What is a "law clerk" typically doing?

A law clerk typically gains practical experience at a law firm, often while still a student in law school. This position allows individuals to apply the theoretical knowledge they acquire in their education to real-world legal situations. Law clerks assist attorneys with various tasks such as legal research, drafting documents, and preparing for trials or hearings. This hands-on experience is crucial for law students as it helps them develop essential skills and build a professional network within the legal community.

While the other options describe activities related to the legal field, they do not accurately reflect the primary functions of a law clerk. For instance, researching legal theory in academia relates more to scholarly pursuits rather than the practical application of law. Writing court opinions is typically the responsibility of judges and not the role of a law clerk. Acting as a legal consultant involves a different level of experience and often requires full licensure to practice law, which a law clerk does not possess while still in school. Thus, gaining practical experience during legal education is the defining characteristic of a law clerk's role.