A law clerk is a person qualified through education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency or other entity in a capacity or function which involves the performance, under the ultimate direction and supervision of a lawyer of substantive legal work (which may include administrative or managerial duties) which requires a sufficient knowledge of legal concepts that in the absence of a law clerk would be performed by a lawyer.

It is well recognized by the legal profession that incorporating law clerks into the legal team, provides very effective and cost efficient benefits with the advantage that these services are performed under the supervision of lawyers.

There are many fields of specialization. Law clerks should have knowledge of the law, practice and procedures involved within their particular field of specialization. Law clerks should provide services according to the specifications of statutory requirements, The Law Society of Upper Canada, their principal’s instructions and office procedures.