JD to Judicial Clerk

Generally, a judicial clerk assists a judge in researching and drafting tentative orders.  Shall we delve into some specifics? Researching for a Judge Typical research that a judicial clerk performs revolves around a judge's motion calendar.  A motion calendar consists of moving papers, at a minimum.  The moving papers essentially ask the judge for some sort of relief.  For example, a party moving for summary judgment asks a judge to grant judgment as a matter of law.  Often times, moving papers will be met with opposing papers, which may be met with reply papers.  A judicial clerk will analyze all moving, opposing, and reply papers. In reading these papers, a judicial clerk must look to see if procedural and substantive elements are met in determining whether the relief requested may be properly provided.  The papers will, often times, include legal standards and explanatory law.  A judicial clerk must verify these legal standards and explanatory law as being persua