internship with judges Forum

[uhwrestler]

i still haven't got a 1l summer positions
i was planning on mass mailing a bunch of judges at all levels in my home market

how exactly should i go about this should i send physical mail applications to their addresses or email my app to their clerks (the clerk emails are on the judge's webpage)?

[kradle]

I would probably start by calling the chambers of the judges you're interested in (especially if you can play a normal, competent person on the phone). Just mention you're interested in a summer internship, and ask whether the judge is considering applicants and how they'd prefer that you apply (paper, email, etc.). This will reduce the number of useless apps you have to send out, and if you're normal on the phone, might give the clerks a reason to consider yours.

[Anonymous User]

I would probably start by calling the chambers of the judges you're interested in (especially if you can play a normal, competent person on the phone). Just mention you're interested in a summer internship, and ask whether the judge is considering applicants and how they'd prefer that you apply (paper, email, etc.). This will reduce the number of useless apps you have to send out, and if you're normal on the phone, might give the clerks a reason to consider yours.

I don't think this is good advice. Many chambers find such calls extremely annoying. I would mass mail paper apps.

[ExperssioUnius]

I'd also advise against calling. Most chambers I've been in would not look favorably upon receiving a call and I'm not sure you'd get a response if you had to leave a phone message. I also would steer away from e-mailing applications unless you find a posting where the chambers is specifically looking for summer interns and accepting applications via e-mail. Thus, only real option is to mass mail. That all said, if you are thinking federal district court, I think you're likely too late in applying. Many chambers fill their positions by the end of January/mid-February.

[Anonymous User]

I'd also advise against calling. Most chambers I've been in would not look favorably upon receiving a call and I'm not sure you'd get a response if you had to leave a phone message. I also would steer away from e-mailing applications unless you find a posting where the chambers is specifically looking for summer interns and accepting applications via e-mail. Thus, only real option is to mass mail. That all said, if you are thinking federal district court, I think you're likely too late in applying. Many chambers fill their positions by the end of January/mid-February.

i was planning on sending cover letter and resume obviously

but should i also send writing samples and transcript?

[kradle]

I don't think this is good advice. Many chambers find such calls extremely annoying. I would mass mail paper apps.

Sorry if this is bad advice. I will say -- when I was in chambers, we got calls like this for both interns and clerks applications, and it was never seen as bothersome unless the person was annoying or long-winded. I also did this when applying for clerkships, and I thought the results were positive. However, could just be a fluke.

[ExperssioUnius]

You should include a writing sample (approx 10 pages, maybe 15 if that is all you have) and a transcript. We did not give much, if any, consideration to applications without those two items and the quality of the writing sample can be crucial to the evaluation process.