Massachusetts SJC/Appeals Clerkships Forum

[Anonymous User]

Didn't see a thread. Anyone applied to the SJC yet (Aug 1 start receiving) or is anyone planning on applying to the Appeals Court (apps can be sent Aug 15)?

I would bet the SJC is already interviewing.

[Anonymous User]

Sent my SJC on the night of the 1st, still waiting for the "postcard" they said to include to indicate receipt.

[Anonymous User]

I sent the materials in for SJC and am waiting for 8/13 or so to mail the appellate materials.

[Anonymous User]

I work downtown and walking by this morning I saw a young kid going into the courthouse in a suit carrying a padfolio, aka the typical interviewee attire. Got me nervous. Probably over thinking things, but maybe they've already started interviewing.

[Anonymous User]

Any idea what the typical profile of a clerk is in terms of grades/school range?

[Anonymous User]

I go to one of the (many) Boston schools. Here's the summary of what my career services guy told me:

Applicants to both courts are extremely competitive in their respective classes Top 5-25%, depending on whether it's an applicant from a lesser school or an Ivy. Law Review or a Journal. Good writing sample.

The SJC is nationally competitive and will get apps from nearly every corner of the country, but as a rule of thumb Harvard students place well here, as do BU/BC to a lesser extent. Similar to job patterns in Boston generally. My office had a list of current clerks and I believe Northeastern and Suffolk each had one clerk as well.

The Appeals Court emphasizes employer recommendations because while they look for good grades they especially look for a demonstrated history of good writing and work product. A friend of a friend from law school interned this summer at the Appeals Court and said it was mostly area schools, with a more even spread of BC/BU/Suffolk/Northeastern, each having at least 4 clerks. My office didn't have a list of all 25 clerks.

[Anonymous User]

Never got my "postcard" that serves as notice of receipt.... Mailed on Aug 1.

[objctnyrhnr]

any word?

[Anonymous User]

No word from SJC, even on receipt of my app. The managing attorney for the Appeals Court sent me an email saying he got my Mass App Ct application though. Said not to expect to hear much from them until closer to the mid-September deadline.

[objctnyrhnr]

yeah i heard all that too. odd that you still do not have your SJC confirmation. I might suggest giving them a call?

[objctnyrhnr]

any word?

[Anonymous User]

I received the appeals e-mail too, as well as my SJC postcard.

[Anonymous User]

I'm the poster above who never got a postcard. I emailed Patricia Lyons, she said they got it, postcard must have gotten lost. No word from either court. I'd be shocked to get an SJC interview, I bet they're already done hiring. Hopeful for Mass App, but in the email was told not to expect to hear anything until mid to end of this month.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone hear anything (or know if anyone heard anything) from the SJC yet?

[Anonymous User]

I know of an interview with one of the associate Justices from my lower t14.

[objctnyrhnr]

of appeals or SJC?

[Anonymous User]

Question was about SJC, I'd assume that's what the OP meant, but wondering myself.

[Anonymous User]

I know of an interview with one of the associate Justices from my lower t14.

OP of this post: SJC

[Anonymous User]

I know of an interview with one of the associate Justices from my lower t14.

OP of this post: SJC

At least one SJC justice has hired.

[Anonymous User]

But still nothing from appeals? If so, that's so weird, as I believe that their timeline was like a month earlier last year.

[Anonymous User]

But still nothing from appeals? If so, that's so weird, as I believe that their timeline was like a month earlier last year.

I'm pretty sure Mass App's timeline was the same this year as last: mid-August open to mid-September deadline.

The SJC is a longshot for me, hoping for some Mass App traction.

[Anonymous User]

I know for a fact that it was more rolling last year. like if you got your stuff in on day 1, you were interviewing before the application closing date.

[Anonymous User]

Talked to my career services person today, the SJC is pretty much done hiring and no one should expect an interview, they're most likely going to pick from those they've already talked to.

The Appeals Court does seem a little slow this year, I agree.

[Anonymous User]

appeals court have just begun screening interviews. i am told that it's really early in the process, so never fear if you have not gotten a call yet.

[Anonymous User]

Got the email this weekend that the SJC is done hiring, consistent with sources.