What types of judicial clerkship are available?:
Clerkships are available on the federal and state levels, and may be with trial or appellate courts.
Federal clerkships are often considered the most prestigious, particularly those at the appellate level, and are quite limited in number; accordingly they are the most competitive.
You shouldn't limit your search to just federal clerkships though, as state clerkships may better fit your needs. There are a lot more of them available, and if you know you will practice law in a particular state, a state clerkship can be highly valuable.
Specialty clerkships are also available such as criminal, family, and bankruptcy.
What does a judicial clerk do?:
Job duties vary by clerkship and by judge, but generally judicial clerks research legal issues and write memorandums and court documents. Clerks may also observe trials, oral arguments, and other judiciary proceedings.
Appellate level clerks do research and more formal writing as they deal with cases after trials are complete; they primarily work in chambers and have little contact with attorneys and parties, if at all.
Trial court clerks, on the other hand, are involved from the filing of lawsuits up to the completion of trial. Trial court clerks are often under stricter time requirements than appellate clerks.
What does a judicial clerk get paid?:
Both federal and state judicial clerks are paid according to respective government pay scales ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 a year; federal clerks are usually classified at level JSP-11, higher if already members of the bar with legal experience.
Although judicial clerk pay is lower than that of medium and large law firms, it is often comparable with small firms and governmental agencies.
The long-term value of a clerkship, though, will likely more than make up for any short-term financial disadvantages.
What is the judicial clerkship application process like?:
The federal clerkship application process is closely coordinated according to the Federal Judges Law Clerk Hiring Plan; offers are extended no earlier than the students' third year of law school.
The application process for state clerkships varies, so check with each court. Applications may be accepted as late as summer following graduation, so keep an eye out for openings.
An application packet usually including a cover letter, resume, transcript, writing samples, and letters of recommendation is required; an interview with the judge and likely one or more of his or her clerks will follow before an offer is made.
What are the benefits of a judicial clerkship?:
- You have a great chance to improve your research and writing skills under the guidance of an experienced judge.
- You can gain a deeper understanding of trial and/or appellate procedure and also of particular areas of law.
- A judicial clerkship is a secure job with benefits while the economy recovers.
- You have the opportunity to make valuable legal connections with judges, lawyers, and other professionals.
- Future employers love to see applicants that have spent a year or two in chambers working closely with a judge.
Is there anything else I should know about judicial clerkships?:
One of the best jobs you can get out of law school is a judicial clerkship. Not only will it make you a more attractive candidate once you finish your clerkship, you'll also gain valuable legal experience and connections in the one or two years you work with the judge.
Be sure to talk to your career services office for advice and information on applying for judicial clerkships; some judges have excellent relationships with particular law schools, and you want to be aware of those going into the application process.
