2017-2018 Clerkship Application Thread Forum

[A. Nony Mouse]

Quick q: C+ in Admin. Law. All other grades just below, near or above median (B+). Am I fuct?

For some judges, sure. For others, your overall rank and school will matter more. Unless your "all other grades" are mostly above median your overall rank is probably as much of a problem as one bad grade. (I may be misunderstanding your description of your grades.)

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone know anything about Judge Curiel's hiring for '17-'18?

Wondering same. I received receipt of my application 5 months ago or so... Just wondering if it's filled

[Anonymous User]

I see that some judges are still hiring for 2017-2018 even now, some having specified that they don't want applications until the summer before the start date. how do logistics work for these judges? Are these judges looking to hire people who are either currently working or struck out of OCI? or do firms keep offers open until 3L's (who've had SA) secure these clerkships?

[Anonymous User]

I see that some judges are still hiring for 2017-2018 even now, some having specified that they don't want applications until the summer before the start date. how do logistics work for these judges? Are these judges looking to hire people who are either currently working or struck out of OCI? or do firms keep offers open until 3L's (who've had SA) secure these clerkships?

From what I've heard, it depends on the type of judges. The circuit/district ones are looking for people who have work experience. The magistrates/bankruptcy may accept some who have struck out.

[Anonymous User]

I see that some judges are still hiring for 2017-2018 even now, some having specified that they don't want applications until the summer before the start date. how do logistics work for these judges? Are these judges looking to hire people who are either currently working or struck out of OCI? or do firms keep offers open until 3L's (who've had SA) secure these clerkships?

From what I've heard, it depends on the type of judges. The circuit/district ones are looking for people who have work experience. The magistrates/bankruptcy may accept some who have struck out.

So it's rarely the case that a 3L with SA is looking into these judges?

[Anonymous User]

I see that some judges are still hiring for 2017-2018 even now, some having specified that they don't want applications until the summer before the start date. how do logistics work for these judges? Are these judges looking to hire people who are either currently working or struck out of OCI? or do firms keep offers open until 3L's (who've had SA) secure these clerkships?

From what I've heard, it depends on the type of judges. The circuit/district ones are looking for people who have work experience. The magistrates/bankruptcy may accept some who have struck out.

So it's rarely the case that a 3L with SA is looking into these judges?

Maybe, maybe not. I recently got a 2017 D. Ct. clerkship as a 3L with a SA and an offer. There are some judges still willing to hire law students straight out of school.

[Anonymous User]

I see that some judges are still hiring for 2017-2018 even now, some having specified that they don't want applications until the summer before the start date. how do logistics work for these judges? Are these judges looking to hire people who are either currently working or struck out of OCI? or do firms keep offers open until 3L's (who've had SA) secure these clerkships?

From what I've heard, it depends on the type of judges. The circuit/district ones are looking for people who have work experience. The magistrates/bankruptcy may accept some who have struck out.

So it's rarely the case that a 3L with SA is looking into these judges?

Most judges will look at 3L's between SA and starting as a first year. If you're asking about firm policy re: clerkships, it varies depending on the firm. Most firms hold spots open for their SA's who want to clerk. Some do not, but they're rare. Talk to your firm.

[FascinatedWanderer]

The judges who were hiring over the summer are often still looking for people straight out of law school. We are well beyond the summer now though, so I'm not entirely sure what the judges who post now are looking for.

[Anonymous User]

The judges who were hiring over the summer are often still looking for people straight out of law school. We are well beyond the summer now though, so I'm not entirely sure what the judges who post now are looking for.

A lot are looking for work experience. However, there are still some that will take students directly out of law school if you have the right credentials. Anon from above who recently landed a clerkship. I've had a handful of interviews over the past few weeks.

[Anonymous User]

.

[Anonymous User]

My judge pulled the interview on me after I booked my flight. Sweet. Another depressing Xmas.

[FascinatedWanderer]

Chin up dude. It's a brutal process and judges are totally arbitrary so you can't let it get to you.

[Anonymous User]

There seem to still be a few District Court and COA judges in the Ninth Circuit with 17-18 openings (at least Thomas and D. Pregerson). Does anyone know if these positions are still actually open/when the judges hire for them?

[runinthefront]

There seem to still be a few District Court and COA judges in the Ninth Circuit with 17-18 openings (at least Thomas and D. Pregerson). Does anyone know if these positions are still actually open/when the judges hire for them?

You should call chambers and ask if you want the most accurate info possible

[Anonymous User]

There seem to still be a few District Court and COA judges in the Ninth Circuit with 17-18 openings (at least Thomas and D. Pregerson). Does anyone know if these positions are still actually open/when the judges hire for them?

You should call chambers and ask if you want the most accurate info possible

Pregerson was still hiring for 2016 this time last year, so if he's consistent then it makes sense he would be hiring for 2017 now.

[weaselbee]

Just got a call from District Judge Alia Moses's chambers looking for a clerk 2017-2018. I recently accepted my big law offer and am happy sticking with that decision, but I wanted to let people know that this opportunity is still open.

[Anonymous User]

How many interviews does it usually take to get a clerkship? Most of the people I know who are clerking just had one . . . I've had three and still nothing

[mjb447]

How many interviews does it usually take to get a clerkship? Most of the people I know who are clerking just had one . . . I've had three and still nothing

Varies, and three (or more) is totally normal. May want to do a practice interview just to make sure your answers are solid, but I wouldn't freak out about it yet.

[Anonymous User]

I had 11 interviews for 2 clerkships. There were some in which I knew I messed up; there were others where our personalities just did not mesh; and there were others where the interview was just okay. I will say that for the two I accepted, I thought things just clicked in the interview. Those interviews were just the best of conversations I had of the 11. (And I ended up declining one offer, because of how awkward the interview was.)

So, in short, you're doing fine!

[Anonymous User]

How many interviews does it usually take to get a clerkship? Most of the people I know who are clerking just had one . . . I've had three and still nothing

12 interviews for two offers. I wouldn't worry much.

[Anonymous User]

Just got a call from District Judge Alia Moses's chambers looking for a clerk 2017-2018. I recently accepted my big law offer and am happy sticking with that decision, but I wanted to let people know that this opportunity is still open.

I applied to Judge Moses recently. Mind if i PM you?

[Anonymous User]

How many interviews does it usually take to get a clerkship? Most of the people I know who are clerking just had one . . . I've had three and still nothing

Another data point: 4 interviews for 2 clerkships (3 of which were for the first one)

[Anonymous User]

I know it's late in the game for 2017, but any news on judges giving interviews or offers? I have some 2017 Fall apps out, and they are still open and available on OSCAR, but I haven't heard anything yet (here or from judges).

[weaselbee]

Just got a call from District Judge Alia Moses's chambers looking for a clerk 2017-2018. I recently accepted my big law offer and am happy sticking with that decision, but I wanted to let people know that this opportunity is still open.

I applied to Judge Moses recently. Mind if i PM you?

Go for it!

[Anonymous User]

Easterbrook's up, anyone from his class going to apply?