2018-2019 Clerkship Application Thread Forum

[Anonymous User]

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[A. Nony Mouse]

I would work with the law prof to see if they can write a good letter instead. My concern is that an undergrad prof makes it look like you can't find other legal people to recommend you. But it is a tough choice.

[deuceindc]

So I got my grades back and have a 3.89 cumulative (Mich/Northwestern/GULC) and a "star" prof told me he would "go to bat" for me re: clerkships. Should I be frantically sending apps to a couple feeders before OSCAR opens on July 1?

Talk to your clerkship advisor in career services. While Mich, NU, and GULC are far from fungible in terms of clerkship outcomes (10.2%/7.3%/3.5%, per LST), 3.89 is really fucking good at any of those schools. Congrats, and good luck.

[jbagelboy]

So I got my grades back and have a 3.89 cumulative (Mich/Northwestern/GULC) and a "star" prof told me he would "go to bat" for me re: clerkships. Should I be frantically sending apps to a couple feeders before OSCAR opens on July 1?

Talk to your clerkship advisor in career services. While Mich, NU, and GULC are far from fungible in terms of clerkship outcomes (10.2%/7.3%/3.5%, per LST), 3.89 is really fucking good at any of those schools. Congrats, and good luck.

NU just got grades back today, so that seems like the most likely school.

To anon--congrats. You're in a great position.

[Anonymous User]

So I got my grades back and have a 3.89 cumulative (Mich/Northwestern/GULC) and a "star" prof told me he would "go to bat" for me re: clerkships. Should I be frantically sending apps to a couple feeders before OSCAR opens on July 1?

Talk to your clerkship advisor in career services. While Mich, NU, and GULC are far from fungible in terms of clerkship outcomes (10.2%/7.3%/3.5%, per LST), 3.89 is really fucking good at any of those schools. Congrats, and good luck.

NU just got grades back today, so that seems like the most likely school.

To anon--congrats. You're in a great position.

Can you reach out to your professor? I believe I'm in the exact same position at likely the exact same school, but without such a strong relationship. The first meeting with the clerkship advisers seem to suggest that I would need 4.0+ or at least over 3.9 to take part in the summer apps. I'm unsure of whether I should be starting.

[Anonymous User]

So I got my grades back and have a 3.89 cumulative (Mich/Northwestern/GULC) and a "star" prof told me he would "go to bat" for me re: clerkships. Should I be frantically sending apps to a couple feeders before OSCAR opens on July 1?

Talk to your clerkship advisor in career services. While Mich, NU, and GULC are far from fungible in terms of clerkship outcomes (10.2%/7.3%/3.5%, per LST), 3.89 is really fucking good at any of those schools. Congrats, and good luck.

NU just got grades back today, so that seems like the most likely school.

To anon--congrats. You're in a great position.

Can you reach out to your professor? I believe I'm in the exact same position at likely the exact same school, but without such a strong relationship. The first meeting with the clerkship advisers seem to suggest that I would need 4.0+ or at least over 3.9 to take part in the summer apps. I'm unsure of whether I should be starting.

Alumni from this school (99% positive based on the 3.9 thing and timing). It is really difficult to start the application process without the support of the school just in terms of logistics. Clerkship advising has shifted somewhat from when I was applying (I think) but it was a huge help to have everything proofread and LORs handled via the school. Talk to the clerkship person and say you feel you'd like to start applying though you don't technically meet the (somewhat silly) GPA cutoff for "early applicants" and see what happens. Also, good luck!

[leslieknope]

How does researching judges even work? Like what am I supposed to be looking for? Ideology?? How good they are as bosses???? How likely they are to keel over before I start clerking (this is a srs question btw, is it safe to apply to like 90 year olds or should I be worried they'll die)???? Pls help.

[wwwcol]

How does researching judges even work? Like what am I supposed to be looking for? Ideology?? How good they are as bosses???? How likely they are to keel over before I start clerking (this is a srs question btw, is it safe to apply to like 90 year olds or should I be worried they'll die)???? Pls help.

Email former clerks and ask if they have a few mins to chat. Easiest way to find them is googling "law clerk judge X." Time consuming but one of the more effective ways to get info on a judge's style. If ideology is important to you, then you should feel free to sort by that too (or whatever other factors you consider important).

I think I've seen you in the HLS thread - if you're at H, check out the internal database on simplicity. It's kind of hard to find but contains a lot of great info from former clerks / interns going back about two decades.

[Anonymous User]

1L at H who just got grades and did considerably worse second semester. My overall GPA is still a hair above a 4.0, but that's entirely because my Ps were mostly in classes worth less credits and because of my really high grades first semester. I should have good recs from first semester professors, but IDK what to do about my third rec because my favorite prof from spring was in a class I didn't do well in. Is it even worth applying to feeders or competitive circuits or did I completely screw up my chances?

[Anonymous User]

I got all my marks finally, as a rising 2L at Penn with 4.0 (I'm not sure where that puts me exactly) how competitive am I for circuit courts etc.? Two strong letters and one meh, no significant work experence.

[jumpin munkey]

Anon above at Penn -- if you want to PM me, I'm happy to help.

[Anonymous User]

So I got my grades back and have a 3.89 cumulative (Mich/Northwestern/GULC) and a "star" prof told me he would "go to bat" for me re: clerkships. Should I be frantically sending apps to a couple feeders before OSCAR opens on July 1?

Talk to your clerkship advisor in career services. While Mich, NU, and GULC are far from fungible in terms of clerkship outcomes (10.2%/7.3%/3.5%, per LST), 3.89 is really fucking good at any of those schools. Congrats, and good luck.

NU just got grades back today, so that seems like the most likely school.

To anon--congrats. You're in a great position.

Can you reach out to your professor? I believe I'm in the exact same position at likely the exact same school, but without such a strong relationship. The first meeting with the clerkship advisers seem to suggest that I would need 4.0+ or at least over 3.9 to take part in the summer apps. I'm unsure of whether I should be starting.

Honestly I just wrung the arm of JB. Having done so I'll be sending apps out with the office's blessing before OSCAR opens. Just reach out and they will work with you. I was pleasantly surprised. The ball is now rolling quickly. They openly acknowledged that they have been caught off guard with how fast judges are moving since the hiring plan dissolved a year or two ago. But take everything from that office with a grain of salt, of course. If you have friends at HYS call them and ask what their clerkship offices are advising. That's what I did and for the most part I have structured my apps according to that advice.

[lolwat]

Q... Is it appropriate to send paper apps without the LORs, with a note in the cover letter that LORs will be forthcoming under separate cover? I'm in a different situation than most and my priority is getting my materials to the judges asap, as long as it would not result in auto-ding. I do have my recommenders lined up, just estimate it would take at least a couple weeks for them to turn around the letters and send them to me to include in a packet. Thanks.

[lawschool22]

1L at H who just got grades and did considerably worse second semester. My overall GPA is still a hair above a 4.0, but that's entirely because my Ps were mostly in classes worth less credits and because of my really high grades first semester. I should have good recs from first semester professors, but IDK what to do about my third rec because my favorite prof from spring was in a class I didn't do well in. Is it even worth applying to feeders or competitive circuits or did I completely screw up my chances?

It's certainly worth applying. You're not out of the running, and you don't have much (anything) to lose by applying.

As far as the rec goes, if you have a good relationship with that professor, they will almost certainly be happy to write a letter despite your P. I've seen this happen several times.

[lawschool22]

And just a a general piece of advice for everyone new to the process: try to stay positive and calm.

This is a long, unpredictable, tedious process that is full of highs and lows. But if you just keep chugging along, most of you will snag something at some point (even if it means working first). It may not (probably won't) be your first choice, but that's the way this thing goes.

Focus on what you can control and ignore the things you can't. And proofread.

[Anonymous User]

Any updates re: Milan Smith (9th) ?

He has at least started interviews, no clue if any offers were made yet.

Anyone have any updates on Milan Smith?

[Anonymous User]

Not to dampen hopeful spirits, but the tippy top feeders are NOT sitting on their hands. They are really moving ASAP (if they haven't already filled up). But yes, this applies to a very small sect of top top judges. For most, waiting for Spring grades is fine and acceptable. For the most competitive, it's possibly too late.

This is doubtful, unless you can name a specific judge or judges?

Based on my (very limited) sample size, the judges that are moving for 2018-19 seem to be looking at rising 3Ls or graduates - people with grades and a proven track record. It would be insane for a feeder to hire before Spring grades come out for 1Ls/rising 2Ls (especially for Yale students, who don't even have grades after the first semester.) But maybe there are some insane ones? I don't know any personally, but that doesn't mean they aren't out there.

I know of at least one Yale '18 student who had an interview with a feeder lined up before Spring grades -- i.e., with no grades.

[transferhopeful2147]

Has anybody heard anything about Judge Fletcher? I know he started accepting apps in may..

[Anonymous User]

Has anybody heard anything about Judge Fletcher? I know he started accepting apps in may..

Pretty sure he isn't full.

He's also one of the most grade-selective feeder judges.

[Anonymous User]

I was arrested (not convicted) for possession of pot when I was 17. I have strong grades (top 5% lower t14) and W/E, and 2 well-known profs going to bat. Am I fucked on the arrest?

[Anonymous User]

I was arrested (not convicted) for possession of pot when I was 17. I have strong grades (top 5% lower t14) and W/E, and 2 well-known profs going to bat. Am I fucked on the arrest?

Literally could have written this exact post except it was underage drinking when I was 19. It never came up during the process (I actually don't recall ever having to disclose arrests, although I imagine you have to when getting your clearance?) and I ended up with a solid 2/9/DC non-feeder.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have any info on Morgan Christen--I know she was accepting apps a couple months ago.

[Anonymous User]

What's the earliest after submitting apps that we should expect to hear back? And how long after submitting should we assume that we were passed over, if the judge is currently reviewing?

[A. Nony Mouse]

Unfortunately there is almost no way to answer this, since judges hire on all different kinds of schedules. I heard back within like 3 days of sending the app. Others hear weeks later when the judge gets around to reviewing applications. You kind of have to make peace with sending apps into a void and possibly never hearing anything.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know if Tymkovich (10th) gives any boost to alumni applicants/work experience? Good, but not great, grades at HYS - probably top 1/4. District Court clerkship, 2 years at a firm, Colorado ties, desire for government work after the clerkship that makes an appellate clerkship still make sense at this stage of my career. Thanks!