![]() “Delaware is the home of corporate law in the US: many groundbreaking corporate and governance issues are decided there.” Equally, those interested in green issues could look into clerking at the environmental division of the Vermont Superior Court (Vermont is one of the few states where courts have specialized environmental divisions). “If you are interested in transactional law or corporate governance, working for the Delaware Court of Chancery is significantly advantageous,” says Melissa Lennon. Bankruptcy judges are part of the district court system and have special purview over bankruptcy filings. For someone who wants to be a criminal litigator, clerking in a state trial court would provide maximum exposure to criminal prosecution. ![]() This comes in handy when practicing in the same state or district as the judge.ĭifferent courts provide windows into different types of law. “The firm I'm at now is the first one he recommended.” Clerks also build up a valuable network among members of the Bar, other clerks and judges. “I didn’t have a good idea of the legal scene so I asked the judge what he recommended,” one former clerk told us. For some this relationship is career-changing as their judge mentors them on the next step in their career. “Previous clerks are always encouraged to call if they want to chat or need advice,” according to Judge Pisano. The judge/clerk relationship often extends beyond the clerkship term. One source had clerked with a judge who sat on the Judicial Conference of the United States – a body concerned with US Courts administration – and had taken on duties related to the Conference. “My writing got a lot better over the course of a year, because of the benefit of having a judge who sees you every day, guides you and shapes your writing style.” Clerks may get an insight into legal administration too. “Certainly, I was writing opinions,” said an associate who had clerked with the District Court of Maryland. A judge might ask a clerk to write a memorandum or even a first draft of a judicial opinion. The educational value of clerkships cannot be overstated, as clerks learn directly from the arbiters of the law. ![]() “The training you get – really intense research and writing – is incredibly valuable.” According to retired Judge Joel Pisano of the District Court of New Jersey, “clerking offers an opportunity to be in on the decision-making process, to understand how the courts work, to be mentored by a sitting judge and to be introduced to the members of the Bar.” Clerks learn how judges react to different briefs and styles of advocacy, and are exposed to a wide range of legal issues. “It's absolutely hands down the best way to start a legal career,” says Melissa Lennon, president elect at NALP. If everyone could do it, there would be a lot of better lawyers,” one former district court clerk told us. Whether you want to work in BigLaw or for a smaller outfit, the skills, connections and insights picked up while clerking are invaluable. Most appointments last one or two years – judges indicate the duration of the commitment at the outset. Responsibilities vary from judge to judge, but all clerks engage in research and do copious amounts of writing. These clerkships normally involve working alongside a single judge. A JUDICIAL clerk (or 'elbow clerk') works as a judge's assistant and typically starts after graduating law school.
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