with chambers staff, court personnel and litigants. The prime duty of a law clerk is to make thorough research and analyze complex civil and criminal cases, assist the judge in legal proceedings, manage the chambers library and supervising the staff of chambers.

The position of law clerk has become more important and prestigious, because as a law clerk, one can make recommendations related to the disposition of appeals that could affect a judge's decision. Therefore, the job of a law clerk is very challenging. To become a law clerk, one should have excellent writing skills, ability to make well researched opinion and knowledge of statutory law, court proceeding, rules of judiciary and the court system. In the present time, many institutes in India have included courses for law clerks in their curriculum.

Course Details
Many institutions in India are now conducting courses in the field of law. The courses are generally offered at the undergraduate level. To be eligible, the students must have passed in 10+2 level examination with any stream from any institute or university recognized by Bar Council of India. During the course, the students are given opportunities to work as legal trainee under judges of the Supreme Court of India.

Career Prospects
Law clerks have become integral part of the judicial system of India. Many judges are seeking talented law clerks as their legal advisors, so that they could make the right decision in legal matters. After pursuing LLB, one can join any organization as law clerk. The Registry of the Supreme Court of India invites applications every year for the job of law clerk-cum research assistant. After gaining experience at the junior level, one can work as efficient law clerk.

Top Colleges Offering UG/PG/Other Courses
A number of law institutes in India impart education in the field of law clerk, through various courses. Some of the prominent law institutes are National Law School of India University (Bangalore) and ILS Law College (Pune). Many other law institutes also offer courses for becoming law clerks.

Remuneration
As a beginner, a law clerk can earn between Rs 8000 and Rs 10000 per month. On the other hand, experienced law clerks can get around Rs 15000 - 18000 per month. Law clerks in the Supreme Court of India are being paid around Rs 20000 per month.