Clerkship resume question Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm applying mostly to judges in the Midwest and the South (based on geographic and other ties). Is it more risk than it's worth to list "College Democrats, President" under activities during my undergrad years? Obviously, the judges in these regions will be more conservative, but do they even give a shit what your political affiliation is? Or, for that matter, what you did during undergrad?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

[Anonymous User]

My understanding is that one's political affiliation matters very little for most judges, as long as your resume doesn't suggest your a rigid ideologue who could not help decide each case on its merits according to the law.

That said, it's difficult to convey nuance on a one-page cover letter and a one-page resume. You don't have much to gain from including the entry for the College Democrats. And you run the risk of placing yourself out of running for a small number of judges who will care about your politics. It's fine to include a line or two about college activities, but it's not necessary.

[Anonymous User]

i deleted college democrats from my resume before applying for federal clerkships. i think it's a good thing to do, because like the previous poster said, you have basically nothing to gain from it, but potentially a lot to lose. i know if i was a judge, and someone's resume indicated that they were a republican, i'd probably have some unconscious bias against that candidate.

[Anonymous User]

My understanding is that one's political affiliation matters very little for most judges, as long as your resume doesn't suggest your a rigid ideologue who could not help decide each case on its merits according to the law.

That said, it's difficult to convey nuance on a one-page cover letter and a one-page resume. You don't have much to gain from including the entry for the College Democrats. And you run the risk of placing yourself out of running for a small number of judges who will care about your politics. It's fine to include a line or two about college activities, but it's not necessary.

Good advice. As a former clerk, I agree.