Get Judicial Clerkship Handbook Fall 2011 - Campbell Law

It is often highly regarded. Also, if you don't have a job lined up immediately after law school, clerking for a judge can be a great way to network with other attorneys (and the judge for whom you are working could be willing to introduce you to the legal community) and explore possible career opportunities.

It has long produced the most Supreme Court law clerks, partly because of its prestige and partly because it is much larger than some of its rivals. (A larger proportion of Yale Law School graduates have served as Supreme Court clerks.)

Clerkships are highly competitive, especially ones that take place in federal courts, and it is likely that you will apply to many and get rejected before finding a position. If you find yourself sending out many applications and being refused, don't get discouraged.

In general, applicants should include two to three letters of recommendation with their clerkship applications. (i) For federal judges: If a judge posts a position in OSCAR, provide only the number of letters of recommendation they request.

If you are preparing a writing sample for a post- graduate judicial clerkship application, please note the following: • Although most employers request writing samples that are between five and twenty pages, you may submit a longer piece when applying for a judicial clerkship.

Plan to arrange for three recommendation letters.

It is often highly regarded. Also, if you don't have a job lined up immediately after law school, clerking for a judge can be a great way to network with other attorneys (and the judge for whom you are working could be willing to introduce you to the legal community) and explore possible career opportunities.

In general, federal clerkships are more competitive than state court clerkships and generally require a class rank in at least the top 25 percent. Each applicant is considered on his or her individual merit, and judges set their own hiring criteria, so it is impossible to give a definitive grade or experience cutoff.