Circuit Clerkship Question... Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi all - I have a district court clerkship lined up for 2014-2015, am currently in the top ten percent, and have some good credentials associated with moot court / appellate clinic. That said, I am not on LR. What are my chances for a circuit clerkship in 2015-2016? The clerkship person at my school said I am competitive for everyone but feeders, but I feel like I need to take that with a grain of salt. Any input / advice? Thanks in advance.

[arklaw13]

Hi all - I have a district court clerkship lined up for 2014-2015, am currently in the top ten percent, and have some good credentials associated with moot court / appellate clinic. That said, I am not on LR. What are my chances for a circuit clerkship in 2015-2016? The clerkship person at my school said I am competitive for everyone but feeders, but I feel like I need to take that with a grain of salt. Any input / advice? Thanks in advance.

Top 10% at what range of schools?

[Anonymous User]

What school (range) do you go to? I know many people who got circuit clerkships (including feeder clerkships) without LR. It will come down to the judge - some require LR, others don't.

[Anonymous User]

Sorry - MVP

[Anonymous User]

I think if you apply broadly (especially in the circuit where you'll be clerking next year), you would have a good chance. It could go either way. But I think the top 10% plus district court clerkship is a nice set of credentials. As mentioned above, some judges require LR for whatever reason, but others don't. In the end, you only need one.

[Anonymous User]

I clerked for a feeder judge. LR was looked favorably on, but certainly not required.

[Anonymous User]

Current COA clerk in crappy city here - law review is preferred but certainly not required.

[bruinfan10]

Hi all - I have a district court clerkship lined up for 2014-2015, am currently in the top ten percent, and have some good credentials associated with moot court / appellate clinic. That said, I am not on LR. What are my chances for a circuit clerkship in 2015-2016? The clerkship person at my school said I am competitive for everyone but feeders, but I feel like I need to take that with a grain of salt. Any input / advice? Thanks in advance.

Your clerkship adviser gave you the best general placement prediction possible, but this hiring game is incredibly idiosyncratic. Placing an enthusiastic call from a professor to chambers at just the right time, having a recommender hook you up, or applying to an alum from your school could change the calculus. Maybe a feeder will have some weird connection to a line on your resume and call you in for an interview just for kicks - you never know! I'd apply broadly (if you're not geographically constrained for some reason), and I'd say you've got a decent shot at non-feeders.