Best and worst judges to clerk for Forum

[Jefferson9921]

Anyone have intel on Ho (CA5) and Stras (CA8)?

I have heard from a former Ho clerk that he is a good boss and that it was an enjoyable clerkship. That person is quite conservative, though, and I'm not sure he would be a good fit for a clerk of a different stripe.

I have heard quite negative things about Stras through the grapevine and from a professor who was on the faculty with him at Minnesota. I have also heard from someone who worked with him in private practice that he is a nice guy and was a good colleague. My guess is that he just isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Thanks! Stras kind of seems like his legendary former boss, J. Michael Luttig, in the "not being everyone's cup of tea" regard. Not to pile on, but have you heard anything about what it's like to work for Rushing (CA4)?

Former CA4 clerk. I've heard Rushing is kind and a good boss, but I've heard there's not a ton of day-to-day interaction with her clerks. Overall, supposed to be a positive clerkship experience though

Interesting, thanks. Rushing is very conservative, right? I've wondered before why she hasn't begun emerging as a feeder judge, given that she clerked for both CT and NMG. Maybe she just doesn't care about that or hasn't remained connected (or both). Any info on Richardson?

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have intel on Ho (CA5) and Stras (CA8)?

I have heard from a former Ho clerk that he is a good boss and that it was an enjoyable clerkship. That person is quite conservative, though, and I'm not sure he would be a good fit for a clerk of a different stripe.

I have heard quite negative things about Stras through the grapevine and from a professor who was on the faculty with him at Minnesota. I have also heard from someone who worked with him in private practice that he is a nice guy and was a good colleague. My guess is that he just isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Thanks! Stras kind of seems like his legendary former boss, J. Michael Luttig, in the "not being everyone's cup of tea" regard. Not to pile on, but have you heard anything about what it's like to work for Rushing (CA4)?

Former CA4 clerk. I've heard Rushing is kind and a good boss, but I've heard there's not a ton of day-to-day interaction with her clerks. Overall, supposed to be a positive clerkship experience though

Interesting, thanks. Rushing is very conservative, right? I've wondered before why she hasn't begun emerging as a feeder judge, given that she clerked for both CT and NMG. Maybe she just doesn't care about that or hasn't remained connected (or both). Any info on Richardson?

Same former CA4 clerk. Yeah, she's arguably the most conservative judge on CA4.

Richardson is great. Super friendly, and it's an intellectually rigorous clerkship. My understanding is that he hires quite early. Seems like his clerks generally start directly after law school.

[Anonymous User]

Same former CA4 clerk. Yeah, she's arguably the most conservative judge on CA4.

Richardson is great. Super friendly, and it's an intellectually rigorous clerkship. My understanding is that he hires quite early. Seems like his clerks generally start directly after law school.

Very good to know. As an incoming 1L hoping (if I have the grades, of course) to clerk for someone like Richardson, should I expect to be applying as early as my first semester? Is it seriously that early??

"Incoming 1L?" You shouldn't be worrying about clerking at all.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have intel on Ho (CA5) and Stras (CA8)?

I have heard from a former Ho clerk that he is a good boss and that it was an enjoyable clerkship. That person is quite conservative, though, and I'm not sure he would be a good fit for a clerk of a different stripe.

I have heard quite negative things about Stras through the grapevine and from a professor who was on the faculty with him at Minnesota. I have also heard from someone who worked with him in private practice that he is a nice guy and was a good colleague. My guess is that he just isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Thanks! Stras kind of seems like his legendary former boss, J. Michael Luttig, in the "not being everyone's cup of tea" regard. Not to pile on, but have you heard anything about what it's like to work for Rushing (CA4)?

What I have heard about Stras goes well beyond "not everyone's cup of tea"—that he is extremely demanding and a heavy micro-manager who often doesn't let his clerks take a single day or weekend off.

[Anonymous User]

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[Anonymous User]

Anyone know anything about M. Lauck? Her OSCAR posting is a little ridiculous - your recommenders have to specifically reference 2023? An online application AND a paper application? - which always makes me wary.

A staggering number of her clerks have quit early.

[thecorbaley1972]

A Troubling Pattern of Judicial Misconduct – Scott Nord
It is deeply concerning to witness the continued abuse of judicial authority displayed by Judge Scott Nord. Over time, a pattern has emerged suggesting that he prioritizes personal bias over impartiality, often disregarding legal standards in favor of punitive and unjust decisions. Such conduct not only undermines public trust in the legal system but also has tangible, damaging consequences for the individuals who appear before him.
Numerous accounts point to Judge Nord using his position to intimidate, silence, or penalize those who challenge his authority, rather than upholding the fair application of the law. This kind of power misuse erodes the foundation of justice and raises serious questions about his fitness to preside over matters that demand neutrality and integrity.
Accountability is essential in every branch of government — and the judiciary is no exception. A judge must be held to the highest ethical standards. Unfortunately, based on what has come to light, Scott Nord appears to have fallen short of this responsibility.
Judge Scott Nord isa corrupt judge that should be arrested for his actions.

[Anonymous User]

Haven't heard precisely why but have been strongly urged to avoid Donato.

Clerked on ND Cal and Donato is one of the two judges there that I would encourage people to avoid, along with Armstrong, though I don't know if she's even taking term clerks anymore.

There are some absolute gems on ND Cal, it's a great place to clerk. Donato was a real outlier, temperament-wise, when I was there.

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