2018-2019 Clerkship Application Thread Forum

[BlackAndOrange84]

Semi-relevant to the discussion going on, what is the actual process for doing an SA 2L and then doing a post-grad clerkship? Do you have to commit to the firm or do most people feel out other options during clerkship?

Most firms don't require a commitment. You can either accept their offer, which is nonbinding, or hold an open offer to return. Many test the market during their clerkship despite have accepted an offer or having an open offer to return. Some people have to do the latter because the judge doesn't permit having already accepted an offer, though that isn't common. My firm asked that I let them know my plans by a certain date. I've known at least one person whose firm required her to either accept or decline their offer for post-clerkship employment, but that seems to be the exception.

[Anonymous User]

If you get an offer right after 1L do judges ask you to keep supplementing grades?

[runinthefront]

If you get an offer right after 1L do judges ask you to keep supplementing grades?

depends entirely on the judge

[Anonymous User]

bybee has hired 2/4

If you get an offer right after 1L do judges ask you to keep supplementing grades?

that is crazy. no non-feeder or asshat judge would do that

[Anonymous User]

bybee has hired 2/4

If you get an offer right after 1L do judges ask you to keep supplementing grades?

that is crazy. no non-feeder or asshat judge would do that

Some judges will ask for a final transcript when you graduate.

[Anonymous User]

Jesus Christ I stumbled into this thread too late, and I thought I didn't need to start worrying about clerkships yet. What are my chances of getting a semi-competitive CoA clerkship for immediate post graduation? Obviously DC and 2nd are out of reach and evidently have hired, and special judges like Posner are also done, but is 9th Cir all done? Are there less competitive judges on 9th Cir? My school's clerkship adviser is utterly unhelpful.

Class of 2018, one of top 3 students at T20, Law Review

Have fed courts this coming semester and the prof clerked on the 9th cir, so maybe turn the sweetness up for that?

[Emma.]

Jesus Christ I stumbled into this thread too late, and I thought I didn't need to start worrying about clerkships yet. What are my chances of getting a semi-competitive CoA clerkship for immediate post graduation? Obviously DC and 2nd are out of reach and evidently have hired, and special judges like Posner are also done, but is 9th Cir all done? Are there less competitive judges on 9th Cir? My school's clerkship adviser is utterly unhelpful.

Class of 2018, one of top 3 students at T20, Law Review

Have fed courts this coming semester and the prof clerked on the 9th cir, so maybe turn the sweetness up for that?

Many (though not all) of the CA9 judges are either already full or are actively interviewing to fill their remaining spots. At this point, you'll have a better shot at 2019.

[Anonymous User]

Jesus Christ I stumbled into this thread too late, and I thought I didn't need to start worrying about clerkships yet. What are my chances of getting a semi-competitive CoA clerkship for immediate post graduation? Obviously DC and 2nd are out of reach and evidently have hired, and special judges like Posner are also done, but is 9th Cir all done? Are there less competitive judges on 9th Cir? My school's clerkship adviser is utterly unhelpful.

Class of 2018, one of top 3 students at T20, Law Review

Have fed courts this coming semester and the prof clerked on the 9th cir, so maybe turn the sweetness up for that?

Many (though not all) of the CA9 judges are either already full or are actively interviewing to fill their remaining spots. At this point, you'll have a better shot at 2019.

Alternate perspective: I heard of someone getting a 2017 9th Circuit interview a few weeks ago. A ton of CoA judges still have spots. Most of the super prestigious judges are full. But there are certainly "semi-competitive CoA clerkship for immediate post graduation" slots still out there, and there will be for another year or so. Judges hire at weird times for weird reasons. Start applying, keep applying.

[Anonymous User]

Probably only Thomas is hiring for 17-18. The vast majority of 18-19 hiring is done. No point in pretending otherwise.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know if Callahan (9th) is full for 18-19?

[Anonymous User]

Probably only Thomas is hiring for 17-18. The vast majority of 18-19 hiring is done. No point in pretending otherwise.

Kleinfield at least only opened his apps last week.

[Anonymous User]

Probably only Thomas is hiring for 17-18. The vast majority of 18-19 hiring is done. No point in pretending otherwise.

Kleinfield at least only opened his apps last week.

Which is still consistent with the vast majority of 18-19 hiring being done.

[Anonymous User]

Jerry Smith (5th Cir.) full per OSCAR

[lolwat]

Jesus Christ I stumbled into this thread too late, and I thought I didn't need to start worrying about clerkships yet. What are my chances of getting a semi-competitive CoA clerkship for immediate post graduation? Obviously DC and 2nd are out of reach and evidently have hired, and special judges like Posner are also done, but is 9th Cir all done? Are there less competitive judges on 9th Cir? My school's clerkship adviser is utterly unhelpful.

Class of 2018, one of top 3 students at T20, Law Review

Have fed courts this coming semester and the prof clerked on the 9th cir, so maybe turn the sweetness up for that?

You at WUSTL or something?

2017-2018 is probably only Thomas and Tashima.
2018-2019 is mostly done other than those still hiring for 2017 and a few outliers like Kleinfeld, Wallace et al who hire semi-late. No idea on a few of the judges like Nguyen and Callahan who don't really use OSCAR.

[Anonymous User]

What's the word on Carnes? How many interviews does he give?

[Anonymous User]

How long does it take to hear back about interviews with judges usually?

[A. Nony Mouse]

There is absolutely no way to generalize. I heard back within 2 days. Other people hear back weeks later. Depends entirely on the judge and when they review applications and such.

[Anonymous User]

I'm assuming from the sound of this thread that Wesley (2nd Circuit) has hired already for 2018-2019? If so, any idea when one could start applying for 2019-2020?

[Anonymous User]

I'm assuming from the sound of this thread that Wesley (2nd Circuit) has hired already for 2018-2019? If so, any idea when one could start applying for 2019-2020?

This time last year he was still hiring for 17-18, but from OSCAR it looks like he's not accepting apps. He just took senior status so he may be cutting back on hiring. Might want to just call chambers and ask.

[OneShot2009]

I'm assuming from the sound of this thread that Wesley (2nd Circuit) has hired already for 2018-2019? If so, any idea when one could start applying for 2019-2020?

This time last year he was still hiring for 17-18, but from OSCAR it looks like he's not accepting apps. He just took senior status so he may be cutting back on hiring. Might want to just call chambers and ask.

Thanks! Good idea, I was planning to do that but I'm having a hard time finding any number for his chambers :/

[Anonymous User]

I'm assuming from the sound of this thread that Wesley (2nd Circuit) has hired already for 2018-2019? If so, any idea when one could start applying for 2019-2020?

This time last year he was still hiring for 17-18, but from OSCAR it looks like he's not accepting apps. He just took senior status so he may be cutting back on hiring. Might want to just call chambers and ask.

Thanks! Good idea, I was planning to do that but I'm having a hard time finding any number for his chambers :/

It should be in the leadership libraries if you have access. Also PM'd you.

[Anonymous User]

I'm interested in WDPA/EDPA/NDWV/NDOH in 2018, but pretty specific for personal reasons (I'll just not clerk if I can't do this). Whens a good time for these judges to apply?

[Anonymous User]

Just want to note that Judge Kleinfeld (9th) has at least begun started extending interview offers.

[Anonymous User]

Though he does his weird 4 round system so the process will drag on for a very long time.

[Anonymous User]

What's the word on Carnes? How many interviews does he give?

Echo this? Here's what I have on the 11th Cir. in general (below). Does anyone know about any of the active judges on the 11th being full yet besides bill pryor?

Per OSCAR:
-Carnes has 2/5
-Hull will not solicit apps until next September
-Marcus will open in October
-Martin last updated OSCAR in Aug., 2013
-Jordan last updated OSCAR in Mar., 2015 and is full for 16-17. I'm guessing he will open sometime in the fall or spring for 17-18.
-J. Carnes last updated OSCAR in Aug., 2015 seeking 1 candidate for 16-17. I am assuming she will open soon for 17-18.
-J. Pryor will accept applications for 18-19 beginning in winter 17.
Tjoflat remains a mystery.
Rosenbaum opened 3 weeks ago.

Per TLS p. 7 W.H. Pryor is full.