Should I try applying for judicial externships before finals? Forum

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Gitaroo_Dude

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Should I try applying for judicial externships before finals?

Post by Gitaroo_Dude » Wed Nov 29, 2017 1:51 pm

Hey all,

So externing in for a federal trial court was my dream summer job. I currently have my cover letter ready along with resume and recs, just gotta polish up a writing sample.

But I was talking to a classmate yesterday who was printing all his materials off and he was complaining how long it was taking, and a 2L was telling me to not send out apps until after finals.

Is it worth sacrificing some time to get my apps sent out this week/early next week? Or am I better served by focusing purely on grades then waiting to apply after finals end?

I guess I'm mostly concerned with what the 2L told me, that her roommate applied last year and the judges all told her to get back in touch once grades were released, so applying early was of little utility. What's the best way to approach this? I'm at UCLA, if that matters.

mcmand

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Re: Should I try applying for judicial externships before finals?

Post by mcmand » Wed Nov 29, 2017 2:02 pm

Some judges won't hire an extern without grades, some will. That's kind of a black box and very judge-specific. Ask former externs at your school or career services if they know about the judges you're applying to.
Last edited by mcmand on Mon Jan 29, 2018 6:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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cavalier1138

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Re: Should I try applying for judicial externships before finals?

Post by cavalier1138 » Wed Nov 29, 2017 2:15 pm

If the choice is between studying and getting the apps out, study. A judicial externship isn't that hard to get, and your grades are infinitely more important than your summer job pedigree anyway.

lolwat

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Re: Should I try applying for judicial externships before finals?

Post by lolwat » Wed Nov 29, 2017 2:42 pm

Hi D.Va bunny. Given that you're at UCLA, your career services people should know how the judges in C.D. Cal. work, at least. If all the info you're getting tells you to wait for grades, then I'd just wait for grades.

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