Skip to main content

How to become a legal clerk

Perform clerical and operational tasks to ensure courts and court cases function properly.

What does a legal clerk do?

Legal clerks perform clerical and operational tasks to assist in the work of legal professionals. They may assist in court cases and help courts function properly, research legal practices and assist with administering trusts.

Duties and tasks

  • Assist legal representatives with contracts, common law matters, certifications and other legal practice concerns.

  • Manage trust funds, investing funds and directing them to proper accounts.

  • Oversee court and hearing rooms and ensure that all present maintain order.

  • Prepare and summons jury and witness list and swear them in before court proceedings.

  • Process and serve court action documents including summonses, subpoenas and eviction notices.

  • Record proceedings in courtroom, actions to be taken and court decisions.

  • Set up entitlement claims and allocate resources; advise on legal matters.

Industry bodies

Related jobs

Discover related courses

University of New England

Bachelor of Legal Studies

UndergraduateUNE-LGS-DEG

Study the Australian legal system, laws, and legal processes

Prepare for a paralegal career in the Australian legal services sector. Build a solid foundation in law and legal professional skills. Follow your interests with topics including property law, the criminal justice system, and environmental law.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Diploma of Legal Studies

UndergraduateTAS-LST-DIP

Explore the principals and processes of Australia’s legal system

Boost your career with legal knowledge or work towards a law degree. You’ll cover foundational legal principles and choose electives including Antarctic law, Indigenous people and the law, and environmental law. Build legal research and writing skills.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of New England

Diploma in Paralegal Studies

UndergraduateUNE-PLS-DIP

The professional pathway to a paralegal career

Become a paralegal, legal secretary, or law-related professional. Start with the basics of the Australian legal system and laws. Develop your professional skills including communication and research. Touch on business law and procedure law.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Southern Cross University

Diploma of Legal Studies

UndergraduateSCU-LES-DIP

Discover the law, your way

Learn the fundamentals of legal and justice studies with flexible support. From the legal practice to the courtroom, this diploma covers the essentials of Australian law. Get ready for paraprofessional roles or think about further study.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Explore legal studies courses

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

The most asked about subjects

You’ve got an itch to to unlock your true potential, so you start browsing online courses. But with many choices on offer you wonder: “How do I choose the right one?” Senior Student Advisor Tandy reveals the most asked about subjects.

Skip minimum wage with these high-paying entry-level jobs for uni graduates

Not all salaries are created equal, but with a university qualification under your belt, landing an entry-level role doesn't necessarily mean low pay. Is your dream job on this list?

What is social science?

Curious about the social sciences, but puzzled by what they actually are? You’re not alone. We spoke to an expert about the career prospects for graduates in this vast field of study.

From arts law to actress: Elise McCann’s road to success

We chat with actress Elise McCann to find out how her arts/law degree helped her carve a career as a celebrated stage actress, producer, and health and wellness entrepreneur.