New Strategy in light of recent OSCAR Update? Forum

[Anonymous User]

So, since federal clerkship applications are open to all 2Ls now, what is the best course of action?

My letters of recommendation have not been completed because I had planned on applying right after my third semester grades are in.

Should I start to force the issue and start applying now? I am mainly targeting federal district court clerkships.

[Anonymous User]

I'm operating under the assumption that most judges aren't going to move this early simply because the plan is dead.

If I can get my stuff together in time to apply before Thanksgiving, I'll do it, but I'm much more focused on trying to edge my grades up a bit so I can be cleanly into the top-10% in the spring. I wouldn't rush things unless it becomes clear judges are starting to jump.

[Anonymous User]

That was my initial thought as well.

I'm just worried that I would be flirting with disaster if I waited until mid-January (when third semester grades are out) to start applying.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I agree that most judges aren't going to change their hiring schedules based on an announcement about OSCAR - they have plans for how/when they'll hire, and they'll likely just stick with those plans. There's always a risk they they'll look at apps when they come in, see someone they like, and hire right away, but I don't think there will be a widespread, immediate shift to this. I think waiting for 3d semester grades still makes sense.

(Of course, you could call up chambers and ask when the judge would like to see applications, given the change in the plan. You'd probably have to call a LOT of chambers, but it's an option. It'd be even better if schools' CSOs did this...)

[Anonymous User]

As a follow-up note, is there a certain advantage in applying as early as possible?

I've been getting some notifications that district court judges are starting to post openings as well. But on those job postings, it'll say something like, "accepting applications from Nov. X, 2013 to April X, 2014."

I had initially thought to wait until my third semester grades come in before I apply. Would I be SOL if I waited until late-January to apply for these clerkships?

[Anonymous User]

I agree that most judges aren't going to change their hiring schedules based on an announcement about OSCAR - they have plans for how/when they'll hire, and they'll likely just stick with those plans. There's always a risk they they'll look at apps when they come in, see someone they like, and hire right away, but I don't think there will be a widespread, immediate shift to this. I think waiting for 3d semester grades still makes sense.

(Of course, you could call up chambers and ask when the judge would like to see applications, given the change in the plan. You'd probably have to call a LOT of chambers, but it's an option. It'd be even better if schools' CSOs did this...)

I'm going to predict some form of the plan returns in the future. I imagine when chambers become flooded with calls about when hiring will occur, judges may miss the old days.