Updated December 2022

You like the idea of a career in the legal field, and you have a vague notion that it takes a whole lot less time to become a law clerk in Ontario than it does to become a lawyer (which is true). But you’re stuck on a basic question: what does a law clerk do?

Here’s the short answer: A law clerk provides essential legal and administrative support to help lawyers manage their caseloads and serve their clients. Law clerks are not the same as paralegals, although both provide legal support.

In this post, we explore the role of a law clerk in Ontario: what they do, what skills they need, what career opportunities they have, and what training they require.

Updated January 2023

Considering enrolling in law clerk training? Wondering how deeply you'll delve into legal procedures—and which areas of law you will focus on during your diploma?

Quality law clerk programs prepare students to carry out a wide range of legal office procedures, like booking appointments, managing client records, preparing documents, processing billing, and assisting lawyers with research.