Circuit court clerkship Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hey all,

I was recently informed of an opening from a friend for a Circuit Court clerkship (fed, not state). I clerked for a year in the State Appellate level, graduated non-T14 from a solid regional in top 20% of class, did LR, and now work at a large respectable law firm in a city suburb. By the time the clerkship starts, I'll have about a year under my belt as a lit associate.

I know these things are dependent on a good amount of factors (i.e. judge, location, circuit, etc.), but I guess my question is, based on what you have read, do I have a good shot and is it worth my time? What kind of caliber applicants are we talking here?

Thanks all, any help is appreciated.

[Rowinguy2009]

I think you absolutely have a shot. My stats are nearly identical to yours - T30, top 20%, but no journal for me - and I got some attention from Circuit judges when I applied as an alumni candidate. I was applying so that I would start after two years with a regional firm; I ultimately only did a district clerkship and then moved on.

You will have your work cut out for you and it won't be a sure thing (I mean even for the strongest of applicants no single clerkship application is), but I think it's definitely worth your time to apply. I'm sure you'll be competing against some top 5% T14 types, but you never know what factors the judge will prioritize - your experience and, if applicable, your local ties could be huge pluses.

[BlackAndOrange84]

Don't count yourself out. Going purely by credentials, you're a long shot, but I've seen similarly situated applicants get COA jobs. If your friend is a current or former clerk of the judge in question and is willing to vouch for you (and I presume if that's the case it's because your friend knows that the judge wouldn't rule you out based on your credentials), you've got a strong shot at an interview and the job.

[mjb447]

Yeah, worth it for the cost and time of an app.

[Anonymous User]

OP here.

Thanks for the advice guys. That seems to be the consensus with some of my colleagues as well. I appreciate it.