Law clerk Allison Greenfield wearing a black suit in front of an American flag; Donald Trump wearing a blue suit and tie
In his New York civil fraud trial, Donald Trump has cast the judge's top clerk, Allison Greenfield, as one of his many political enemies.
  • Donald Trump and his lawyers have been throwing a fit about Justice Arthur Engoron's clerk.
  • The clerk, Allison Greenfield, an experienced lawyer, once ran to become a judge herself.
  • Trump's attacks — now banned under a gag order — led to antisemitic harassment and threats.

There's a famous joke among lawyers: A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer knows the judge.

But what about the law clerk?

These pillars of the court tend to fade into the background. Attorneys usually focus on mustering arguments that will persuade judges, who can make or break a case, to side with their clients.