One week down in my district court clerkship in flyover country. I'm feeling a little shell-shocked, and a bit like a chimpanzee with a machine gun.
When did people figure out what the hell was going on in their clerkships? The other clerk in chambers has been fairly helpful, but everyone keep asking if I have questions, and I don't even know what I'm supposed to be asking about. I've been working about 8 to 8 and I'm just barely keeping my head above water. I'm sure I'm inefficient as hell right now, but off the top of my head, I have 5 memos or opinions to be submitted by mid-week.
Also, the editing process with the judge is ... less than robust. There is very little back-and-forth unless there are major disagreements in the application of the law. My legal writing is fine, and I am at least decent at self-editing but its still pretty scary. I'm not sure there's much that can we done w/r/t this but it just adds to the stress.
New District Court Clerk—When Does It Get Easier? Forum
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Re: New District Court Clerk—When Does It Get Easier?
Just finished my first week as well, and I can really relate to your experience. I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing most of the time. And, as you said, I don't know what I should be asking.
I'm mostly fine when told "write a memo/opinion on X," although I'm still not really confident with it. But the day to day stuff I really am confused and feel way in over my head (when to issue orders and what orders, for example).
Sorry I don't have any advice to help you, but just letting you know you're not alone feeling lost.
I'm mostly fine when told "write a memo/opinion on X," although I'm still not really confident with it. But the day to day stuff I really am confused and feel way in over my head (when to issue orders and what orders, for example).
Sorry I don't have any advice to help you, but just letting you know you're not alone feeling lost.
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Re: New District Court Clerk—When Does It Get Easier?
The bolded is extremely common: lots of judges manage their clerks this way regardless of how experienced they are. Just a function of how much work there is to get done and what your role is. Like you said, there's not much to be done about it, but I understand why it's a little anxiety inducing.Anonymous User wrote:One week down in my district court clerkship in flyover country. I'm feeling a little shell-shocked, and a bit like a chimpanzee with a machine gun.
When did people figure out what the hell was going on in their clerkships? The other clerk in chambers has been fairly helpful, but everyone keep asking if I have questions, and I don't even know what I'm supposed to be asking about. I've been working about 8 to 8 and I'm just barely keeping my head above water. I'm sure I'm inefficient as hell right now, but off the top of my head, I have 5 memos or opinions to be submitted by mid-week.
Also, the editing process with the judge is ... less than robust. There is very little back-and-forth unless there are major disagreements in the application of the law. My legal writing is fine, and I am at least decent at self-editing but its still pretty scary. I'm not sure there's much that can we done w/r/t this but it just adds to the stress.
Anecdotally, a lot of people I've talked to didn't really feel comfortable until several months in.
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Re: New District Court Clerk—When Does It Get Easier?
When I started as a district court clerk in fIyover country, I overlapped with one of the smartest people I know. He told me he had no idea what he was doing when he started and that it took him four months to figure things out. I drew comfort from that comment in the months ahead. I don't remember when I started to feel on top of things but I think four months is about right.
All that to say, what you're feeling is normal. It's not you; it's the job. Work hard, try your best, ask questions, correct mistakes, and know that you'll come out the other side having experienced enormous growth. Good luck.
All that to say, what you're feeling is normal. It's not you; it's the job. Work hard, try your best, ask questions, correct mistakes, and know that you'll come out the other side having experienced enormous growth. Good luck.
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