People Love Legal Authority: Reviews


Need Help? Call 1-800-283-3860.
Already a Member? Sign In
"The most common means of obtaining a job was a letter or other "self-initiated contact" with the employer..."
- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LAW PLACEMENT
Advice

Your Options

 

  EMAIL TO FRIEND

  PDF VERSION

  PRINTABLE VERSION

Judicial Clerkships-The Ups and Downs and the Ins and Outs



The tradition of young lawyers serving as law clerks to experienced members of the judiciary is a long and important one. The impact of judicial clerkships on the careers of attorneys can be seen in a review of the biographies of prominent members of both the bench and the bar. A clerkship experience provides a unique perspective on judicial decision-making, and in many ways, serves as a capstone experience for a student's legal education.

The duties of a judicial clerk are defined by the needs of the individual judge and will vary depending on the nature and extent of the cases pending before the court. Typically, judicial clerks perform legal research, prepare memos and draft orders, write draft opinions and stipulations, assemble documents, and perform other duties as the judge may require. The clerk will often spend an extensive amount of time reviewing motions, memoranda, briefs, and other documents submitted to the court. Most judges use their clerks as a sounding board to prepare for argument and discussions; therefore, judges often expect their clerks to be well briefed on the legal issues and facts of the various cases. Judicial clerks often accompany the judge to trials, hearings, and conferences, and may occasionally take part in the discussions.

Although some clerks have secretarial assistance, most clerks find that moderate typing and word-processing skills are a prerequisite for the job. Work and library facilities are generally more than adequate. Clerks typically work Monday to Friday from 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning to 5:30 or 6:00 in the evening, but many put in longer hours. There is occasional evening and weekend work, particularly immediately before the court hears a case. In exceptionally busy courts, night and weekend work may be common. A few judges have permanent career law clerks. However, most law clerks are recent graduates from law school. A clerk is generally appointed for one year, but some courts-particularly trial courts-appoint law clerks for two-year terms. Federal judges typically have one to four clerks, most often two or three. State appellate judges generally have two clerks, and state trial judges generally have a single law clerk, if at all.

In addition to law clerks working for individual judges, many courts have staff law clerk positions. Staff law clerks work for the entire court, doing work on assignment or by request from different judges. A few courts have only staff law clerks. The federal courts employ pro se clerks that provide administrative assistance to litigants who are not represented by an attorney. Some federal courts also have motions clerks that handle procedural matters before cases are assigned to judges. Finally, some state trial courts have clerk-bailiff or trial clerk positions. These clerks engage in smaller projects requiring fast work. For example, they may be called upon to research points of law during a recess to aid the judge in making rulings during the trial. In jurisdictions where trial judges write opinions, a trial clerk will work on the opinions in the same way as an appellate clerk. Because of the press of business in trial courts, clerks may have considerable responsibility for minor matters and administrative duties. Trial clerks usually spend much of their time in the courtroom.

Advantages of a Clerkship

A position as a judicial clerk provides a student with an exceptional educational opportunity. Clerking provides an insight into the process of judicial decision-making. It also provides exposure to the documents, procedures, and functioning of the litigation process. Perhaps most importantly, it provides the opportunity to strengthen analytical skills and legal writing abilities. Often, judges will serve as mentors to their law clerks, providing the clerks with insights into the practical aspects of law practice and suggesting additional preparation for each clerk's future career. This role is often an informal one and may consist of critiquing the clerk's analysis, making suggestions regarding writing styles, or discussing the advocacy style of attorneys coming before the court. All of these experiences combine to improve the preparation of the clerk for his or her future legal career.

In summary, a judicial clerkship is not merely a job; it is a continuation of the student's legal education and preparation for a future legal career. Clerking also has practical advantages for the student. Legal employers recognize the benefits of the clerkship experience and consider them heavily in making hiring decisions. A federal appellate level clerkship has almost become a prerequisite for many law school-teaching positions. In addition, law clerks gain exposure to local practice and to the local bar where they will practice, particularly if the clerk is at the state court level. In some instances, such as in a family court or bankruptcy court, the opportunity will enable the clerk to develop an area of expertise upon which to build a future legal practice. Finally, the recommendation of a judge known in the legal community will carry a great deal of weight with potential legal employers.

Disadvantages of a Clerkship

There can be some disadvantages to judicial clerkships. The workload is sometimes extremely heavy, and an eccentric judge can make for an unpleasant year or two. Additionally, some people find themselves bored by the seemingly endless research required by appellate court clerkships; the work can often seem very much like a one-year internship with the Law Review. In addition, most clerkship provides a modest paycheck, which can be difficult to accept when classmates are earning high salaries. (However, many large law firms provide a clerkship bonus if a law clerk joins the firm upon completion of the clerkship. Some firms may also count the year(s) spent at the clerkship as a year toward making partner.)

Getting a Clerkship

Getting a clerkship is not easy, especially on the federal level. Most federal court clerkships are extremely competitive, and it is not uncommon for a court to be filled with clerks that graduated in the top five percent of their classes, especially at the appellate level. State appellate court clerkships are also competitive; however, state judges are often willing to consider more than grades and Law Review positions when making hiring decisions. Trial court clerkships are the least competitive, but even these positions often attract dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of resumes.

Clerkship applicants need to submit a letter of application, a resume, law school and undergraduate transcripts, two or three letters of recommendation from people familiar with their legal work, and, in some cases, a recent legal writing sample. At least one, but preferably all, of the letters of recommendation should come from a law school professor. In addition, students are more likely to receive a clerkship offer if someone recommends them that the judge knows. Students considering judicial clerkships should learn as much as possible about both the positions and the judges prior to submitting applications for particular positions. To learn more about a judge's writing style and approach to types of cases, students should read reported decisions, which can be obtained by performing a search on Lexis Nexis or Westlaw. The student should also consider the legal community in which the clerkship will be performed and the composition of the bar in this locale. Finally, in an effort to assure that their clerks will enjoy their experiences, some judges prefer to hire clerks with some connection to the location of the judge's chambers.

Courts with Clerkships

The Federal Courts
Judicial clerkships are available on both the federal and state levels. Federal courts hear cases when the questions of law involve federal law, the United States government is a party in the case, or there is diversity of citizenship between parties (i.e., the parties are citizens of different states). Below are brief descriptions of the various United States federal courts:
 
  • The United States Supreme Court: This is the highest court in the United States. It has authority to hear an appeal from both federal and state court decisions.
  • United States Courts of Appeals: There are 13 United States Courts of Appeals, including the Federal Circuit, the DC Circuit, and the First through Eleventh Circuits.
  • United States District Courts: Ninety-four district courts make up the trial level of the federal system.
  • United States Bankruptcy Courts: Bankruptcy Courts handle individual and business reorganization and insolvency matters, exclusive of state court jurisdiction. Each district of the United States has a Bankruptcy Court.
  •  Special Courts: A number of Special Courts have been created to resolve disputes in specific areas. These courts include
  • US Court of Federal Claims: Decides claims brought by individuals and business against the federal government (other than tax claims)
  • US Court of International Trade: Has jurisdiction over tariff conflicts and hears appeals from the United States International Trade Commission
  • US Tax Court: Hears taxpayer appeals involving income, estate, and gift taxes
  • US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces: Comprised of five civilian judges who review court martial appeals
  • US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Appeals: Reviews decisions of the Board of Veterans' Appeals
  • Administrative Law Judges: Approximately 1,400 judges in 29 administrative agencies hear cases pertaining to their particular agency
  • Magistrates: Appointed for a term of eight years and hear pretrial matters such as bond hearings and motions, conduct settlement conferences, and issue search and arrest warrants in federal criminal matters; magistrates may also try persons that are accused of minor offenses when designated to do so by a district judge
The State Courts
Most states have courts at three levels: trial, intermediate appellate, and highest appellate. These courts hear cases dealing with issues arising under state law, including contract disputes, torts, criminal prosecutions, divorce and custody matters, and probate of estates. In some circumstances, state courts may also adjudicate federal law issues. The following are general descriptions of the functions of each state court:

Highest State Appellate Court: This court is generally considered the final authority on state legal issues; however, the United States Supreme Court can hear appeals from its decisions. Most states refer to this court as the state supreme court, though some states call it the court of appeals (e.g., Maryland Court of Appeals, New York Court of Appeals). All 50 states have a highest state appellate court.

Intermediate Appellate Court: States typically create this court to help lighten the caseload of the highest appellate court. An intermediate appellate court often hears appeals that have been statutorily assigned to it. However, the highest state court generally has the option of sending down any issue to the intermediate court for decision. Most states refer to the intermediate court as the state court of appeals, but some states use different titles, such as the Florida District Court of Appeals, the New Jersey Appellate Division of Superior Court, and the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Some states, such as Alabama and Tennessee, have separate intermediate courts for civil and criminal matters. Forty of the 50 states have at least one intermediate appellate court.

State Trial Courts: Most cases involving state law-and many that involve federal law-begin in a state trial court. In these courts an entire case is presented to a judge or jury. Because of this, trial courts are often much more emotionally charged than the comparatively sterile and serene environments of the appellate courts. Although some trial courts are specialized, such as the Delaware Family Court and the Hawaii Land Court, most trial courts hear cases in every area of the law. Keep in mind that application deadlines can be as early as two years or as late as a few months before the term begins, depending on the particular court.
 




Facebook comments:



Related Articles

Major Practice Areas Analyzed

The Landscape of Litigation Litigation is as American as apple pie. In our litigious society, it is never likely to fall out of fashion....

Transitioning to Bankruptcy as Your Practice Area?

My firm's bankruptcy practice has been very busy recently and proposed that I transition to this work. What would this mean to my long-term career? ...

Myth Versus Reality: Federal Clerkships, State & County Clerkships

Talk about prestige, a clerkship is one of the highest honors in the legal profession and there are numerous places you can clerk. What a fantastic opportunity this can provide to advance your career ...

So, You Want to Become a Law School Professor?

Have you ever looked at your law school professor and wondered what it took to get there? Do you know what it takes to become a law school professor? All of your law school professors have a few thi...

So, You Want to Become a Law School Professor?

Have you ever looked at your law school professor and wondered what it took to get there? Do you know what it takes to become a law school professor? All of your law school professors have a few thing...

Insights into Finding a Job

The following resources may prove very helpful in providing you with some much-needed insight into your job search....

Acting Judicially-The Ups and Downs and Ins and Outs of Judgeship

Judging is often not the first career option a law student considers. Most judges are not appointed to the bench until after many years of practice. Thus, attorneys who ultimately obtain judgeships us...

Which is Better A Federal or State Clerkship?

It depends. As discussed below, a state court clerkship will generally enhance your marketability if you are planning on working in the state where you are clerking. Nevertheless, the value of a clerk...

Advantages of Taking a Clerkship

''The year I spent as a clerk was the most intellectually challenging and relaxing year of my legal career.'' -Former Law Clerk...

Clerkships

''The year I spent as a clerk was the most intellectually challenging and relaxing year of my legal career.'' -Former law clerk...



"Show us you are alive! We want to hear your thoughts. Please comment on this article (below)!"

Article ID:  70105  www.legalauthority.com

Article Title:  Judicial Clerkships-The Ups and Downs and the Ins and Outs

Be the first to comment on this article!

Add Comment


  • Share this story:


  • BlinkList
  • blogmarks
  • del.icio.us
  • Digg
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • Sphinn
  • MySpace
  • NewsVine
  • Simpy
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Print this article!
  • Faves
  • Furl
  • Netvouz
  • Slashdot
  • Spurl
  • Yahoo! Buzz





Sign up for a "Free, No Obligation Resume Critique" and "Free Market Evaluation". Let us tell you how much potential you have!
 
WE ARE VERY DISCRETE IN ALL CALLS.
Reviews
What Our Clients Are Saying
I have spent the last 15 years as an attorney at a government agency. I wanted so badly to go in-house and do some more interesting work (and get better pay!) Thanks to you, I have, and I thank you ve...
- Yonhi P.

I received my first call only 23 hours after mailing out my letters. From there, I went on 11 interviews and received two firm offers.
- Kim W.

I just wanted to let you know that I am exceedingly pleased with the service. I sent the resumes out last week, and I already have four interviews scheduled. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. T...
- Jennifer

 MORE
Options
Your Options
Getting an In-House Position
Myth Versus Reality for Law Firm Jobs
Myth Versus Reality for In-House Jobs
Myth versus Reality: Law School Professor Jobs
Myth Versus Reality: Federal Clerkships, State &...
Myth versus Reality: Prosecutor Jobs
Pro Bono Legal Work and Your Legal Career
Give Yourself the Most Options
Major Practice Areas Analyzed
Starting a Career as a Real Estate Lawyer
Featured Advice
Featured Advice
New York Versus London Firms
Law School for Mature Students
The First Born Phenomenon
The Story Doesn't End There
Economics and ''Mean'' Law Firms
How to Acquire the Best Legal Jobs
The Art Of Networking - A Guide To A Networking...
How To Use Job Boards And Advertisements To Jump...
Finding Your Niche - The Smart Way To Market Yourself
Be an Effective Negotiator - How to Get the...
8 Things Not to Include on Your Resume
Legal Authority Is Not for Everyone
Legal Authority is the Most Effective Way to Get Your Next Attorney Position
How We Work on Client Files at Legal Authority
It’s All About Who You Know (And Who Knows You)
From the Legal Authority Blog
The Practice of Law: To Stay or Go
+ Click here to read more
The Story Doesn’t End There
+ Click here to read more
Will an LL.M. help my legal career
+ Click here to read more
5 Biggest Attorney Job Search Mistakes
Attorneys and law students are one of the most ill-informed groups of people there are when it comes to conducting a job search. MORE
Legal Authority Outplacement Program
Give your attorneys the most opportunities.
Making economic or strategic adjustments in personnel can be a tough decision for any firm... MORE
Law Student Wins with Legal Authority
How a highly successful Manhattan law firm associate auctioned himself off to the highest bidder... MORE
For Employers
Legal Authority's Comprehensive Employee Outplacement Program.
Give your attorneys the most opportunities. MORE
Our Database and Technology
Legal Authority's Comprehensive Database and Advanced
Search Engine.
 MORE
National Advertisement
Legal Authority and National Media
Take a sneak peek at the marketing strategies of Legal Authority. MORE
Get the best legal jobs through Legal Authority.
Click here to understand the simple process and utilize our services to the maximum.
Download Now
Get on Track
Get on Track
Legal Authority Core Values
How Do You Work With Employer Data at Legal...
Why Legal Authority Works: Myth versus Reality
What Legal Authority Does
Legal Authority and Law Students
What Is Legal Authority?
Using Legal Authority for Law Student Jobs
Legal Authority Works!
Legal Authority Is a Great Way for Law Students...
What Legal Authority Does For You
Choose Legal Authority
Choose Legal Authority for Your Job Search
Legal Authority Outplacement Program
Legal Authority Is the Smartest Way for Law Students to Find Jobs. Period.
If You Can Register on Legal Authority You Can Get a Legal Job
Why Legal Authority Will Transform You and Your Career
Do Not Let Your School Control the Recruiting Process
Who Can Legal Authority Help
Legal Authority Is Not for Everyone
An Advocate for Attorneys and Law Students to Get Jobs
What Legal Authority Does Works
Why I Started Legal Authority
Some Things You Probably Did Not Know about Legal Authority
Legal Authority Can Get You Your Next Law Firm Job
On-Campus Interviewing or Legal Authority
How Legal Authority Started: You Need to Have Desire to Achieve Your Goals
Legal Authority Works for Law Students
Legal Authority assists more attorneys and law students, at more law schools, get jobs than any other source.
Request More Info
Learn more about Legal Authority
First Name:*
Email Address:*
Phone Number:*
FOUNDER HARRISON BARNES' BLOG

SIGN UP  |   HOME  |   ABOUT US  |   FAQ  |   CONTACT US  |   HISTORY  |   REVIEWS  |   TELL A FRIEND  |   LEGAL SPECIALTY AREAS  |   PRESS ROOM
LEGAL AUTHORITY JOB SEARCH TIPS  |   SITE MAP  |   SEE WHY LEGAL AUTHORITY IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO FIND A LEGAL JOB  |   TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP  |   PRIVACY POLICY
DAILY JOB SEARCH ADVICE  |   DAILY JOB SEARCH VIDEO  |   FOXES AND HEDGEHOGS  |   OUR SITES
© 2024 LEGAL AUTHORITY INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.