Question for current clerks: does a lagging LOR hold up my app? Forum

[gaddockteeg]

Hey all.

I'm new to this so please forgive me if this is a dumb question.

I recently "finalized" a handful of clerkship applications on OSCAR but one of my recommenders is out of town for a few weeks. He has yet to upload a LOR but says he'll do so when he gets back.

Does my clerkship application just sit un-read by judges that I applied to until my recommender submits his LOR? Or do judges (and their clerks) still read/look at the application before the last LOR?\

[Anonymous User]

In both of the chambers I've been in, it would get looked at. Not having the LOR could be an issue ultimately, but you probably have some time.

[gaddockteeg]

Cool thanks. I think I've got some time, but I'm just worried the position is filled up before they even know I exist.

[Anonymous User]

In both of the chambers I've been in, it would get looked at. Not having the LOR could be an issue ultimately, but you probably have some time.

This. We usually focus on the resume/writing sample before even considering the LORs.

[gaddockteeg]

In both of the chambers I've been in, it would get looked at. Not having the LOR could be an issue ultimately, but you probably have some time.

This. We usually focus on the resume/writing sample before even considering the LORs.

Cool. Would you mind sharing the process a little? I'm guessing as a clerk you look at them first before showing the judge?

What might be the first one or two things you would look at before making decision?

[elipad]

Hey all.

I'm new to this so please forgive me if this is a dumb question.

I recently "finalized" a handful of clerkship applications on OSCAR but one of my recommenders is out of town for a few weeks. He has yet to upload a LOR but says he'll do so when he gets back.

Does my clerkship application just sit un-read by judges that I applied to until my recommender submits his LOR? Or do judges (and their clerks) still read/look at the application before the last LOR?\

No. One missing LOR won't make a difference at the beginning stages of the process (which, arguably, is the hardest part to get through anyway). When going through apps during this initial stage, we (clerks) primarily looked at an applicant's resume and transcript. We spent maybe a 30-60 seconds on these two documents and then the apps went to either the maybe (further investigation) or reject pile. This is assuming there were no other connections (e.g., prof called, judge's alma mater). This was pretty much the same process for both my CoA and D. Ct. clerkships. Later on in the process -- certainly by the time the applicant is interviewed -- my judges would have wanted to see all the required recs.

[gaddockteeg]

Hey all.

I'm new to this so please forgive me if this is a dumb question.

I recently "finalized" a handful of clerkship applications on OSCAR but one of my recommenders is out of town for a few weeks. He has yet to upload a LOR but says he'll do so when he gets back.

Does my clerkship application just sit un-read by judges that I applied to until my recommender submits his LOR? Or do judges (and their clerks) still read/look at the application before the last LOR?\

No. One missing LOR won't make a difference at the beginning stages of the process (which, arguably, is the hardest part to get through anyway). When going through apps during this initial stage, we (clerks) primarily looked at an applicant's resume and transcript. We spent maybe a 30-60 seconds on these two documents and then the apps went to either the maybe (further investigation) or reject pile. This is assuming there were no other connections (e.g., prof called, judge's alma mater). This was pretty much the same process for both my CoA and D. Ct. clerkships. Later on in the process -- certainly by the time the applicant is interviewed -- my judges would have wanted to see all the required recs.

Thanks! This is very helpful. 30-60 seconds is promising! haha. What are you primarily looking for when you're reviewing the transcript/resume?

[bruinfan10]

Hey all.

I'm new to this so please forgive me if this is a dumb question.

I recently "finalized" a handful of clerkship applications on OSCAR but one of my recommenders is out of town for a few weeks. He has yet to upload a LOR but says he'll do so when he gets back.

Does my clerkship application just sit un-read by judges that I applied to until my recommender submits his LOR? Or do judges (and their clerks) still read/look at the application before the last LOR?\

yes, def can. i'll just say that many clerks i know don't want to put an incomplete packet in front of their busy judge.

[gaddockteeg]

Hey all.

I'm new to this so please forgive me if this is a dumb question.

I recently "finalized" a handful of clerkship applications on OSCAR but one of my recommenders is out of town for a few weeks. He has yet to upload a LOR but says he'll do so when he gets back.

Does my clerkship application just sit un-read by judges that I applied to until my recommender submits his LOR? Or do judges (and their clerks) still read/look at the application before the last LOR?\

yes, def can. i'll just say that many clerks i know don't want to put an incomplete packet in front of their busy judge.

Ah that makes sense. I'm going to try to put some pressure on my last Rec, Finally back from vacation on on Monday.