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Hi! Looking for some guidance regarding my chances for a Third or Second COA clerkship. The clerkship office is so vague and really hasn't been helpful in giving me a realistic idea of where I sit. Everything is just smile and nod with them.

About me:
3L HYS
DNJ clerkship for 2024 term
3P's, 2 DS's, 16 H's (second semester 1L all CR because of COVID).
V3 NY Big Law post graduation
No law review, editor on secondary (but prestigious) journal
3 recs from less well known professors, but professors who really know and care about me
intern on 3rd circuit COA 1L summer
1 year of work experience before law school at a mid-size law firm
summa at a middling liberal arts college

I would apply more broadly, but for family reasons, I am more interested in staying in NJ/PA/NY than doing an appellate clerkship elsewhere.

Any insight is greatly appreciated!!!!

Former CA3 clerk here. Can’t speak to CA2, but I think you have a great shot at CA3. Is your internship judge willing to act as a reference? I would start by telling them + your DNJ judge you are thinking about applying. I recommend just asking to chat if they have advice or insight and then use that convo to open the door. I’m sure they would be happy to help.

For my CA3 judge, the number one way to get noticed was to have someone he knew or respected submit your resume. With your school, you would definitely get a close look, but personal outreach was more likely to yield interview.

And lastly, make sure to emphasize those family ties in your cover letters. With Newark judges especially, they get lots of apps just because it’s commutable from New York but all the Newark judges are proud NJ residents who love a local connection.

Thank you so much for your insights! These are really helpful--I will definitely plan on putting some feelers out with my district court judge to see what she has to say about it.

The internship judge has very kindly been serving as a reference, and actually ended up helping me get the district court role, but unfortunately no bites from other CA3 judges as of yet!!!!