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I'd like to do a district court clerkship somewhere in the 4th circuit - preferably in/around VA - anyone know the professors whose recommendations/calls are going to carry the most weight? Also, to what extent will calls from well connected professors tip the scales for a non LR applicant around the top ten percent?

Anonymous User wrote:I'd like to do a district court clerkship somewhere in the 4th circuit - preferably in/around VA - anyone know the professors whose recommendations/calls are going to carry the most weight? Also, to what extent will calls from well connected professors tip the scales for a non LR applicant around the top ten percent?

This really depends on the judge. Non-LR applicant will probably have better luck in WDVA and non-Alexandria EDVA. A very enthusiastic call from a professor that a judge knows well will always help. But as to which professor is best, this is very judge dependent.

I mean there are the typical big hitters. Whether they are actually worth more (especially for a District Court) is debatable and likely varies from judge to judge. I would think the most weight would be someone who can talk enthusiastically about you- a professor (1) you have had and done well with, (2) have gotten to know decently on a personal level, and (3) is willing to make a phone call for you.

I am not too familiar with VA hiring, but I would think top 10% would put you in the ball park. Talk to the clerkship office they will have much more information.