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I have my first ever (and maybe only) clerkship interview next week with a district judge in my school's state. I go to a T1 regional school and got very good grades but struck out at OCI. With nothing lined up yet for the summer I really want to do my best here. Any general advice is appreciated. I heard from a prior student this judge just tries to get to know you and doesn't ask hard legal questions and then you meet with his career clerk to learn more and ask questions. If I am asked about not having anything lined up for the summer yet would it make sense to try and use that to say how badly I really want to clerk for him and that I'll basically do everything I can to kill it if he hires me. Thanks in advance.

Trust me: do not appear too eager and try to go over the top. There is no need to try to make up for your perceived deficiencies in one interview. Just do you let best to come across as like able and intelligent. Those are the best thing you can do to put you in the best position. Judges will have things they look for that are outside of your control. I've been in a similar position so feel free to pm me.

Anonymous User wrote: If I am asked about not having anything lined up for the summer yet would it make sense to try and use that to say how badly I really want to clerk for him and that I'll basically do everything I can to kill it if he hires me. Thanks in advance.

No, no, no. Desperation is not a good look for a clerkship applicant. If your summer plans come up (and they may not), just truthfully share what options you're exploring.

Oh, and if you actually have no plan at all for the summer right now--like, you're not even sure where you're going to apply--you probably should come up with something before the interview.

Thanks for the replies. I'm glad I learned the desperation plea is a no go haha.

Sounds like a fit assessment. Your papers got you the interview, your personality can get you the job. When interviewing candidates in our chambers, we always look for earnestness, the right motivations (desire to contribute to the public service mission of the court, etc), and a sense that we wouldn't mind spending a LOT of time with working with you side by side.