Will AI replace Judicial Law Clerks?

AI can do 96% of the work Judicial Law Clerks do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 18 tasks, while 13 more are ready but barely used so far. 3 still need a person.

AI is already doing this2 · 28% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Prepare briefs, legal memoranda, or statements of issues involved in cases, including appropriate suggestions or recommendations.Mostly automated16% of time
  • Review complaints, petitions, motions, or pleadings that have been filed to determine issues involved or basis for relief.Mostly automated12% of time

AI could do this next13 · 68% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Research laws, court decisions, documents, opinions, briefs, or other information related to cases before the court.20% of time
  • Draft or proofread judicial opinions, decisions, or citations.18% of time
  • Attend court sessions to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.6% of time
  • Confer with judges concerning legal questions, construction of documents, or granting of orders.6% of time
  • Keep abreast of changes in the law and inform judges when cases are affected by such changes.3% of time
  • Review dockets of pending litigation to ensure adequate progress.3% of time
  • Communicate with counsel regarding case management or procedural requirements.2% of time
  • Respond to questions from judicial officers or court staff on general legal issues.2% of time
  • Verify that all files, complaints, or other papers are available and in the proper order.1% of time
  • Coordinate judges' meeting and appointment schedules.1% of time
  • Enter information into computerized court calendar, filing, or case management systems.1% of time
  • Maintain judges' law libraries by assembling or updating appropriate documents.1% of time
  • Prepare periodic reports on court proceedings, as required.1% of time

Still needs a person3 · 4% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Participate in conferences or discussions between trial attorneys and judges.2% of time
  • Perform courtroom duties, including calling calendars, administering oaths, and swearing in jury panels and witnesses.1% of time
  • Supervise law students, volunteers, or other personnel assigned to the court.1% of time

Your week is not the average

Describe what you actually do and get a personal report: your own tasks, what AI can already do, what stays yours and a 90 day plan.

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 22 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 13 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Build on the 3 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Lawyers80%Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators80%Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers68%Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates61%Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers87%Paralegals and Legal Assistants68%

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