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I'm a HYS student and my mom's cousin is a federal district judge. I don't know him all that well but he and my mom are pretty close. Is it okay to apply for a clerkship with him or is that sketchy/nepotism?

I don't think he would be allowed to hire you. See 5 U.S.C. § 3110. That's just from a quick Google search, but it seems like common sense.

Bronte wrote:I don't think he would be allowed to hire you. See 5 U.S.C. § 3110. That's just from a quick Google search, but it seems like common sense.

Not that this is what this thread is about, but it doesn't look like Mom's cousin meets the definition of 'relative' in the statute you cited.

Why don't you reach out to him, tell him you are thinking of applying to clerk and ask for general mentoring about the process. If he wants to hire you or put in a good word with someone else, he will.

tsutsik wrote:

Bronte wrote:I don't think he would be allowed to hire you. See 5 U.S.C. § 3110. That's just from a quick Google search, but it seems like common sense.

Not that this is what this thread is about, but it doesn't look like Mom's cousin meets the definition of 'relative' in the statute you cited.

Yeah you're right. Didn't read the statute carefully and also thought it was his uncle. Still, I bet the guy won't be willing to do it. But like IAFG said, can't hurt to reach out.

He probably shouldn't hire you. The relevant statute is 28 USC § 458 ("No person shall be appointed to or employed in any office or duty in any court who is related by affinity or consanguinity within the degree of first cousin to any justice or judge of such court."). It sounds like you're a first cousin once removed, which probably falls under the statute; even if it doesn't, there might be an ethical issue. See Code of Conduct for United States Judges, Canon 3(B)(3) ("A judge should exercise the power of appointment fairly and only on the basis of merit, avoiding unnecessary appointments, nepotism, and favoritism.").

But he could still recommend you, so reaching out could be worthwhile.

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