Judicial law clerks

Job Zone

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.96
Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.96
Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.95
Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.91
Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.91
Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.78
Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.75
Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.66
Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.63
Verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.63
Communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.60
Respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.56

Show all 18 →

Coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.54
Participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.46
Prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.44
Supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.41
Maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.32
Perform courtroom duties, including calling calendars, administering oaths, and swearing in jury panels and witnesses.31

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension88
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening81
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking81
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing78
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving63
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Show all 35 →

Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Negotiation44
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion44
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
Service Orientation41
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation35
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Mathematics22
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Personnel Resources19
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Quality Control Analysis19
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Technology Design16
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Management of Material Resources6
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis6
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Operations Monitoring6
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Management of Financial Resources0
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Law and Government97
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language86
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administrative63
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics47
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Public Safety and Security44
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management32
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Communications and Media31
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Customer and Personal Service25
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
History and Archeology20
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Economics and Accounting19
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mathematics17
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Philosophy and Theology16
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Show all 33 →

Psychology14
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Personnel and Human Resources13
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Telecommunications13
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Geography12
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Education and Training11
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sociology and Anthropology9
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation8
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Design5
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Medicine and Dentistry4
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Therapy and Counseling4
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Biology2
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Building and Construction2
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Chemistry2
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Mechanical2
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Sales and Marketing2
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Physics1
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Engineering and Technology0
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Production and Processing0
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Written Comprehension88
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension81
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression81
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Expression78
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Deductive Reasoning69
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity69
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility63
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Show all 52 →

Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Originality44
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Memorization41
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Mathematical Reasoning38
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility38
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed38
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination38
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Time Sharing35
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Finger Dexterity22
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Visualization22
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Hearing Sensitivity19
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Trunk Strength13
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Manual Dexterity10
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Arm-Hand Steadiness6
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision6
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Strength6
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Depth Perception0
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information96
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing Data or Information89
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates78
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Processing Information75
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Working with Computers74
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems73
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others71
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards68
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work65
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge63
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships57
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Show all 41 →

Thinking Creatively56
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information43
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others41
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others36
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings31
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing Administrative Activities31
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People29
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing Objectives and Strategies27
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others27
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization26
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public25
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Controlling Machines and Processes19
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Selling or Influencing Others19
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Training and Teaching Others14
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Scheduling Work and Activities12
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coaching and Developing Others11
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others10
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams10
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information9
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Handling and Moving Objects8
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Staffing Organizational Units8
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment5
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates4
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources2
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Performing General Physical Activities1
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Intellectual Curiosity79
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cautiousness78
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation71
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Control62
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Perseverance60
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance53
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Cooperation52
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Confidence50
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Sincerity46
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Show all 20 →

Initiative42
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity41
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Adaptability34
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Social Orientation30
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility26
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Innovation20
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Empathy16
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism10
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional68
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising59
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Investigative50
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social40
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic18
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Realistic10
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day98%
E-Mail
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important90%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day75%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results56%
- Important results44%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually60%
- More than half the time33%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others47%
- Contact with others most of the time28%
- Contact with others about half the time12%
Time Pressure
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day51%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day47%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom41%
- Some freedom22%
- Limited freedom21%

Show all 57 →

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important46%
- Very important16%
- Important24%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom31%
- Some freedom42%
- Very little freedom12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours32%
- 40 hours65%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important29%
- Very important18%
- Important29%
- Fairly important21%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important35%
- Very important16%
- Important12%
- Not important at all12%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive32%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important14%
- Very important16%
- Important25%
- Fairly important43%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never12%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually18%
- More than half the time18%
- Never33%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious14%
- Serious21%
- Fairly serious48%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Less than half the time23%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility14%
- High responsibility12%
- Moderate responsibility12%
- Limited responsibility37%
Physical Proximity
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Never36%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month56%
- Never25%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time89%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated16%
- Slightly automated40%
- Not at all automated40%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never54%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time72%
- Never26%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never63%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Limited responsibility13%
- No responsibility83%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time19%
- Never77%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never91%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never95%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never99%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never97%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never99%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never95%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never98%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never100%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never100%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never100%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never99%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Never100%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Doctoral degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Orion Law Management Systems Orion, PTS Solutions WinJuris Court Solutions
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Canyon Solutions Jcats, Legal Files software, New Dawn Technologies JustWare Court, Thomson Reuters Elite ProLaw
Calendar and scheduling software
Aderant CompuLaw, American Legalnet Smart Dockets, Compugov DocketView, Infocom JACS
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis, Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), Thomson Reuters Westlaw, Thomson Reuters WestlawNext
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word, WordPerfect
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Analytical or scientific software
LexisNexis CourtLink Strategic Profiles
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Web platform development software
Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Prepare documentation of legal proceedings.
Prepare legal documents.
Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
Confer with court staff to clarify information.
Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
Record information from legal proceedings.
Enter codes or other information into computers.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Maintain the order of legal documents.
Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.

Show all 16 →

Direct courtroom activities or procedures.
Coordinate legal schedules or activities.
Supervise activities of other legal personnel.
Administer oaths to court participants.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology