What to Look For in a Freelance Law Clerk — and What to Watch Out For
The freelance law clerk market in Ontario has grown significantly over the past few years. More law clerks are offering remote, independent support to firms and practitioners — and more lawyers are looking for it. But as with any service relationship, the quality varies enormously.
Before you hand over a client file to a freelance law clerk, here's what you should be asking — and what the answers should tell you.
Are They Actually Certified?
This is the baseline. In Ontario, the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO) grants certification to law clerks who meet educational and professional requirements. A certified law clerk has completed a recognized law clerk program and understands the professional standards expected in the field.
Ask directly: Do you hold a law clerk diploma or certification from an Ontario institution?
If the answer is vague, that's your answer.
What Practice Areas Do They Actually Work In?
Law clerks, like lawyers and paralegals, develop depth in specific practice areas. A clerk who primarily works in corporate matters may not be the right fit for a complex family law financial statement or a civil litigation brief. Ask for specifics — not just a list of areas they claim to cover, but examples of work they've actually done.
Generalist experience is valuable. But for specialized documents — estate accounts, NFP statements, trial records — you want someone who has done it before.
Is There a Confidentiality Agreement?
Every freelance law clerk engagement should begin with a signed confidentiality agreement. This is non-negotiable. Client information is privileged, and you need documentation that the person handling it understands their obligations.
If a freelance clerk doesn't offer a confidentiality agreement as standard practice — or hesitates when you ask for one — walk away.
What Does Their Work Agreement Look Like?
A professional freelance law clerk will have a proper work agreement that covers scope of work, turnaround times, revisions, and payment terms. If you're being asked to proceed on a handshake or a quick email exchange, that's a red flag. The agreement protects both of you — and a clerk who doesn't use one isn't operating with the level of professionalism your files deserve.
What Are Their Turnaround Times — and Are They Realistic?
24–72 hours is a reasonable standard for most routine documents. Complex matters may take longer — and any clerk who promises same-day turnaround on a 10-page estate account without knowing the scope isn't being realistic.
Ask specifically: what is their standard turnaround, and how do they handle urgent matters?
Who Supervises the Work?
This is the most important question, and the one that is most often skipped. Under Ontario's legal framework, law clerk work must be supervised by the lawyer of record. A professional freelance law clerk will understand this and will be explicit about it: they prepare the documents, you review and approve before anything goes out.
If a freelance clerk is positioning themselves as operating independently of lawyer supervision on legal matters, that's a serious concern — for your client, and for your licence.
What Good Looks Like
The right freelance law clerk relationship is straightforward: certified credentials, clear agreements, realistic turnarounds, confidentiality as standard, and a clear understanding that the supervising lawyer is always in the loop.
At Steele Legal Support, every engagement starts with a signed Work Agreement and Confidentiality Agreement. All work is prepared under the supervision of the lawyer of record and delivered court-ready. We don't operate in grey areas — because your practice can't afford them.
When you know what to look for, finding the right support isn't complicated. The right clerk makes your practice run better. The wrong one creates liability you didn't need.
Needless to say… Steele Legal Support has got you covered. Feel free to reach out here!
