Application MaterialsMost judges expect a clerkship application to include a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and writing sample. Some judges may also want an undergraduate transcript or other materials. If it is not clear what a judge requires, we suggest that you call the judge's chambers to be sure that you submit the necessary materials. All of your documents need to be completely free of error. One of the easiest methods to narrow a pool of candidates is to eliminate those who have not followed directions or whose applications have typographical and grammatical mistakes. We recommend that you have your cover letter and your resume reviewed by the Career Services Office before your submit your application. Cover LetterThere are two approaches to drafting a cover letter. A traditional cover letter introduces you to the judge, and discusses why you are interested in working for the court, the skills and qualifications that make you the best choice, and your geographical ties to the court. A second approach introduces yourself, briefly explains the nature of your letter, and refers to the application materials enclosed. This kind of cover letter leaves out any discussion of qualifications and simply states your interest in being considered for a judicial clerkship. Either approach is acceptable but generally, the Career Services Office recommends the use of a traditional cover letter. In the end, your personal preference and any stated requirements of the judge should direct your choice. Address your cover letter (and envelope if necessary) with deference as follows:
For a full guide of appropriate salutations, see Appendix A in Behind the Bench: The Guide to Judicial Clerkships by Debra M. Strauss, Esq. ResumeYour resume should be a concise summary of your education, legal and professional experience, and academic honors. Be sure to highlight research and writing skills. Be mindful of the competitive nature of judicial clerkships and highlight your professional and academic credentials accordingly. TranscriptYou are encouraged to submit unofficial transcripts, as the cost can be high for official transcripts. Although most judges express no preference regarding official versus unofficial, you should verify the specific requirement for each judge, as some require an official transcript. Some judges may require an undergraduate transcript as well. It is a good idea to order an undergraduate transcript for your files well in advance of the application deadline. Writing SampleYour writing sample should be of excellent quality with little to no editing by a third party and approximately 10 to 20 pages in length. If you do not have a writing sample of this size, submit an excerpt of legal analysis from a longer writing sample. Attach a cover sheet to the excerpt providing the reader with a summary of the original document that puts the writing sample in context. If you are using a document created for an employer as your writing sample, be sure to obtain permission from that employer to use the document, redact any personal or confidential information, and note that you have the employer's permission to use the document. At no point should you use a writing sample that is a published judicial opinion even if the entire opinion is your work product from a judicial externship. Letters of RecommendationMany judges request at least two to three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your legal qualifications (usually law school professors). You should select your recommenders based on your experience and interaction with them. Be sure to discuss your request with the recommender before you submit his or her name. Professors may request that you meet with them and provide a resume, transcript, or writing sample for their review and records. You should be prepared to discuss your interest in a judicial clerkship and perhaps the specific judges with whom you wish to work. |
Judicial
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