Gavin Howe
Law students can work as clerks in law firms or judges' chambers. Law firms hire law students as clerks during the summer or throughout the year, providing them with practical experience in the legal field. Judicial clerkships, on the other hand, are typically one- or two-year positions that recent law school graduates can pursue in appellate, trial, or specialty courts. While some states require a law degree and license to practice, others allow students to work as clerks without a degree, providing an opportunity to gain real-world experience alongside their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Law clerk for a law firm | Law students can work part-time or full-time during the year or summer |
| Law clerk for a judge | Law students need their degree and license to practice in most states |
| Law clerk duties | Legal research, checking cases and legal treatises (textbooks) |
| Law clerk as a stepping stone | Law clerk roles can lead to full-time positions after graduation |
| Law clerk work hours | 20-hour limit per week for full-time students |
| Law clerk work experience | Real-world work experience that can't be gained by attending classes |
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What You'll Learn
- Law students can clerk part-time during the school year or over summer breaks
- Clerking for a judge requires a law degree and license to practice in most states
- Clerkship hiring processes vary from judge to judge
- Judicial externships are available for students not seeking post-graduate clerkships
- Clerkships are available in federal and state courts, as well as some speciality courts
Law students can clerk part-time during the school year or over summer breaks
Law students can gain practical experience by clerking part-time during the school year or full-time during summer breaks. This can be an excellent opportunity for students to decide whether they enjoy the work and to build their resumes. However, it is important to keep in mind that clerking while in law school can be demanding, and balancing the workload with a full-time class schedule requires excellent time management skills and effective communication with supervising attorneys.
Many law firms hire law students as clerks before they have their law degrees or licenses. These clerking positions can be part-time during the school year, during the summer, or both. Law students can also participate in internships or externships to gain experience and make connections. Some states allow individuals to sit for the bar exam without a law degree, but they may have to work as apprentices in a law firm for several years and may hold the title of "clerk."
Clerking for a judge, on the other hand, typically requires a law degree and a license to practice in most states. Judicial clerkships are often one or two-year terms that recent law school graduates undertake before moving on to more permanent positions. The hiring process for judicial clerkships can vary greatly from judge to judge, and there is no standard timeline for interviews and hiring.
Overall, clerking can be a valuable opportunity for law students to gain practical experience, build their resumes, and make connections in the legal field. However, it is important to carefully consider the demands of the position and manage expectations to ensure success in both the clerking role and academic studies.
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Clerking for a judge requires a law degree and license to practice in most states
Law students can work as clerks in law firms before obtaining their law degree or license. However, to clerk for a judge, a law degree and license to practice are required in most states. There are exceptions, as some states allow individuals to sit for the bar exam without a law degree, but they may have to work as apprentices in a law firm for several years. Obtaining a clerkship with a judge is considered an honour and can be a stepping stone to a more permanent position in the legal profession.
Clerking for a judge is typically a one or two-year assignment, and the application process often begins in the second year of law school. The application materials required by judges usually include a resume, cover letter, writing sample, references, and law school transcript. Federal judges may also request undergraduate transcripts. The hiring process can vary significantly between judges, and there is no standard timeline for interviews or responses.
The role of a clerk for a judge involves evaluating issues from both sides of a case, conducting thorough research, and developing reasoning to support a ruling. Clerks also gain insight into the judicial decision-making process and are exposed to various types of law. The position can be demanding, with expectations to perform at the level of a junior associate and meet strict deadlines. However, it offers valuable experience and the opportunity to build a close mentoring relationship with the judge.
While clerking for a judge requires a law degree and license in most states, there are opportunities for law students to gain experience through internships, externships, and part-time or summer jobs in law firms. These experiences can provide a good indication of whether an individual wishes to pursue a career in law and can enhance their resume when applying for clerkships or other legal positions.
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Clerkship hiring processes vary from judge to judge
The timing of the hiring process can also vary. Some judges may hire clerks 18 months to three years in advance, while others may operate on shorter timelines, hiring only alumni clerks who can start immediately. Federal judges, in particular, hire year-round and on a wide variety of timetables. Most clerks typically start work in August or September each year.
The Online System for Clerkship Application and Review (OSCAR) is a useful tool for applicants to learn about and apply for clerkship positions. OSCAR is a website developed by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to facilitate judicial clerkship applications. It includes information on every federal judge and allows applicants to search for vacancies and apply online. However, each judge decides how much they will utilize the OSCAR system, with some not using it at all.
The application process may also involve interviews, which are typically conducted by the judge's law clerks, and offers are usually made shortly after the interview. Applicants should be prepared to provide written materials and other required documentation, such as recommendation letters from professors. It is beneficial to have strong relationships with professors who can provide insightful recommendations based on observing your performance in smaller classes and writing-intensive courses.
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Judicial externships are available for students not seeking post-graduate clerkships
Judicial externships are a great way for law students to enrich their education and gain practical experience in the legal field. These opportunities are available during the summer, as well as during the school year of a student's second or third year of law school. While judicial clerkships are typically post-graduate opportunities, externships offer a valuable chance for current law students to strengthen their legal research and writing skills, observe the judicial system in action, and make valuable connections with judges, chambers, court staff, and fellow externs.
The Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, for example, offers judicial externships and clerkships to law students. Their program provides comprehensive training by federal judges, allowing students to integrate theoretical knowledge with professional skill development through externship placements in five areas of law: criminal, entertainment, government, judicial, and public interest.
The United States District Court in the Northern District of California also offers judicial externships to law students from across the country. These externships can be completed during the fall, winter/spring, or summer, and successful completion can earn students law school credit. While summer externships are typically not compensated, funding may be available through some law schools, especially for Pro Se Department externships, where students assist in managing prisoner habeas corpus and civil rights cases.
For those interested in applying for judicial externships, it is important to note that individual judges' chambers may have specific requirements for qualifications and application materials. It is recommended to check with your law school to see if they have an externship program in coordination with the court. Additionally, some courts, such as the Central District of California, provide specific instructions and online applications for their judicial externship and clerkship positions.
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Clerkships are available in federal and state courts, as well as some speciality courts
Clerkships are a great way for law students to gain practical experience and insight into the judicial system. Clerkships are available in federal and state courts, as well as some speciality courts, providing a range of opportunities for aspiring law professionals.
At the federal and state levels, clerkships are offered in appellate and trial courts. Federal clerkships are highly sought-after and can provide a competitive edge to one's resume. Federal judges often require undergraduate transcripts in addition to the standard application materials, such as a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references. The hiring process for federal clerkships can vary, with some judges beginning their search for candidates as early as their first year of law school.
State court clerkships are also highly competitive and offer valuable experience. State court judges typically interview and hire students during the summer between their second and third years of law school, with the clerkship term starting in the fall after graduation. Like their federal counterparts, state court judges have their own timelines and application requirements, so it is important for candidates to be prepared and flexible.
In addition to federal and state courts, clerkships are available in speciality courts, such as the U.S. Bankruptcy and U.S. Tax Courts. These clerkships offer a unique perspective on the legal system and provide clerks with specialised knowledge in specific areas of law.
Law students interested in clerkships should also consider judicial externships, which can be part-time or full-time and provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. Externships can serve as a stepping stone to a post-graduation clerkship and help students develop the skills and connections needed to succeed in the legal field.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, law students can work as clerks in law firms. Many firms hire law students during the summer or throughout the year to clerk for them before they have their law degree or license.
In most states, you need to have your law degree and license to practice before you can clerk for a judge. However, there are judicial externships available for students interested in clerking for a judge.
Clerkships offer valuable hands-on experience and can potentially turn into full-time positions after graduation. They also offer insight into the judicial decision-making process and exposure to a wide range of types of law.
Clerks are responsible for legal research, checking cases and legal treatises, and evaluating issues from both sides. They also assist in writing memos and developing the reasoning to support a ruling.
