The Jd Jungle Law School Survival Guide by Editors Of Jd Jungle

Author:Editors Of Jd Jungle [Jungle, Jd]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780306823015
Publisher: Hachette Books

Many students and lawyers hoping to clerk apply to a large number of judges, as the process is extremely competitive. Clerkships in a federal court or the highest state courts are generally seen as the most prestigious—and therefore the most difficult to land. Keep in mind also that popular circuits and cities receive more applications than others. Yet clerkship opportunities abound in trial and appellate courts at the state and federal levels; in federal specialty courts, such as the United States Tax Court; and with federal bankruptcy court, magistrate, or administrative law judges.

“You have to be flexible as to courts and judges, and even as to types of clerkships,” Strauss advises. “The farther you go off the beaten path, the higher your chances are of getting a clerkship.”

Good grades will carry you far in the application process; other important resumé items include honors like law review. A judicial internship or externship can also boost your chances of landing a clerkship. A favorable recommendation from a judge can go a long way, as “word of mouth is really a great entrée into the judicial system,” says Strauss.

Judges are very interested in potential clerks’ writing abilities, says Strauss. She advises applicants to seek recommendations from professors who are familiar with their writing skills and to tailor their writing samples to the courts. District court applications, for example, should include a piece of “concrete legal writing,” whereas an applicant to a court of appeals might either select a more theoretical piece or also include a brief or memorandum. Strauss adds that applicants should introduce their writing with a relevant explanation.

If you’re entertaining the idea of applying for a clerkship, visit your law school’s career office. Your school probably offers materials describing the clerkship application process and timelines. Career counselors can offer advice as well as connect you with alumni and faculty members willing to discuss their clerkship experiences. They may also be able to point you toward information sessions you should attend. You may also wish to research the backgrounds of the judges to whom you are sending applications.

Be aware of the deadlines for submitting clerkship applications. Federal appellate judges recently voted to postpone hiring law clerks until the 3L fall semester. Other judges maintain different hiring timetables, and students may apply for clerkships through their third year for positions that will begin shortly after graduation or at a later date. “Check with each judge,” Strauss cautions, and be ready with your applications. She also advises applicants to take the first interview slot a judge offers, since “the position may not be there a day later.”

If you must travel far for an interview, you may wish to call other local judges to whom you applied to see if they are interested in interviewing you while you’re in the area. Finally, Strauss notes that it is customary not to turn down an offer from a judge. You might have a small window of time in which to consider an offer (and call other judges

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