Let's talk 6th Circuit! Forum

[Anonymous User]

Any news on who's going to be nominated to replace Gibbons and Stranch? If they wait any longer, will the nominee even get confirmed before 2025?

Unlikely since it’s such a long process and with the presidential elections.

[Anonymous User]

Received an offer from Gibbons already. She may already be full.

congrats!

[Anonymous User]

Is it safe to assume that if you haven’t heard from Gibbons, you’ve gotten rejected?

[Anonymous User]

Is it safe to assume that if you haven’t heard from Gibbons, you’ve gotten rejected?

I thnk so. Her OSCAR thing says filled.

[Anonymous User]

Hey, I'm a current student at YS. I'm sort of out of the loop, but does anyone have a rough grade range we're expected to have for judges specifically in MI or OH. Are we expected to have certain credentials like moot court, journal, and work with "prestigious" professors?

I know it's early for sure, but many friends (interested in DC/9th/2nd) are starting to move things along. I am liberal but willing to clerk for conservative judges. Would greatly appreciate any input/insight.

[Anonymous User]

Hey, I'm a current student at YS. I'm sort of out of the loop, but does anyone have a rough grade range we're expected to have for judges specifically in MI or OH. Are we expected to have certain credentials like moot court, journal, and work with "prestigious" professors?

I know it's early for sure, but many friends (interested in DC/9th/2nd) are starting to move things along. I am liberal but willing to clerk for conservative judges. Would greatly appreciate any input/insight.

I can speak for S. I think you want half H's at least

[Anonymous User]

Hey, I'm a current student at YS. I'm sort of out of the loop, but does anyone have a rough grade range we're expected to have for judges specifically in MI or OH. Are we expected to have certain credentials like moot court, journal, and work with "prestigious" professors?

I know it's early for sure, but many friends (interested in DC/9th/2nd) are starting to move things along. I am liberal but willing to clerk for conservative judges. Would greatly appreciate any input/insight.

I can speak for S. I think you want half H's at least

Yeah, I was at just shy of 50/50 when I applied and got multiple interviews (and a clerkship) on the Sixth. You won't be competitive for Kethledge or Sutton but all the other OH/MI judges should be at least somewhat in play.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have info for Y? Do they expect some post-law school work experience, or look for DCt clerkships? Along those lines, is it a thing for COA judges to funnel into DCt?

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have info for Y? Do they expect some post-law school work experience, or look for DCt clerkships? Along those lines, is it a thing for COA judges to funnel into DCt?

Current CA6 clerk - can't speak for the conservatives (who, from my impression, are generally more open to straight-out-of-school applicants), but the liberal judges generally seem to prefer some post-law school work experience (and I think at least Stranch expressly requires it). That's true regardless of which law school you went to.

[Anonymous User]

Has Bloomekatz has begun reviewing applications or extending interviews following her recent OSCAR post?

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have insight on Judge Davis? How is she as a boss? And what are her chambers like?

Curious if anyone has any new info on this.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have info for Y? Do they expect some post-law school work experience, or look for DCt clerkships? Along those lines, is it a thing for COA judges to funnel into DCt?

Current CA6 clerk - can't speak for the conservatives (who, from my impression, are generally more open to straight-out-of-school applicants), but the liberal judges generally seem to prefer some post-law school work experience (and I think at least Stranch expressly requires it). That's true regardless of which law school you went to.

My liberal Sixth Circuit judge does not care that much about WE or require it unless it is a prior clerkship (can be anything, federal appellate, state supreme court, federal district) in which case it is a solid plus. Would not be odd, though, to just graduate and go straight to the clerkship.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have info for Y? Do they expect some post-law school work experience, or look for DCt clerkships? Along those lines, is it a thing for COA judges to funnel into DCt?

Current CA6 clerk - can't speak for the conservatives (who, from my impression, are generally more open to straight-out-of-school applicants), but the liberal judges generally seem to prefer some post-law school work experience (and I think at least Stranch expressly requires it). That's true regardless of which law school you went to.

My liberal Sixth Circuit judge does not care that much about WE or require it unless it is a prior clerkship (can be anything, federal appellate, state supreme court, federal district) in which case it is a solid plus. Would not be odd, though, to just graduate and go straight to the clerkship.

My bad, then - my liberal CA6 judge (who isn't Stranch) does, and the other liberal chambers I've met have all clerks with at least one year of post-grad experience. Just goes to show that it's hard to characterize all judges on a circuit (or even a subset) with a broad brush.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have info for Y? Do they expect some post-law school work experience, or look for DCt clerkships? Along those lines, is it a thing for COA judges to funnel into DCt?

Current CA6 clerk - can't speak for the conservatives (who, from my impression, are generally more open to straight-out-of-school applicants), but the liberal judges generally seem to prefer some post-law school work experience (and I think at least Stranch expressly requires it). That's true regardless of which law school you went to.

My liberal Sixth Circuit judge does not care that much about WE or require it unless it is a prior clerkship (can be anything, federal appellate, state supreme court, federal district) in which case it is a solid plus. Would not be odd, though, to just graduate and go straight to the clerkship.

My bad, then - my liberal CA6 judge (who isn't Stranch) does, and the other liberal chambers I've met have all clerks with at least one year of post-grad experience. Just goes to show that it's hard to characterize all judges on a circuit (or even a subset) with a broad brush.

Griffin requires prior work experience and almost entirely hires people coming out of prior clerkships.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have info for Y? Do they expect some post-law school work experience, or look for DCt clerkships? Along those lines, is it a thing for COA judges to funnel into DCt?

Current CA6 clerk - can't speak for the conservatives (who, from my impression, are generally more open to straight-out-of-school applicants), but the liberal judges generally seem to prefer some post-law school work experience (and I think at least Stranch expressly requires it). That's true regardless of which law school you went to.

My liberal Sixth Circuit judge does not care that much about WE or require it unless it is a prior clerkship (can be anything, federal appellate, state supreme court, federal district) in which case it is a solid plus. Would not be odd, though, to just graduate and go straight to the clerkship.

My bad, then - my liberal CA6 judge (who isn't Stranch) does, and the other liberal chambers I've met have all clerks with at least one year of post-grad experience. Just goes to show that it's hard to characterize all judges on a circuit (or even a subset) with a broad brush.

Griffin requires prior work experience and almost entirely hires people coming out of prior clerkships.

Pretty sure he requires prior clerkship experience of at least one year, according to his OSCAR post. Either a federal clerkship or state appellate judge.

[Anonymous User]

Any intel about who’ll be nominated for the Stranch vacancy?

[Anonymous User]

Anyone heard from Bloomekatz for 2025-2026?

[Anonymous User]

Bush has apparently hired at least one for 27-28; might be full for 26-27.

[Anonymous User]

How active is Mays (on W.D. Tenn.) these days?

[Anonymous User]

Mays is not active really. Although, with Fowlkes slowing, Mays and McCalla have seen a rise in their case loads.

Mays is honestly a gem. Can't recommend him enough. However, he's the only judge on WD Tenn that is really prestige focused. Most of the others take top of the class locals (Memphis, Ole Miss, Arkansas, UTk etc.), he's an exception to that. But, he's extremely smart, a great judge, and a fantastic mentor.

[Anonymous User]

What's the power ranking of the liberal judges in terms of desirability?

My subjective and probably flawed list:

1. Moore. The liberal lioness. Ruthless in her interactions with the conservatives, but that could be a plus if you're a liberal. Guessing she's a stern but good boss.

2. Cole. A class act, both to other judges and clerks. A little bit closer to the center, ideologically.

3. White. Well-respected by both sides. Super smart. But works long and strange hours. Republican nominee but liberal in outlook.

4. Stranch. Extremely friendly. Has that southern charm. Closer to the left end of the spectrum, doesn't have the intellectual heft of a Moore but seems like a great boss.

5. Donald. Lovely person, sings for other judges at gatherings. But travels a lot and isn't always plugged in, so clerks may not get as much supervision or mentorship as they would like.

6. Clay. Lol.

Any thoughts on how the Biden appointees fit into this (understanding that it's subjective and people may disagree)? Are Cole & White still as active/busy now that they've gone senior, or is it more chill now? And does Gilman still hire clerks?

[Anonymous User]

What's the power ranking of the liberal judges in terms of desirability?

My subjective and probably flawed list:

1. Moore. The liberal lioness. Ruthless in her interactions with the conservatives, but that could be a plus if you're a liberal. Guessing she's a stern but good boss.

2. Cole. A class act, both to other judges and clerks. A little bit closer to the center, ideologically.

3. White. Well-respected by both sides. Super smart. But works long and strange hours. Republican nominee but liberal in outlook.

4. Stranch. Extremely friendly. Has that southern charm. Closer to the left end of the spectrum, doesn't have the intellectual heft of a Moore but seems like a great boss.

5. Donald. Lovely person, sings for other judges at gatherings. But travels a lot and isn't always plugged in, so clerks may not get as much supervision or mentorship as they would like.

6. Clay. Lol.

Any thoughts on how the Biden appointees fit into this (understanding that it's subjective and people may disagree)? Are Cole & White still as active/busy now that they've gone senior, or is it more chill now? And does Gilman still hire clerks?

Clay is a joke. Just an absolute loser across the board.

[Anonymous User]

What's the power ranking of the liberal judges in terms of desirability?

My subjective and probably flawed list:

1. Moore. The liberal lioness. Ruthless in her interactions with the conservatives, but that could be a plus if you're a liberal. Guessing she's a stern but good boss.

2. Cole. A class act, both to other judges and clerks. A little bit closer to the center, ideologically.

3. White. Well-respected by both sides. Super smart. But works long and strange hours. Republican nominee but liberal in outlook.

4. Stranch. Extremely friendly. Has that southern charm. Closer to the left end of the spectrum, doesn't have the intellectual heft of a Moore but seems like a great boss.

5. Donald. Lovely person, sings for other judges at gatherings. But travels a lot and isn't always plugged in, so clerks may not get as much supervision or mentorship as they would like.

6. Clay. Lol.

Any thoughts on how the Biden appointees fit into this (understanding that it's subjective and people may disagree)? Are Cole & White still as active/busy now that they've gone senior, or is it more chill now? And does Gilman still hire clerks?

Clay is a joke. Just an absolute loser across the board.

I think the poster was curious about the Biden appointees though in particular.

[ellewoodsisgod]

Any Davis interview invites for 2025-26?

[Anonymous User]

What's the power ranking of the liberal judges in terms of desirability?

My subjective and probably flawed list:

1. Moore. The liberal lioness. Ruthless in her interactions with the conservatives, but that could be a plus if you're a liberal. Guessing she's a stern but good boss.

2. Cole. A class act, both to other judges and clerks. A little bit closer to the center, ideologically.

3. White. Well-respected by both sides. Super smart. But works long and strange hours. Republican nominee but liberal in outlook.

4. Stranch. Extremely friendly. Has that southern charm. Closer to the left end of the spectrum, doesn't have the intellectual heft of a Moore but seems like a great boss.

5. Donald. Lovely person, sings for other judges at gatherings. But travels a lot and isn't always plugged in, so clerks may not get as much supervision or mentorship as they would like.

6. Clay. Lol.

Any thoughts on how the Biden appointees fit into this (understanding that it's subjective and people may disagree)? Are Cole & White still as active/busy now that they've gone senior, or is it more chill now? And does Gilman still hire clerks?

Bloomekatz should be at the top of the list: Calabresi and Breyer clerk, public interest background including a solo practice, connected, is a lovely person and respected. For those with the choice, she possibly could end up being a better clerkship than the traditional feeders on that court (Sutton and Thapar).

Davis and Mathis (in that order) I have also heard to be very good, take into account their legal backgrounds when you apply.

I also wouldn't knock Clay.

Donald is retired and inactive, no longer hires clerks.

Cole, White, and Gilman are active and busy.