Classes to take

Because of the diversity of issues that judicial clerks encounter through their work, almost every law school class could be useful. If you are interested in a clerkship in a court of limited subject matter jurisdiction, classes in that subject matter will be very useful. For example, if you are interested in the Bankruptcy Court, bankruptcy classes will be useful.

There are, however, a few classes that will be very useful for most students interested in judicial clerkships:

• Federal Courts (for federal clerkships)
• Advanced Legal Research
• Externships with Judges: In order to make the most of your externship contacts, it is best to complete a judicial externship in the spring of your second year or the following summer. An externship gives judges the chance to see your work first hand.
• Law Review: Many state appellate and federal judges either require that applicants have law review experience or strongly favor applicants who do.
• Moot Court: Many state appellate and federal judges appreciate the writing skills and courtroom experience that come from moot courts. Winning a regional or national moot court competition can also be a great way to distinguish yourself and maybe even be noticed by a judge.

Students should also consider working as a faculty research assistant in order to increase their research and writing skills and to build better relationships with professors.

Grades

Grades can be very important in obtaining a clerkship. This is particularly important for state appellate and federal clerkships where often it is very difficult to even be considered if you are outside the top 25% of the class. That being said, students outside the top 25% and even outside the top 50% have received some of the most prestigious clerkships; however, it is rare and often requires a close connection to the judge either through an externship or through a recommender who knows the judge.

State trial courts tend to be less selective with students across the ranks having success finding positions.

If you have questions or concerns, schedule an appointment to meet with Career Services and discuss your individual situation and strategies to be more competitive.