As with many things in law school, it seems as though the clerking is another necessary box to check off for a “successful” legal career. But what options exist for possible clerkships, and will it help a student’s career? Here I discuss an overview of clerking from a law student’s perspective, before delving into the different clerkship categories to consider.
It is true that clerking with a judge provides insight into the judicial process, and the overwhelming majority of former clerks say that experience was the best legal job they have had. As a law clerk, one gains practical experience by attending court proceedings, conducting research and providing other administrative and legal assistance for your judge. The experience and reputation of clerking with a judge may also enable you to find a wider range of options for employment when you have completed law school.
It is best to start thinking about whether to clerk at the end of your 1L year, if not sooner. Deciding to clerk early in one’s law school career helps gear summer and externship opportunities to provide one the best chance at being hired to a clerkship. For example, try to find an internship for your 1L summer with a judge you hope to clerk for after law school; if that judge is not available or does not have any openings try a judge in the same court or city where you hope to work.
During the summer between 1L and 2L, begin to collect application materials. Be sure to have one or two solid writing samples which have been proofread by at least one professor; a clean and polished resume, transcripts from law school, undergraduate and any graduate schooling. Additionally, have a list of impeccable references. Finally, have several letters of recommendation. To make the strongest application package, it is optimal to have two or three professors and one legal employer as recommenders.
As far as judges are concerned, do not just look at federal judges in your local district, think and apply broadly. Consider the following courts and judges:
- Federal Judges in the Eastern, Southern, Western and Northern Districts of New York, as well as in other Districts you might consider living
- Federal Bankruptcy, Magistrate and Senior Status judges in each of the above districts
- Municipal Courts (such as county or district courts)
- New York Supreme Courts (trial courts)
- New York Appellate Divisions or Court of Appeals
- Administrative law judges (National Association for Law Placement has a great directory of federal administrative law judges and possible clerkships: http://www.nalp.org/aljclerkshipinfo)
- Specialty courts, like the New York Court of Claims
The best place to start researching the courts in New York is www.nycourts.gov. Keep a spreadsheet of possible judges and their application requirements. Keep in mind, you may have to call the judge’s chambers to get the most accurate information; do not be afraid to do so!
There are many options for clerking, it may help you whether you’re looking to do transactional work, litigation, or practice in another manner. Best of luck as you begin your research!