Becoming A Supreme Court Law Clerk: A Guide

Becoming a law clerk for the Supreme Court is a highly competitive and prestigious process. Each year, only 36 clerkships become available at the Supreme Court of the United States, with each Justice hiring between four and five clerks for a one-year period. The role is typically sought by recent law school graduates who performed exceptionally well in their classes and/or attended top-ranked law schools. Serving as a law clerk to a Supreme Court Justice is considered a career pinnacle, providing invaluable experience and opening doors to various opportunities in law.

Top grades and a place on Law Review are essential

If you're aspiring to become a law clerk for the Supreme Court, you'll need to stand out from the crowd. The competition is fierce, with only 36 clerkship positions available each year. Here's what you need to do to secure one of those coveted spots:

Excel Academically

Achieving top grades is essential. Supreme Court law clerks are typically recent law

Get glowing recommendations from your law professors

Glowing recommendations from law professors are an essential part of your application to become a law clerk for the Supreme Court. Here are some tips to help you get those stellar references:

Build Strong Relationships with Professors

The key to getting a glowing recommendation is to build a strong relationship with your professors. Start by attending office hours regularly and participating actively in class discussions. Get to know your professors and let them get to know you, your interests, and your career aspirations. If you're in your first or second year of undergraduate studies, you may want to start cultivating these relationships early.

Seek Career Advice and Collaborate on Research

Another way to build a strong relationship with a professor is to seek their career advice. Professors are often happy to guide students who show interest and initiative. Additionally, consider collaborating with professors on research projects. This will not only strengthen your relationship but also provide them with first-hand experience of your analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as your ability to work collaboratively.

Choose Professors Who Know You Well

When selecting professors to ask for recommendations, choose those who know you and your work best. This may be a professor whose class you particularly excelled in or one who supervised your research project. Even if you didn't get an A in their class, a professor who taught you in a demanding course can speak to your ability to persevere and earn a hard-won grade.

Provide Professors with Necessary Information

Make it easy for your professors to write you a recommendation. Give them all the information they need, such as your resume, transcripts, papers you wrote for their class, and a list of your internship and extracurricular experiences. You can also provide them with a brief description of why you're applying to law school and your future goals. This will help them write a more personalized and compelling letter.

Ask Early and Follow Up

Start the process early by asking for recommendations at least two months in advance. This will give your professors ample time to write thoughtful letters. After they agree to write you a recommendation, follow up with them to provide any additional information they may need and to confirm submission deadlines. It's important to stay in polite and regular contact without crowding them with too many requests.

Express Gratitude

Don't forget to send a thoughtful thank-you note to your professors after they submit their recommendations. This is not only good etiquette but also a way to continue building your relationship with them. They are now part of your professional network, and it's beneficial to keep the door open for future connections and advice.

Clerk at a federal appellate level first

Clerking at the Supreme Court of the United States is the most prestigious gig a law graduate can get. Only 36 SCOTUS clerkships are available each year, so the competition is fierce. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to get a Supreme Court clerkship straight out of law school. Typically, successful candidates have previously clerked at the federal appellate level and impressed their judges.

At the federal appellate level, you will gain valuable experience in sifting through petitions and marking cases worthy of being granted time. You will also assist your judge in preparing for arguments and conferences, developing critical thinking skills, and learning about professionalism in a judicial setting.

To increase your chances of becoming a law clerk at the Supreme Court, follow these steps:

• Excel in your law school classes: Aim to be at or near the top of your class and attend a highly ranked law school. Federal judges, especially appellate-level judges, often seek applicants with law review or moot court experience.
• Develop relationships with professors: Seek out professors who have relationships with Supreme Court Justices or are well-known in their own right. Consider taking multiple classes with these professors or becoming their research assistant.
• Gain practical experience: Apply for clerkships at the federal appellate level during your second year of law school or later. Most applicants are in their final two years of law school, but practicing attorneys are also eligible.
• Impress your circuit court judge: Work hard during your federal appellate clerkship to secure a stellar reference from your judge. Their recommendation will carry significant weight in your future Supreme Court application.
• Prepare your application: At some point during your federal clerkship, compile your resume, cover letter, transcript, writing sample, and letters of recommendation (most Justices require at least three). Keep an eye out for hiring announcements, as each Justice sets their own schedule.
• Understand the Justices' work: Familiarize yourself with the cases, judicial philosophy, and pending cases of the Supreme Court Justice you're applying to work with. This demonstrates a genuine interest in working with that particular Justice.
• Interview confidently: The interview process may focus more on your ability to hold an interesting conversation and connect with the Justice on a personal level, rather than solely on your legal qualifications. Remember that your recommenders have already vouched for your capabilities.
• Utilize your network: Your circuit court judge may be able to connect you with previous clerks of the Supreme Court Justice you're applying to. Speaking with these former clerks can provide valuable insights into the Justice's working style and interview process.

By following these steps and gaining experience at the federal appellate level, you can increase your chances of securing a coveted Supreme Court clerkship.

Submit your application to the Court, including a resume, cover letter, transcript, writing sample, and letters of recommendation

When you're ready to apply for a law clerk position at the Supreme Court, you'll need to submit a comprehensive application package to the Court. This package should include several essential documents: a resume, a cover letter, a transcript, a writing sample, and letters of recommendation. Here's a detailed breakdown of each component:

Resume:

Your resume should highlight your legal qualifications, academic achievements, and any relevant work experience. Focus on showcasing your strengths and skills that align with the role of a law clerk. Include your educational background, such as your law school and any notable achievements or awards. If you have prior clerkship or legal work experience, be sure to mention it. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific requirements and needs of the Supreme Court.

Cover Letter:

The cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and express your interest in the law clerk position. It should be concise, well-written, and tailored specifically to the Supreme Court. Explain why you are passionate about this role and what unique skills and perspectives you can bring to the Court. Highlight any relevant experiences or accomplishments that align with the Court's work. Address your cover letter to the specific Justice you are applying to work with.

Transcript:

Include an official copy of your law school transcript with your application. The transcript will showcase your academic performance and provide insight into your legal knowledge and capabilities. If you attended multiple academic institutions, ensure you submit transcripts from each one.

Writing Sample:

A writing sample is a critical component of your application as it demonstrates your legal writing skills and analytical abilities. Choose a sample that best represents your writing talents and legal expertise. It could be a portion of a legal brief, a memorandum, or an academic paper on a legal topic. Ensure your writing is clear, concise, and free from errors.

Letters of Recommendation:

Letters of recommendation carry significant weight in the application process. Aim to gather three or more strong letters from individuals who can attest to your qualifications, skills, and character. Consider reaching out to law professors, judges you have worked with, or legal professionals who can speak to your abilities and potential as a law clerk. Strong letters of recommendation can set you apart from other candidates and help you make a positive impression on the Justices.

Remember to review your application package thoroughly before submitting it to ensure all the required documents are included and that your materials are well-presented and error-free. Good luck with your application!

Interview with the Justices

What to Expect

The interview stage of the selection process for a Supreme Court law clerkship is an opportunity for the Justices to get to know you on a more personal level. They are already confident in your legal genius, so the interview is more relaxed and conversational than anticipated. The Justices want to see if they connect with you and if your personality and ideological fit align with them.

Preparation

Before the interview, it is important to be familiar with the Justice's cases, their judicial philosophy, and the pending cases the Court is hearing. Reading their writing and high-profile cases demonstrates your interest in that particular court. Additionally, you should be prepared to discuss your resume, cover letter, transcript, writing sample, and letters of recommendation.

Sample Questions

• Why do you want to clerk for the Supreme Court?
• What is your favorite Supreme Court case and why?
• What are your views on a recent Supreme Court ruling?
• Tell me about a complex legal term you've explained to someone without a law background.
• How do you manage your time when given multiple tasks with quick turnaround times?
• How do you ensure impartiality when evaluating a case?
• What is your favorite book, and why?
• Why should I hire you?

Frequently asked questions