Judges Forum

[TTH]

I've read several times on here "Don't apply to a judge you won't work for." The rationale being that it's a bad to burn a bridge with a Judge who gives you an offer you turn down.

Does this also apply to withdrawing your name from consideration with a Judge? I assume it wouldn't, but if by some miracle a firm picked me up for the summer, I would definitely want to do that versus work for the Judge.


On a more general note, how go about mailbombing judges? Should I call first to see if they are bringing on student interns in their chambers or just fire away? Do you address the cover letter to the Judge or a Clerk? I'm so confused.

[Corsair]

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[Corsair]

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[TTH]

Address it to the judge, mail bomb away.

In retrospect, this sort of post is likely to cause the FBI to flag me.

On a more general note, how go about mailbombing judges? Should I call first to see if they are bringing on student interns in their chambers or just fire away? Do you address the cover letter to the Judge or a Clerk? I'm so confused.

Ehrm...see you at Gitmo?

[ggocat]

I've read several times on here "Don't apply to a judge you won't work for." The rationale being that it's a bad to burn a bridge with a Judge who gives you an offer you turn down.

Does this also apply to withdrawing your name from consideration with a Judge? I assume it wouldn't, but if by some miracle a firm picked me up for the summer, I would definitely want to do that versus work for the Judge.


On a more general note, how go about mailbombing judges? Should I call first to see if they are bringing on student interns in their chambers or just fire away? Do you address the cover letter to the Judge or a Clerk? I'm so confused.

1. OK to withdraw your name from consideration. IMO, should be "Don't interview with a judge you won't work for."
2. Just fire away if you're applying to quite a few. Calling might be better etiquette, but you won't be out of place if you just send a letter. Also, put yourself in the secretary/clerk's shoes. Would you rather have 100 people calling you so you can tell them "no," or would you rather just throw 100 applications in the trash. I would prefer the latter.
3. Address it to the judge unless otherwise stated in some job posting.

[wiseowl]

I've read several times on here "Don't apply to a judge you won't work for." The rationale being that it's a bad to burn a bridge with a Judge who gives you an offer you turn down.

Does this also apply to withdrawing your name from consideration with a Judge? I assume it wouldn't, but if by some miracle a firm picked me up for the summer, I would definitely want to do that versus work for the Judge.


On a more general note, how go about mailbombing judges? Should I call first to see if they are bringing on student interns in their chambers or just fire away? Do you address the cover letter to the Judge or a Clerk? I'm so confused.

1. OK to withdraw your name from consideration. IMO, should be "Don't interview with a judge you won't work for."
2. Just fire away if you're applying to quite a few. Calling might be better etiquette, but you won't be out of place if you just send a letter. Also, put yourself in the secretary/clerk's shoes. Would you rather have 100 people calling you so you can tell them "no," or would you rather just throw 100 applications in the trash. I would prefer the latter.
3. Address it to the judge unless otherwise stated in some job posting.

Great post all around.

Career services suggested calling chambers, but in my opinion that's a waste of time. I didn't call anyone. Point 2 was key for me.

[dood]

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[dakatz]

yeah concur above^; cast ur net far and wide. also, what worked for me: connection to the area.

when i asked why i was hired my judge's secretary showed me her spreadsheet of applicants.

mine said:
PROS:
local connection
engineering degree
good work experience
CONS:
low UG gpa

alot of others said:
PROS:
good law school/high grades
engineering degree
good work experience
CONS:
seems to be targeting our circuit but has no interest in [the local state the judge represents]

and i got the jorb....take what u will from that.

Damn, that makes me glad that I threw in some additional lines for the judges in my home state (how I'm a lifelong resident, how I can't wait to come home, etc)

[ggocat]

yeah concur above^; cast ur net far and wide. also, what worked for me: connection to the area.

+1 Some judges place significant emphasis on local connections.