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I'm a 2L at UVA w/ a 3.50, and SoCal v20 SA for the summer.
Softs:

1. I externed last summer for a Cal. COA judge
2. Grew up in SoCal
3. Will graduate with a joint JD/M.A. (in a foreign country)

My Question:

In so far as grades, it will be difficult to improve as this is my last semester at UVA (spending my 3L getting my M.A.). However, I intend to work as a litigator for a few years. In addition, I'm in the process of writing a soft- IP-related note (however, I don't have an IP background. Given that I'm on the low-end of competitiveness, what, if anything can I do.
lastly, I'm amenable to doing a D.Ct. anywhere, but would prefer CDCA for family reasons.

D. ct. clerk in CA.

What are your references like? My judge only hires people with a few years of experience, and really relies on references/LORs. I would do whatever you can while in practice to get a solid reference.

CDCA is really, really competitive, and UVA profs don't have the pull with West Coast judges that they do in the Fourth Circuit. No harm in applying, but be realistic about your chances.