Online Courses and Classes for Law Clerks

Law students who wish to serve as law clerks under the direction of a judge must pursue a Juris Doctor degree award. Although online Juris Doctor programs are rare, there are programs available in the state of California and courses available across the country.

Overview of Online Courses and Classes for Law Clerks

Law clerks must have completed the coursework necessary to graduate from law school. Law clerks assist judges with a variety of tasks such as law research, drafting court opinions, preparing court documents and any other task the judge may require. Online courses for law clerks focus on different aspects of the law like family law, tort law and tax law. Courses in procedure and law writing also are available.

Course Requirements

Schools that offer online courses and classes for law clerks may offer coursework as independent study or as scheduled interaction. The independent study option allows the student the flexibility to study at his or her own pace. Coursework is available through the class website and interaction with faculty is available by e-mail or through an online bulletin board. Classes with scheduled interaction require the student to participate in online discussion groups and upload assignments on a regular basis.

List of Online Law Clerk Courses

Writing for the Law Course

The course offers students an opportunity to become familiar with the basic elements of legal analysis and construct well-organized legal writing based on law, facts and precedent. This course focuses on learning to write such legal documents as law office memoranda, demand letters and legal contracts. Students submit these documents through e-mail and have them reviewed and evaluated.

Civil Procedure Course

This basic law course introduces the law student to the general components of civil procedure. The student learns how to determine jurisdiction, the pleading process and the use of litigation. The process of complaints, answers and counter-complaints is examined.

Criminal Procedure Course

This course familiarizes the student with Due Process as outlined in the Fourteenth Amendment. Primary focus is on the role of counsel in a criminal case from arrest, to trial and to appeal. Students may be able to offer their opinion with instructors and other students through message boards and instant messaging.

Federal Tax Law Course

The student examines the income tax laws and provisions of the U.S. Constitution. The Internal Revenue Code is used to understand the basis for taxation. The student learns to define the elements of taxation such as gross income, capital gains and losses, the impact of real property and the tax situation of marriage and divorce.