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 the Career Center 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 more difficult than the federal 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.” This resource was last updated in June of 2014. Additionally, the Career Center provides access to the Vermont Law School Guide to State Judicial Clerkships. 3Ls can view the link and login information for this resource in the Jobs tab on Symplicity. If you are interested in a post-graduate clerkship are interested in clerking, check out this resource which provides information about timing of offers.
It’s not just about the resources: in order to land a clerkship, you need to lay the groundwork. Most judges want to see 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! The Career Center is here to help. If you are a 2L or 3L, make sure you submit your resume to the Class of 2016 and Class of 2017 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, and the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Southern District, sitting in Springfield, offer 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 must be submitted via the 2015 Winter Judicial Internship Resume Books (available through Symplicity) by November 11 and require a resume and cover letter. We also highly recommend 1Ls watch the cover letter workshop video (available beginning Nov. 2) and schedule a cover letter review appointment prior to the application deadline.
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 the Career Center.
Tagged: job search strategy, judicial clerkships, opportunities, resources
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