Can I mention case my Judge is sitting for? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I extern for a Judge that is sitting for a pretty important case, a case in the area of law I am interested in pursuing. Can I mention that I worked on this case as an extern and mention in my Cover Letter about how it helped me realize I wanted to go into a certain area of law? I won't mention any details of the case , but a lot of employers I think would be interested that I have familiarity with this particular case/ area, as it is pretty unique.

So long as I don't mention details, is it inappropriate to mention the case?

[A. Nony Mouse]

I extern for a Judge that is sitting for a pretty important case, a case in the area of law I am interested in pursuing. Can I mention that I worked on this case as an extern and mention in my Cover Letter about how it helped me realize I wanted to go into a certain area of law? I won't mention any details of the case , but a lot of employers I think would be interested that I have familiarity with this particular case/ area, as it is pretty unique.

So long as I don't mention details, is it inappropriate to mention the case?

Ask your judge.

[Anonymous User]

That..... completely makes sense. Thanks haha.

[ClerkAdvisor]

Chambers is like Las Vegas, what happens in chambers stays in chambers. Thus, you should not discuss anything that happens in chambers. What is generally ok are things like: (a) I had exposure to X, Y, and Z areas of law, or (b) matters of public record (i.e., A, B, and C cases were before the judge while I was there).

[Bronte]

Chambers is like Las Vegas, what happens in chambers stays in chambers. Thus, you should not discuss anything that happens in chambers. What is generally ok are things like: (a) I had exposure to X, Y, and Z areas of law, or (b) matters of public record (i.e., A, B, and C cases were before the judge while I was there).

Point (b) seems like it would generally cover what OP is talking about. Should ask the judge if he's unsure, but seems like if you worked on a case that's on the docket, you can say you worked on that case.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I have just come across enough varying approaches to this kind of thing that I think asking the judge is safest.

[Bronte]

I have just come across enough varying approaches to this kind of thing that I think asking the judge is safest.

Sure, asking the judge is wise. But if it's just a regular case, I'm sure the judge will OK it. He of course should not divulge anything that's not of public record.

[Anonymous User]

I extern for a Judge that is sitting for a pretty important case, a case in the area of law I am interested in pursuing. Can I mention that I worked on this case as an extern and mention in my Cover Letter about how it helped me realize I wanted to go into a certain area of law? I won't mention any details of the case , but a lot of employers I think would be interested that I have familiarity with this particular case/ area, as it is pretty unique.

So long as I don't mention details, is it inappropriate to mention the case?

As others said, definitely ask your judge. As a clerk my judge approved me using an opinion as a writing sample. But not all judges do that and I only had permission to use one as a writing sample. You can say things you were exposed to without giving away what work you did on it. So if the case is with the judge and that's public knowledge, you can say you worked on components of it and even estimate percentages of time spent on it. Just don't say "I researched X for the Y matter" or "I wrote this opinion for the Y matter" unless the judge gives you permission to do so.

On another note, most employers get this. So if they ask, just tell them it's confidential and then be prepared to list the types of things you've worked on without specific case mentions.

ETA: On my writing sample, I explicitly listed that it was used with the judge's permission, so employers knew I was following ethical considerations in submitting it.