Bankruptcy Court Clerkships: 2026-27 Guide to Hiring, Pay and Career Value
Short answer: Bankruptcy judges are judicial officers of the district court who serve renewable 14-year terms and are appointed by the court of appeals for their circuit (U.S. Courts). Their chambers clerks are paid on the same JSP scale as other federal clerks, often hire on rolling timelines, and appear in OSCAR's Judges List (OSCAR Applicant Prep Kit). The federal Best Practices also cover bankruptcy judges (OSCAR Best Practices).
What 2026 postings show
- D. Rhode Island (Judge John A. Dorsey Jr.): 2026-27 term, JSP 11-13, $84,579 to $156,715, opened August 18, 2026, priority to applications by September 14, 2026, open until filled (U.S. Courts posting).
- D. Minnesota (Judge Mychal A. Bruggeman): two-year term with possible renewal up to four years, $81,415 to $150,852, August 2026 start, closed June 1, 2026 (D. Minn. Bankr. posting).
- S.D. Georgia (Augusta): one- to two-year term, JSP 11-13, in person, open until filled; bar membership and prior clerkship or litigation experience preferred (S.D. Ga. Bankr. posting).
- Research and drafting memos, opinions and orders on the administration of bankruptcy cases (S.D. Ga. Bankr. posting).
- Screening motions, monitoring dockets, and assisting the judge in the courtroom (D. Minn. Bankr. posting).
- Exposure to Chapter 7, 11 and 13 matters, adversary proceedings, and evidentiary hearings.
- Students aiming for restructuring, finance litigation or creditors' rights practice.
- Applicants with a demonstrated interest in bankruptcy law, which some judges list as preferred (D. Minn. Bankr. posting).
- Applicants who want a later district or circuit clerkship. Discussion: Will a bankruptcy court clerkship help me get a district court clerkship?, District clerkship vs. Bankruptcy clerkship.
Firm policies vary. Some bonuses cover only district and appellate clerkships, such as Susman Godfrey's (Above the Law). Ask restructuring groups directly; many value bankruptcy chambers experience. See the clerkship bonus guide.
Discuss on TLS
- I clerk in bankruptcy court. AMA. (a bankruptcy clerk answers questions)
- Bankruptcy clerkship to state clerkship? Bad idea?
- Will a bankruptcy court clerkship help me get a district court clerkship?
- District clerkship vs. Bankruptcy clerkship
- Bankruptcy Clerkships
Q: Is a bankruptcy clerkship a federal clerkship?
Yes. Bankruptcy courts are units of the federal district courts, and bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals (U.S. Courts).
Q: Do bankruptcy judges follow the hiring plan?
The Best Practices apply to bankruptcy judges, but each judge sets a schedule (OSCAR Best Practices). Two of the 2026 postings above were open until filled.
Q: Can I clerk for a bankruptcy judge and then a district judge?
Yes, within the four-year limit on total term clerk service (OSCAR qualifications).
Related guides
Last verified: September 26, 2026, against the official court pages and dated news sources linked in this guide. Hiring status changes often, so confirm on the court or chambers page before you apply. Spot an error? Reply in the linked discussion thread or PM a moderator.
