On Plan Clerkships 2011 Forum

[Anonymous User]

I really think it depends on how widely one applies and if they have any special connection to the judge. For example, just by going off of some of the comments in this thread, some people apply to 100+ judges all across the country to land 2-4 interviews-so well less than 10% success rate for interviews. This obviously hampers someone who (for family reasons or whatever) only applies to judges in one city/district.

Obviously good grades are a must, but sometimes judges have preferences that they also rank highly. For example, Judge Hamilton (7th Cir.), who has his chambers within IU's school of law in Bloomington would presumably be more likely to hire a IU Bloomington student than his 7th Cir. colleagues, etc. Others might prefer applicants who have served in the armed forces, or succeeded in courses in a specific subject (say immigration or drug law for in the southwest), etc.

[Anonymous User]

Fed Cir x 4

[Anonymous User]

Two D.C. Circuit interviews. I applied to 25 judges, all in DC/VA/MD.

[AcesandEights]

Obviously good grades are a must, but sometimes judges have preferences that they also rank highly. For example, Judge Tinder (7th Cir.), who has his chambers within IU's school of law in Bloomington has hired significantly more IU students, etc. Others might prefer applicants who have served in the armed forces, or succeeded in courses in a specific subject (say immigration or drug law for in the southwest), etc.

Judge Tinder's chambers are in the federal courthouse in Indianapolis. Judge Hamilton keeps his chambers in the IU law school building. Judge Tinder does have a history of hiring a number of clerks from IU, probably because he did his undergrad and law schooling there. As far as I know, Judge Hamilton doesn't have a history of hiring from IU, at least at the circuit level. I'm sure that could change in the future and he could pick up an IU person here or there, especially given his proximity. I doubt he'll ever start hiring significantly more IU students than students from other schools, though.

[Anonymous User]

Fed Cir x 4

Very impressive - I am primarily interested in patent law and would love to be on the Federal Circuit - are you a 3L?

[Anonymous User]

Fed Cir x 4

Very impressive - I am primarily interested in patent law and would love to be on the Federal Circuit - are you a 3L?

Yep. Although my priority is certain district judges because I'm more interested in patent trial law. I don't need the Fed Cir patent law job boost per se, but I do need the litigation skills at the district court.

For D. Ct., I've only landed one interview so far, but its a pretty good judge with a super-heavy patent docket.

[Anonymous User]

Obviously good grades are a must, but sometimes judges have preferences that they also rank highly. For example, Judge Tinder (7th Cir.), who has his chambers within IU's school of law in Bloomington has hired significantly more IU students, etc. Others might prefer applicants who have served in the armed forces, or succeeded in courses in a specific subject (say immigration or drug law for in the southwest), etc.

Judge Tinder's chambers are in the federal courthouse in Indianapolis. Judge Hamilton keeps his chambers in the IU law school building. Judge Tinder does have a history of hiring a number of clerks from IU, probably because he did his undergrad and law schooling there. As far as I know, Judge Hamilton doesn't have a history of hiring from IU, at least at the circuit level. I'm sure that could change in the future and he could pick up an IU person here or there, especially given his proximity. I doubt he'll ever start hiring significantly more IU students than students from other schools, though.

Yeah, I realized my mistake as soon as I hit "submit," but I think the point remains the same. Some things on resumes will jump out to a particular judge, whereas other judges wouldn't event take a second look.

[Anonymous User]

a judge told me his clerks would call me to day to schedule an interview and i haven't heard anything. do i email the judge? call chambers?

[Anonymous User]

Has anyone heard anything from D.Mass.?

Yes via email

[Anonymous User]

Fed Cir x 4

Very impressive - I am primarily interested in patent law and would love to be on the Federal Circuit - are you a 3L?

Yep. Although my priority is certain district judges because I'm more interested in patent trial law. I don't need the Fed Cir boost for patent jobs with my background.

Interesting - I mainly applied to the Federal Circuit and also focused on the districts that are part of the Patent Pilot Program. I'm actually in the same boat as far as jobs. I got two clerkships in the district courts, but was hoping for ones closer to home.

If you don't mind answering, which district court judge?

[Anonymous User]

E.D. La?

[Anonymous User]

E.D. La?

Sitting on 3 D. Ct. interviews right now (2 done, 1 pending), one of which was scheduled today. I say this to indicate that I've got stats decent enough to get interviews. To answer your question, I've put a lot of apps into NOLA and the rest of the E.D. La. and what-not, and I've heard nothing yet.

FWIW, I've interviewed for a clerkship in NOLA before, leading me to believe it's feasible I'd get an interview there again this year.

[Anonymous User]

If I got an interview, how many people do you think a Dist. Ct. Judge interviews for one spot? i.e. odds at this point?

[Anonymous User]

If I got an interview, how many people do you think a Dist. Ct. Judge interviews for one spot? i.e. odds at this point?

This is straight from the gut. If I were an average district court judge, I'd interview say 3-4 people for a spot. And then I'd make them wait for a day, and give them offers in order of priority.

So I'd give my most preferred candidate the first "offer," if he declines, move to the next candidate, and so on. So when I offered, it'd be "exploding" - now or never.

Anyway, this is probably a useless response, I just have fun thinking of what I would do if I were boss.

[Anonymous User]

anyone heard from the CDCA today?

[Anonymous User]

If I got an interview, how many people do you think a Dist. Ct. Judge interviews for one spot? i.e. odds at this point?

We saw the question the first time. It can't be answered because it varies by judge. Some interview 4, others 8, others 20. I've heard of all of these and many numbers in-between. Some will extend an offer to the first candidate they like, whilst others will interview all candidates before making a decision. It's just too hard to say. Having gone through a LOT of clerkship interviews, I'd advise you to not worry about odds, and not put too much thought into your interviewing experience. Frankly, I'm convinced that, once you get the interview, there is no calculus that will guarantee offer/rejection. It very much depends upon which side of the bed the judge woke up on that morning, whether there was too much sugar in his/her coffee, and whether his judicial assistant likes your tie.

So wear a good tie.

[Anonymous User]

Has anyone heard anything from D.Mass.?

yes - many judges already made calls

[Anonymous User]

Anybody hear from EDVA/WDVA/DMD?

[Anonymous User]

For what it's worth, my parlaying is going pleasantly, though no interviews yet (but several assurances that I'll be called back when they know), and Judge Schiller of the ED of PA has, according to his assistant, made no calls yet. So if you're a Philly person, he's still out there.

[snowboarder]

Anyone heard from 9th circuit judges other than Clifton?

[Anonymous User]

Anyone heard from 9th circuit judges other than Clifton?

bea

[Anonymous User]

Anyone heard from 9th circuit judges other than Clifton?

bea

Damn, I was really hoping for Bea. I stuck out on the entire 9th cir.

[Anonymous User]

And, Judge Rodriguez (D.N.J.) has not made calls.

[Anonymous User]

CDCA, Selna, email.

[Anonymous User]

Any word from D. Md.?