What are my chances? Forum

(Seek and share information about clerkship applications, clerkship hiring timelines, and post-clerkship employment opportunities)
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Anonymous User
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What are my chances?

Post by Anonymous User » Mon Feb 05, 2018 3:52 pm

I was hoping for some crowd-sourced wisdom.

What types of judges should I target with 6 Hs in large, black-letter courses (one of which is a DS) at HLS after a year and a half of grades? I would like a district court clerkship and a COA if I can land one. I know my chances at COA are slim. In general, does anyone know approximately what percentile I'm at?

Thanks in advance.

justanotherlurker

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Re: What are my chances?

Post by justanotherlurker » Mon Feb 05, 2018 5:19 pm

You're around or slightly above median GPA, according to anecdotal wisdom (e.g., that about 3-4 Hs is median going into EIP).

Your grades won't "wow" anyone, but they probably also won't disqualify you except with the most grade-conscious of judges. Strong recommendations, extracurriculars (journal, leadership in student orgs, etc.), and/or relevant and interesting work experience would all be pluses to help stand out from the pile.

You should apply broadly. If I were you, I'd start applying ASAP to district judges in your preferred geographic regions, and to COA judges to anywhere you'd be fine spending a year.

Be aware that a good number of judges are already full for the 2019-2020 term. Don't be discouraged. If you're planning on going to a law firm after graduation, apply for the 2020 term and spend a year at your firm first.

Feel free to PM me if you want to talk specifics.

Anonymous User
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: What are my chances?

Post by Anonymous User » Tue Feb 06, 2018 12:25 am

Realistically, grades just are not there to be competitive in more desirable markets. Probably looking more at district court in flyover territory or a magistrate judge clerkship in more geographically desirable\competitive areas.

Anonymous User
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: What are my chances?

Post by Anonymous User » Tue Feb 06, 2018 2:50 pm

Anonymous User wrote:Realistically, grades just are not there to be competitive in more desirable markets. Probably looking more at district court in flyover territory or a magistrate judge clerkship in more geographically desirable\competitive areas.
This is a bit too pessimistic. People at median at HLS can get COA clerkships (I know some), although it's not guaranteed and you're unlikely to be successful in a desirable market without strong connections. You should not be applying to magistrate judges unless you're dead set on clerking in a specific, competitive market.

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