Law clerk (parliamentary)


A law clerk, sometimes called parliamentary counsel, is an officer in some parliamentary systems. The law clerk is charged with providing advice on legal issues and parliamentary procedure to the Speaker and members of the chamber. The position is neutral and non-partisan.
In some systems, the law clerk is a separate officer responsible to the clerk of the chamber. In other systems, the duty to provide legal advice is part of the duties of the clerk of the chamber.

Usage

Canada

Parliament of Canada

The Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel is part of the House Administration.

Senate of Canada

The Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel is the chief legal advisor to the Senate of Canada and head of the Office of the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel.

Saskatchewan

The Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel is a branch of the Parliamentary Counsel and Precinct, and provides confidential legal services to Members of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan.
The position was formerly known as the Legislative Council and Law Clerk, but was changed to Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel in 2005.