What is the difference between law clerk and legal assistant in Ontario?
Asked by: Fleta Homenick | Last update: September 29, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (53 votes)
Legal assistants are essentially administrative assistants for lawyers. Basic correspondence, scheduling, filing, etc. Law clerks do much more than that. They will do file reviews and draft court documents and more complicated tasks that don't require a law degree.
Is a law clerk higher than a paralegal?
Law clerks have typically completed law school, while paralegals only have a relatively small amount of technical education in the field. Also, paralegals are confined to research and legal writing under the supervision of an attorney – they cannot provide legal advice.
What is higher than a legal assistant?
Since paralegals complete more education to qualify for their roles, they tend to earn more. The average annual salary for a legal assistant is $52,530 per year , while paralegals earn $43,494 per year . Paralegals who hold a paralegal certificate can also potentially earn a higher salary.
What is a law clerk in Canada?
Law Clerk. A trained professional doing independent legal work, which may include managerial duties, under the direction and guidance of a lawyer and whose function is to relieve a lawyer of routine legal and administrative matters and assist them in the more complex ones.
Can law clerks give legal advice?
The judges cannot give legal advice because they will rule on motions by the parties and may ultimately decide the case. They must remain neutral. Law clerks and other judicial staff members likewise cannot give legal advice.
What's the difference? Law Clerk? Legal Fellow? Legal Assistant?
Do law clerks become lawyers?
In some of the larger states, like California and New York, it can take several months to get bar results. Calling someone a “law clerk” is usually code for “not yet admitted to the bar” whether that means the person is still in law school or a recent graduate.
What does a legal assistant do?
Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, support lawyers by organizing legal documents, conducting research, and assisting during trials and hearings. They help gather case information and ensure the thorough organization of facts and paperwork, aiding lawyers in trial preparation.
Are law clerks in demand in Ontario?
Are law clerks in demand in Ontario? Yes! Law clerks are one of the most in-demand legal professionals in Ontario today.
Is law clerk entry level?
Yes, a law clerk is one of the best entry-level careers in the legal field. If you are looking to gain experience and set yourself apart, then consider working as one.
What are the benefits of law clerk?
A judicial clerkship provides the opportunity to hone research and writing skills while being exposed to a wide variety of legal issues. Furthermore, a clerkship offers insight into the judicial process and provides practical familiarity with the litigation process.
Do legal assistants go to court?
Legal assistants may also assist with legal research and drafting legal documents, but they do not provide legal advice or represent clients in court.
What is another name for a legal assistant?
A paralegal is a legal assistant. Paralegals don't have to go to law school, but they do have special training to help lawyers. The prefix para is used for something that is separate from the word it's next to but still related to it.
Is legal assistant a good career choice?
You will be able to advance your career. Legal assistants who complete certification programs can become paralegals or law clerks. You will earn a good salary. The median salary for legal assistants is $50,000 per year.
What is another name for a law clerk?
A law clerk, judicial clerk, or judicial assistant is a person, often a lawyer, who provides direct counsel and assistance to a lawyer or judge by researching issues and drafting legal opinions for cases before the court.
How much do law clerks make in Ontario?
As of Jan 19, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Federal Law Clerk in Ontario is $27.07 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $52.40 and as low as $10.10, the majority of Federal Law Clerk salaries currently range between $18.03 (25th percentile) to $30.77 (75th percentile) in Ontario.
Do law clerks need a license in Ontario?
Paralegals and law clerks both need licenses to legally work in Canada.
Can I be a legal assistant with no experience?
An entry-level legal assistant works in a law firm or attorney's office where they assist in various areas. If you have no experience, you typically undergo a training period where you work directly under more experienced personnel until you become proficient in your responsibilities.
How long does it take to become a law clerk?
The majority of law clerks will be law school graduates. After completing law school, you will generally take part in a two-year clerkship working with a judge, which may lead to a position as a career clerk. Typically, only law school graduates who were at the head of their class will become law clerks.
Is a law clerk a secretary?
The differences between legal secretaries and law clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a law clerk has an average salary of $55,916, which is higher than the $41,725 average annual salary of a legal secretary.
Is law clerk a good job in Canada?
Is being a law clerk a good job? Careers in law are lucrative, and you can expect a relatively good salary. With experience and seniority, you take up additional roles in law firms. Most law clerks also progress to become paralegals and lawyers.
Is law clerk better than paralegal?
Law clerks' work is more in depth than that of paralegals or legal assistants. They help lawyers and judges with legal research and more detailed work that requires they know and understand the inner workings of the law.
How long does it take to become a law clerk in Ontario?
The two-year Law Clerk diploma program at Humber College is partnered with leading law firms, industry offices and government bodies throughout Ontario. Some of or industry partners include: Ontario Rental House Tribunal.
Can a legal assistant appear in court?
Because paralegals are not lawyers, they are generally not allowed to represent clients in court or take depositions. It's also important to be careful how you introduce or represent your paralegal with a client or in a court.
Do law clerks need to pass the bar?
Law clerks don't need to pass the bar examination to qualify for their jobs. They can choose to do so, though, in order to legally practice law. Their education prepares them for many careers in the law industry with ample opportunities for advancement.
What's next after legal assistant?
What are some alternative careers a former Legal Assistant should consider? Job titles that are especially common for a Legal Assistant to move into include Litigation Paralegal, Practice Assistant, Judicial Law Clerk, Attorney, District Attorney, Law Clerk, Law Student and Legal Coordinator.