Are you allowed to work a second (part-time) job while Forum

[Anonymous User]

clerking (fed. d. ct.)?

[rpupkin]

clerking (fed. d. ct.)?

If the part-time job involves the practice of law, then definitely no.

If it's non-legal part-time work, ask your judge. Tread lightly, though. I think most federal judges would be uneasy with a clerk who took on significant part-time work. Among other things, it might suggest that the clerk isn't fully committed to the clerkship.

[BVest]

clerking (fed. d. ct.)?

I doubt many judges would allow it, but from the ethical restrictions for clerks:

In addition to being familiar with ethical restrictions, be sure you
understand exactly how your judge wants you to
- deal with law practice or other outside employment, including
+ restrictions on the practice of law (pro bono or otherwise)
+ restrictions on other law-related pursuits

[rpupkin]

clerking (fed. d. ct.)?

I doubt many judges would allow it, but from the ethical restrictions for clerks:

In addition to being familiar with ethical restrictions, be sure you
understand exactly how your judge wants you to
- deal with law practice or other outside employment, including
+ restrictions on the practice of law (pro bono or otherwise)
+ restrictions on other law-related pursuits

In many courts it's not even up to the judge. The court I clerked on (COA) had a general rule that "no one employed in any capacity by the court may engage in the practice of law while continuing in such position." I understand that many (maybe all?) of the other COAs had a similar rule.

[A. Nony Mouse]

My memory's a little hazy, but in my district, I think actual practice of law for pay was out. You could engage in very limited pro bono for family members (like drawing up a relative's will) and you could teach (with notice/permission) and write articles. I'm not sure sure about non-legal work, but if it was allowed, you'd have to clear it with your judge and ensure no conflicts.

I'm pretty sure I knew clerks who did things like teach fitness classes and grade bar essays (either for Barbri or the bar itself). I don't know of any other more formal second jobs.

[Anonymous User]

I've clerked at two fed courts. Both had the same policy: if it was even remotely near legal PRACTICE, it was a strict no. Judges have no say over that and, moreover, none of them would ever permit it.

The only semi-legal work you can do has to be academic. My supervisor (career clerk) is an adjunct at a local law school and has done some bar tutoring here and there.

You can write articles and stuff, but most judges want to approve them, from what I can gather. I am writing for a legal blog covering our jurisdiction/COA/fed courts generally, and my judge said something to the effect of, "as long as you don't discuss my cases, it's fine." I think some other judges don't even want their clerks publishing/writing anything during their clerkship though.

[BearState]

Any clues on doing pro bono legal aid clinic stuff while clerking?

[A. Nony Mouse]

Wouldn't fly based on my experience.

[Anonymous User]

I volunteer coach at the local high school. My judge encouraged me to do it actually. I now work about 20+ more hours per week then I otherwise would, but it's worth it.