Monday, January 29, 2018

Save the Date: Clerkship Kickoff

Photo by Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
If you plan to apply for post-graduate judicial clerkships this coming season, be sure to attend one of the two kickoff meetings:
  • Tuesday, February 27, 2018: 12:00 - 1:00 pm in 328 or
  • Tuesday, February 27, 2018: 5:00 - 6:00 pm in C1 
Attending a kickoff meeting is mandatory for clerkship applicants, so please contact Erin Fullner if you have a class or work conflict and need to explore makeup options.

Students who attend one of the kickoffs will have access to the clerkship program handbook and listserv the following week.

FAQs:
  • What is a judicial clerkship? A judicial clerkship is a post-graduate position with a judge or justice, typically lasting one or two years. Not to be confused with judicial internships or externships, these positions are for lawyers, though applications are generally submitted while still in school. Clerkships are high-value opportunities that offer excellent preparation for practice. They are available at the state trial and appellate levels, in federal district and appellate courts, and often in other courts as well.
  • When should I apply? Most applicants apply as 2Ls. Depending on the court, judges and justices will hire a year or more in advance. The "clerkship season" we are currently at the start of primarily focuses on clerkships with late summer/early fall 2019 start dates, though some federal courts are already advertising for 2020.
  • Would I be a strong candidate? There are lots of different types of clerkships, so candidates should not count themselves out on grades alone. That said, some courts will require top grades and will strongly prefer candidates with law review/journal experience. Erin Fullner can help you evaluate which court(s) might be the best fit.
  • If I've already begun applying for clerkships, is it too late to join the clerkship program? No! It's never to late to start taking advantage of the law school's clerkship application resources. Reach out today to help put together the strongest application strategy possible.
  • Can alumni participate in the clerkship program? Yes. Please reach out to CPD.
  • Who should I talk to if I want to decide if a clerkship is right for me? Erin Fullner is happy to talk through important considerations with you, and a number of Seattle U Law faculty have clerked and are excellent resources as well.