A student who wishes to become a law clerk can qualify for that position by obtaining a master of studies in law or a master of laws degree. Other specialized master's degree programs may also be recognized for this purpose. A Juris Doctor, also know as a doctor of jurisprudence degree, is required if the student wishes to become a lawyer as well. Some schools offer joint programs that allow the student to pursue a specialized degree along with the Juris Doctor. Specializing gives the student the opportunity to work with judges or lawyers with similar interests.
A master's degree in legal studies, which enables a student to work as a law clerk, includes coursework in legislation, constitutional law and administrative law. Public policy or international law courses may be required as well. A thesis is typically required to complete this or any other master's program.
A master's degree does not give the student the right to take the bar exam and practice law. A student must complete a Juris Doctor program in order to do so. While completing this program, the student will typically work as a law clerk for experience and to make contacts. Specializations such as education, environmental law or public interest may also be pursued.
Demand for law clerks is expected to increase 14 to 19 percent through the year 2018, according to O-Net, which bases its projections on data compiled by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rate of increase is higher than that of other occupations. As of 2008, there were 38,000 law clerks employed in the United States, according to O-Net.