Judicial clerkships are an excellent way to begin a legal career. They provide young lawyers with valuable mentorship, insight into the judiciary, and legal training. Like any other job, clerkships do require preparation and CSO has some great resources and advisement on helping you prepare for applying for a judicial clerkship.
The types of judicial clerkships vary depending on a number of factors. Is it state or federal, trial or appellate court, etc.? Trial courts are an excellent place to learn the ins and outs of the court system and litigation. Trial court clerks are involved in most every facet of the court’s docket, researching legal issues, handling juries, watching motions being argued and trials conducted. Clerking at the appellate level is generally more research and writing intensive.
When it comes to applying, there are databases and resources that will help you along the way. Federal clerkships are generally posted on OSCAR, which also handles applications. Visit the website to set up an account, find open federal clerkship positions, and apply.
Finding information on state court clerkships can be a little more difficult of a process since it is not centralized. However, the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) has multiple resources available to law students who are interested in judicial clerkships in jurisdictions across the country. For one valuable resource, check out NALP’s “Insight and Inside Information for Select State Court Clerkships.” Also, if you are working in the private sector but are interested in clerking, check out this resource which provides information about how to effectively spend your summer.
It’s not just about the resources: in order to land a clerkship, you need to lay the groundwork. Most judges want to see a demonstrated research and writing ability from their clerks. Join a journal, work as a teaching/writing assistant, or find an opportunity that will develop your research and writing abilities.
Don’t miss out on clerkship prospects either! CSO is here to help. If you are a 2L or 3L, make sure you submit your resume to the Class of 2015 and Class of 2016 Resume Books, respectively. Opting in will help ensure that you do not miss information about clerkship opportunities.
During winter break, 1Ls have a great chance to see the judiciary first-hand. The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District, sitting in Kansas City, offers UMKC students a flexible internship experience over the break. Interns work directly with judges and their clerks on real cases, helping draft opinions on both civil and criminal matters. If you think you might be interested in clerking, do not let this opportunity pass by! Applications for the program are due on November 12 and require a resume and cover letter. We also highly recommend 1Ls attending the Cover Letter Workshops November 4 – 6. Check Symplicity and RooLaw for more information about these workshops.
If you have questions about clerking, how to find a clerkship, what you can be doing to prepare or any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact CSO.
Tagged: applications, employers, internships, job search strategy, opportunities, resources
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