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Can judicial law clerks draft legal document outside court

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:53 pm
by EastCoastBoat
I'm hoping I'm in the right place.

Can a judicial law clerk (after being sworn in and everything) draft wills or other legal documents on the side while clerking for a judge? For example, can a properly licensed lawyer/law clerk draft a will pro bono for a family friend or draft one for pay? Do most states prohibit this in the ethical rules? I will research it more later, but I wanted a quick answer. Thanks for any feedback.

Re: Can judicial law clerks draft legal document outside court

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 8:34 pm
by mjb447
For fed clerks, you can't generally "practice law" for pay. I think you might be allowed to do it pro bono, although your judge or court may have a more restrictive policy.

http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/sites/defa ... loyees.pdf at 11-12.

Don't know anything about states.

Re: Can judicial law clerks draft legal document outside court

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2017 8:41 pm
by rpupkin
General answer is "no," but ask your judge if you really want to do it.

Re: Can judicial law clerks draft legal document outside court

Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2017 9:55 pm
by EastCoastBoat
I think you all nailed it. Thanks for the guidance and advice.