South Africa Constitutional Court Forum

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have any experience with this? Super competitive?

I am interested but can't find a ton of info. I have absolutely no Africa/international experience whatsoever, but am a current dist ct clerk and think the work would be amazing.

[Anonymous User]

It's only one data point, but UVA sent an alum there during the past couple years. They posted a story about it that you can probably still find. Before that, he worked for a v5 and clerked, iirc, for an SDNY magistrate judge.

[worldtraveler]

I believe you can only get paid for it if you are a resident of SA. All other foreigners can clerk without pay.

[Anonymous User]

Yeah I am trying to figure out if clerking without pay is competitive and whether someone with zero international experience, but otherwise strong credentials, would have a shot.

[Anonymous User]

Former Con Court Clerk here. Foreign law clerks are not paid. The positions are extremely competitive. The foreign clerks usually serve a 6 month term. Foreign clerks do all of the same tasks as the local clerks. Although I had to borrow money to clerk, the experience was incredible.

Consider also that you will be working in Johannesburg and that the Court borders Hillbrow. It's not for everyone.

[Anonymous User]

Yeah I am trying to figure out if clerking without pay is competitive and whether someone with zero international experience, but otherwise strong credentials, would have a shot.

You do not have to have international experience. However, you need to try to establish some sort of connection with the Judge. If you have been to South Africa in the past, note it. If a professor knows a particular judge and can recommend you, have them do it. If you've seen a Con Court judge speak or teach somewhere, tell them.

Typically 2 - 4 foreign clerks are appointed during every 6 month period. Foreign clerks are selected from around the world (but, more often than not, are prior fed clerks from the US). The 3-4 clerks in each chamber work together to sift through piles of resumes and recommend the top candidates to their judge.

If you want more info, just say so, and I'll PM you.

[blahblewblah]

Yeah I am trying to figure out if clerking without pay is competitive and whether someone with zero international experience, but otherwise strong credentials, would have a shot.

You do not have to have international experience. However, you need to try to establish some sort of connection with the Judge. If you have been to South Africa in the past, note it. If a professor knows a particular judge and can recommend you, have them do it. If you've seen a Con Court judge speak or teach somewhere, tell them.

Typically 2 - 4 foreign clerks are appointed during every 6 month period. Foreign clerks are selected from around the world (but, more often than not, are prior fed clerks from the US). The 3-4 clerks in each chamber work together to sift through piles of resumes and recommend the top candidates to their judge.

If you want more info, just say so, and I'll PM you.

I am interested in more info.

[chellie]

Hi there,
I'm from Canada and also interested in any info you may have about clerking at the Constitutional Court, application process, tips etc. Thanks very much!

[chellie]

Yeah I am trying to figure out if clerking without pay is competitive and whether someone with zero international experience, but otherwise strong credentials, would have a shot.

You do not have to have international experience. However, you need to try to establish some sort of connection with the Judge. If you have been to South Africa in the past, note it. If a professor knows a particular judge and can recommend you, have them do it. If you've seen a Con Court judge speak or teach somewhere, tell them.

Typically 2 - 4 foreign clerks are appointed during every 6 month period. Foreign clerks are selected from around the world (but, more often than not, are prior fed clerks from the US). The 3-4 clerks in each chamber work together to sift through piles of resumes and recommend the top candidates to their judge.

If you want more info, just say so, and I'll PM you.

Hi there,
I'm from Canada and also interested in any info you may have about clerking at the Constitutional Court, application process, tips etc. Thanks very much!

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have any experience with this? Super competitive?

I am interested but can't find a ton of info. I have absolutely no Africa/international experience whatsoever, but am a current dist ct clerk and think the work would be amazing.

Can someone tell me why people are interested in doing a clerkship abroad?

From what I know, foreign clerks are only selected from fresh-out-of-law-school grads?

Edit: Nvm to the second question

[Jchance]

Former Con Court Clerk here. Foreign law clerks are not paid. The positions are extremely competitive. The foreign clerks usually serve a 6 month term. Foreign clerks do all of the same tasks as the local clerks. Although I had to borrow money to clerk, the experience was incredible.

Consider also that you will be working in Johannesburg and that the Court borders Hillbrow. It's not for everyone.

I am also interested in more info