Question re: applying for a second clerkship Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm currently a 3L, and I'll be clerking judge next year after graduation. I'm strongly considering applying for a follow up clerkship in a different region, and my understanding is that I should probably start applying around March or April (possibly earlier) for competitive districts.

The problem is that this is all going to take place before I even start my first clerkship, which means that I will not be able to get a recommendation from my judge when I apply for the second clerkship. I was wondering if any current or former second-term clerks could provide some insight here. Is putting the judge's name on my resume going to be enough? Would it be appropriate for me to ask him to provide a reference?

[anon168]

I'm currently a 3L, and I'll be clerking judge next year after graduation. I'm strongly considering applying for a follow up clerkship in a different region, and my understanding is that I should probably start applying around March or April (possibly earlier) for competitive districts.

The problem is that this is all going to take place before I even start my first clerkship, which means that I will not be able to get a recommendation from my judge when I apply for the second clerkship. I was wondering if any current or former second-term clerks could provide some insight here. Is putting the judge's name on my resume going to be enough? Would it be appropriate for me to ask him to provide a reference?

Yes, having that first clerkship speaks more than you can imagine.

Knowing that you've already been vetted by a colleague, tells your potential second clerkship judge that this person is more likely than not a good candidate.

And, trust me, whether you ask for a reference, there is nothing that will stop a judge from calling your first clerkship judge and asking about you. These are judges, after all.

Good luck.

[Anonymous User]

Yes, just having the first clerkship on there helps. My current judge repeatedly referred to my first clerkship when I interviewed (and then after I got the job), even though I hadn't done a day of work on it yet. I'm quite sure he doesn't know the first judge, either - it's just that he knew I'd have that useful experience by the time I showed up in his chambers. So no, don't ask your first judge for a reference (unless s/he actually knows your work from something other than your application - like if you interned for them already). But you won't really need to.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. This is reassuring to hear. Thanks for the replies.