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Are Federal CoA Clerkships Possible for Non-US Citizens?
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 4:21 pm
by Andrew66
The federal government cannot compensate non-US citizens. Is it possible for non-US citizens to complete a federal circuit clerkship on a volunteer (unpaid) basis?
Re: Are Federal CoA Clerkships Possible for Non-US Citizens?
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 4:25 pm
by Anonymous User
I know of a non-citizen who did a volunteer district court clerkship this way, so I can't confirm, but I would imagine you could. This person had a one year post-grad fellowship from their school, and a connection to the judge, although I'd imagine if you have decent qualifications, many judges would welcome a free extra clerk for a year.
Re: Are Federal CoA Clerkships Possible for Non-US Citizens?
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:18 pm
by Anonymous User
The rule against paying non-US citizens only applies to the continental US - you can be paid in Alaska or Hawaii (and I assume in Puerto Rico, though my guess is that Gustavo Gelpi (the only circuit judge in PR) has hired mostly Puerto Ricans/US citizens). I know unpaid clerkships are a thing among district judges, but I know some judges disapprove of that/feel like it's exploitative, and I haven't heard of them being a thing with appellate judges.
Honestly, I'm not sure circuit judges have enough work to justify needing a fifth clerk, and I also don't know if many chambers would have the space for a fifth desk/office.
Re: Are Federal CoA Clerkships Possible for Non-US Citizens?
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:59 pm
by Anonymous User
Yes but they can't get paid. I personally know two Edwards (D.C. Cir.) clerks who were not citizens, but his hiring is very idiosyncratic
Re: Are Federal CoA Clerkships Possible for Non-US Citizens?
Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:48 pm
by Anonymous User
Andrew66 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 4:21 pm
The federal government cannot compensate non-US citizens. Is it possible for non-US citizens to complete a federal circuit clerkship on a volunteer (unpaid) basis?
I know people who have done volunteer (unpaid) clerkships on the 2nd and 9th circuits. I think it's up to the judge.
Re: Are Federal CoA Clerkships Possible for Non-US Citizens?
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 7:07 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:48 pm
Andrew66 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 04, 2024 4:21 pm
The federal government cannot compensate non-US citizens. Is it possible for non-US citizens to complete a federal circuit clerkship on a volunteer (unpaid) basis?
I know people who have done volunteer (unpaid) clerkships on the 2nd and 9th circuits. I think it's up to the judge.
That’s really helpful to know. Would you mind sharing which judges have done that? (Happy to DM you if you'd prefer to keep it confidential.) Thanks!