Temporary Clerkship Forum

[Anonymous User]

Is it worth applying to a clerkship that will only last 4-5 months?

[Anonymous User]

I think this depends on your competitiveness. Like if you were median at a T20 and got a 4 month circuit clerkship I'd say yes. But, if you're like top 10% at a T14 I'd say no. There are also going to be less people applying for a 4 month position so it gives you an opportunity to get a position you may normally not be competitive for.

[Anonymous User]

Is it worth applying to a clerkship that will only last 4-5 months?

Yes, if you haven't been able to obtain a 12 month clerkship and don't think you'll be able to get one. I am clerking in a district court now and although I have never felt underwater or overwhelmed, I didn't feel like I "got it" until about the 6 month point. By the 9 month point things became routine and almost a little boring. Which is to say you are going to learn a lot in your 4-5 months and that a year-long clerkship is not necessary to build connections and learn a lot.

[Wild Card]

Yes, the point is to be to say that you served as a judicial law clerk. Who cares for how long?

[Anonymous User]

Yes, the point is to be to say that you served as a judicial law clerk. Who cares for how long?

Anyone have any insight into trying to clerk temporarily for a few months in between clerkships? Going District -> COA, but I have a 2.5 month gap. I’ve been told that I can try and “temp” for another judge for that period of time so that I can stay insured. Anyone done anything similar?

[Anonymous User]

Yes, the point is to be to say that you served as a judicial law clerk. Who cares for how long?

Anyone have any insight into trying to clerk temporarily for a few months in between clerkships? Going District -> COA, but I have a 2.5 month gap. I’ve been told that I can try and “temp” for another judge for that period of time so that I can stay insured. Anyone done anything similar?

I've heard of someone temping for another judge for like 2 months while a clerk was on maternity leave, but of course that would require an insane amount of timing and luck, but hey not impossible.

[Anonymous User]

I temp clerked. Yes, I got the insurance.

Yes, it worked out for me. I turned my temp clerkship into a d.ct. clerkship. It was lucky because I knew a couple new d.ct judges were going to be coming in and a clerk for my judge went to one of the new judge’s chambers.

Then I turned my d.ct. clerkship into a COA. This career takes so many twists and turns.

[Anonymous User]

Yes, the point is to be to say that you served as a judicial law clerk. Who cares for how long?

Anyone have any insight into trying to clerk temporarily for a few months in between clerkships? Going District -> COA, but I have a 2.5 month gap. I’ve been told that I can try and “temp” for another judge for that period of time so that I can stay insured. Anyone done anything similar?

I've heard of someone temping for another judge for like 2 months while a clerk was on maternity leave, but of course that would require an insane amount of timing and luck, but hey not impossible.

That’s what I figured. I guess I’ll just ask the clerks/judge what they think is feasible. I’m moving halfway across the country for my second clerkship to an expensive city, so I was hoping to get some income to make it more manageable for my family. Idk how common this situation is.