What is a Judicial
Clerkship?
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Post-graduate position lasting 1-2
years
Federal/State Court opportunities
Responsible for researching cases on
the judge’s docket and drafting bench
memos and opinions as requested
Why do a Judicial
Clerkship?
Opportunity to polish your research
and writing skills
 Judge may become a
mentor/reference
 Gain insight into legal system/
litigation process
 Exposure to variety of legal
issues/areas of law
 Very marketable credential

Court Structure
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U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals
U.S. District Courts
 Magistrate Judges
Bankruptcy Court
Staff Attorney, Pro Se Staff
Specialty Courts
 U.S. Court of Claims
 U.S. Court of International Trade
 U.S. Tax Court
Administrative Agencies
 Board of Immigration Appeals, Federal Trade
Commission, National Labor Relations Board,
Securities and Exchange Commission
State Courts
Geographic Boundaries
of US Courts of Appeals & US District Courts
What qualities are judges
looking for?
Judges consider a variety of factors in
selecting their clerks. But generally the
following factors are considered:
 Academic performance
 Journal/moot court participation
 Strong writing; writing experience
 Judicial externships
 Some judges require work experience
The National Picture
What are my chances?
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In 2011: interviewed
applicants had GPAs
from 3.428 to 3.867
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In 2012: interviewed
applicants for state
and federal judges had
GPAs from 3.745 to
3.862
Self Assessment
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Do you know a judge or have
recommenders who know judges?
What is your GPA/class rank?
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No GPA – even a 3.8+ – is a guarantee.
How committed are you?
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Increase your chances by applying to
less geographically popular locations and
to state as well as federal clerkships.
Where should I apply?
Factors to Consider:
 Federal
 State
 Geographic area
 Look at where alumni have clerked
 Research judges’ openings, backgrounds
(various website/resources in the handbook)
and on the Career Services website
www.luc.edu/law/career/judicial_clerkships.html
When do I apply?
For Federal Judges
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Use OSCAR to research judges; sign up for
OSCAR email updates to be notified of new
positions.
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Most hire a full year (or more) in advance.
How do I apply to federal
judges?
There are 2 ways to apply:
1.
Online using the OSCAR system
Online System for Clerkship Application &
Review (https://oscar.uscourts.gov/)
2.
For federal judges requesting paper
applications you will apply via mail
Application Materials
 Cover
letter
 Resume
 Law school and undergrad transcripts
 Writing sample
 Letters of recommendation (2-3)
Select Recommenders
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Approach your recommenders sooner rather
than later.
Give them the materials they need to write
strong letters (your resume, transcript, a
statement of why you are interested in clerking,
discuss where you plan to apply, etc).
Generally ask 3 people-usually law school
professors or attorneys you have worked for in
the past who know your research/writing skills.
How do I apply to State
Court Clerkships?
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Research the specific state you are interested in to learn
about their hiring process.
For Illinois judges, judges hire as needed. Apply close to
when you are available to work full time.
We post information on Symplicity when we learn of
openings.
State resources:
 www.ncsconline.org (links to state courts)
 http://www.vermontlaw.edu/career/
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Resources
http://www.luc.edu/law/career/internal/
judicial_clerkship.html
 Make sure to review the User Guide
and FAQ sections of the OSCAR
website.
 To receive updates on the process,
please make sure to sign up for the
Judicial Clerkship TWEN page.
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Questions?
Contact Maureen Kieffer
mkieffer1@luc.edu
312-915-7124
Career Services, Suite 1301