Clerkship Chances Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm a 2L at a school just outside the T50 in a major market. I'm on LR and did moot. Had a good 1L fall (top 25%), a poor 1L spring, and a great 2L fall. Unfortunately, I'm outside (albeit barely) top 25% cumulatively. I have prior work experience, I'm the president of a minority student organization, and I'm externing with an Art. I judge this semester. Do I realistically have any chance landing a federal clerkship?

[nixy]

On the face if it, your chances are not good, but maybe if you can make connections and get someone to vouch for you? Like the judge you’re externing for or connected faculty at your school? There are minority judges who prefer to hire students who share their backgrounds (or are otherwise diverse), so you might have some success if you can find such a judge. Or get work experience for a couple of years, or clerk at the state level first.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the reply. I also forgot to mention that I'll be working at a V50. Does that tip the scales any?

[mjb447]

I agree with nixy. There's not much about your current app that would get it a second look, but excelling in actual practice or a prior clerkship, and/or getting a good rec from someone that can vouch for your ability to perform well in chambers, would help close the gap.