Transfer Student -- Any shot at Art III Clerkship? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey guys. I transferred from a TT to a T20 (USC/UCLA). I just got my grades back at my new school, and I got a 3.74 (median is likely 3.2-3.3ish). We don't rank, so I'm not sure exactly where my grades fall. I finished top 14% at my TT.

I just started thinking about clerking over Christmas break. Do I have any shot at this?

Other possibly relevant information:

-I have an SA with a V50 lined up for this summer
-I was a judicial extern for a federal judge during 1L summer
-CALI award in legal writing and research

If anyone can tell me if it's worth going through the application process or if I'm already behind, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

[Hutz_and_Goodman]

Definitely apply. If your grades stay the same you will likely at least get federal district court offers.

[mjb447]

Definitely worth a shot, particularly since you might already have or eventually want a good resume and writing sample for other purposes. If there's some practical limit on the number of applications you can submit (e.g. OSCAR's application limit or a maximum number of mailings that your clerkship office will prepare) you'll want to do your homework about where you'll have the best shot and where you'll actually want to live for a year, but it's worth applying.

[Anonymous User]

Hey guys. I transferred from a TT to a T20 (USC/UCLA). I just got my grades back at my new school, and I got a 3.74 (median is likely 3.2-3.3ish). We don't rank, so I'm not sure exactly where my grades fall. I finished top 14% at my TT.

I just started thinking about clerking over Christmas break. Do I have any shot at this?

Other possibly relevant information:

-I have an SA with a V50 lined up for this summer
-I was a judicial extern for a federal judge during 1L summer
-CALI award in legal writing and research

If anyone can tell me if it's worth going through the application process or if I'm already behind, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Focus on keeping your grades up. That's the most important thing you can do at this point. I transferred to USC/UCLA and my grades weren't as good as yours. Granted, I did a stint in biglaw after I graduated, but I got an Art III clerkship with ease.

[Anonymous User]

Hey guys. I transferred from a TT to a T20 (USC/UCLA). I just got my grades back at my new school, and I got a 3.74 (median is likely 3.2-3.3ish). We don't rank, so I'm not sure exactly where my grades fall. I finished top 14% at my TT.

I just started thinking about clerking over Christmas break. Do I have any shot at this?

Other possibly relevant information:

-I have an SA with a V50 lined up for this summer
-I was a judicial extern for a federal judge during 1L summer
-CALI award in legal writing and research

If anyone can tell me if it's worth going through the application process or if I'm already behind, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Focus on keeping your grades up. That's the most important thing you can do at this point. I transferred to USC/UCLA and my grades weren't as good as yours. Granted, I did a stint in biglaw after I graduated, but I got an Art III clerkship with ease.

Somewhat similar, but transferred to a T10, clerked at D and CoA level (after biglaw first), but just keep the grades up and seriously try to get in with at least one professor for recommendation/calls purposes. One thing a roommate of mine did, and I wish I had as a transfer, was to be a research assistant or write a note FOR CREDIT. If that's available at your school, and you can rope in the right professor, you can get an A+ and a LOR/reference. I know some very prestigious judges look for really rigorous classes...but my transfer friend did that, took two seminars, did clinic, graduated T10 with a 4.01 which sort of negates all the rest.

[Anonymous User]

Hey guys. I transferred from a TT to a T20 (USC/UCLA). I just got my grades back at my new school, and I got a 3.74 (median is likely 3.2-3.3ish). We don't rank, so I'm not sure exactly where my grades fall. I finished top 14% at my TT.

I just started thinking about clerking over Christmas break. Do I have any shot at this?

Other possibly relevant information:

-I have an SA with a V50 lined up for this summer
-I was a judicial extern for a federal judge during 1L summer
-CALI award in legal writing and research

If anyone can tell me if it's worth going through the application process or if I'm already behind, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Focus on keeping your grades up. That's the most important thing you can do at this point. I transferred to USC/UCLA and my grades weren't as good as yours. Granted, I did a stint in biglaw after I graduated, but I got an Art III clerkship with ease.

Somewhat similar, but transferred to a T10, clerked at D and CoA level (after biglaw first), but just keep the grades up and seriously try to get in with at least one professor for recommendation/calls purposes. One thing a roommate of mine did, and I wish I had as a transfer, was to be a research assistant or write a note FOR CREDIT. If that's available at your school, and you can rope in the right professor, you can get an A+ and a LOR/reference. I know some very prestigious judges look for really rigorous classes...but my transfer friend did that, took two seminars, did clinic, graduated T10 with a 4.01 which sort of negates all the rest.

Previous Annon transfer from USC/UCLA who clerked. I agree with all of this. While grades are one of the most important things you focus on, that isn't to say that you should do so at the expense of all the other things you will traditionally need, to be a competitive candidate. I managed to be an editor on a secondary journal for my 2L and 3L year, as well as built a good report with a number of professors, who ultimately wrote great letters for me. I also took a few credits as an independent study, where I authored an article that I went on to use as a writing sample (didn't publish it though).

Bottom line, keep your grades up as much as possible, while also getting yourself good experience and references. Also, be geographically flexible - that will greatly increase your marketability.

[BVest]

Just to hop on board the other good advice here: Yes, those grades are good for an AIII clerkship, though you may not get to pick your location (but it won't have to be a terrible location either). Meanwhile:

- Keep focusing on the grades
- Identify a prof or two you've had in your first three semesters (either at USC/UCLA or at your TT) who might be good for a rec and reach out to them.
- Identify a couple profs you can foster a relationship with this semester for the same purpose
- Talk to the clerkship coordinator at your current school as soon as possible

[timmyd]

Transfer here from ttt who graduated from a comparable school. Secured an art III clerkship. You are probably ranked a bit higher in your class than I was at my school (grade inflation), but still comparable. You def have a shot. Apply broadly and improve your grades.

[Anonymous User]

Hi all,

I've been on TLS for a while though inactive for the past several years (spent a few years at big law, so things were a bit busy).

I wanted some thoughts on my prospects for securing a district court clerkship since I'm in a similar position (though now as a USC/UCLA alum with experience). I'm currently clerking for a magistrate judge and applying to district courts broadly (though not in entirely unattractive locations). ~3.7-3.75 GPA, on the board of two non-law review journals (and EIC of one of them), and, as I just stated, worked at a firm for a few years before beginning my clerkship. I have one strong recommendation from a partner I worked with at the firm as well as a couple of professors from my school. Any thoughts on how I might fare? I only just started my magistrate clerkship a couple of months ago and am wondering when a good time might be to get my judge (who does like me) to make calls (and whether that's a good idea at all). Otherwise, I have a professor willing to do so.

Thanks in advance!

[clerk1251]

Hi all,

I've been on TLS for a while though inactive for the past several years (spent a few years at big law, so things were a bit busy).

I wanted some thoughts on my prospects for securing a district court clerkship since I'm in a similar position (though now as a USC/UCLA alum with experience). I'm currently clerking for a magistrate judge and applying to district courts broadly (though not in entirely unattractive locations). ~3.7-3.75 GPA, on the board of two non-law review journals (and EIC of one of them), and, as I just stated, worked at a firm for a few years before beginning my clerkship. I have one strong recommendation from a partner I worked with at the firm as well as a couple of professors from my school. Any thoughts on how I might fare? I only just started my magistrate clerkship a couple of months ago and am wondering when a good time might be to get my judge (who does like me) to make calls (and whether that's a good idea at all). Otherwise, I have a professor willing to do so.

Thanks in advance!

District Judge Clerk here - I don't think you'll have to many problems securing a second clerkship at all. There are a lot of variables to determine timing, but most of it simply has to do with when the judges in that district are hiring. Also, as far as your judge making calls, that's a very "it depends on the judge" type of thing. Some will, some wont. If you'd like some more specific advice and feedback - feel free to send me a PM.

[Anonymous User]

USC/UCLA alum anon poster here. Thanks for this response! PM'd you.

Would appreciate others' thoughts based on their experience. Just to note, I transferred from a top 50 school to USC/UCLA, had a top 15% finish 1L.

Hi all,

I've been on TLS for a while though inactive for the past several years (spent a few years at big law, so things were a bit busy).

I wanted some thoughts on my prospects for securing a district court clerkship since I'm in a similar position (though now as a USC/UCLA alum with experience). I'm currently clerking for a magistrate judge and applying to district courts broadly (though not in entirely unattractive locations). ~3.7-3.75 GPA, on the board of two non-law review journals (and EIC of one of them), and, as I just stated, worked at a firm for a few years before beginning my clerkship. I have one strong recommendation from a partner I worked with at the firm as well as a couple of professors from my school. Any thoughts on how I might fare? I only just started my magistrate clerkship a couple of months ago and am wondering when a good time might be to get my judge (who does like me) to make calls (and whether that's a good idea at all). Otherwise, I have a professor willing to do so.

Thanks in advance!

District Judge Clerk here - I don't think you'll have to many problems securing a second clerkship at all. There are a lot of variables to determine timing, but most of it simply has to do with when the judges in that district are hiring. Also, as far as your judge making calls, that's a very "it depends on the judge" type of thing. Some will, some wont. If you'd like some more specific advice and feedback - feel free to send me a PM.