Judicial Clerkships

"No other job right our of law school gives a recent graduate the power to influence and shape the development of the law in such a meaningful way."

--Lewis & Clark Law School Professor Tigran Eldred, former Clerk for Second Circuit Judge James Oakes

What is a judicial clerk?

A judicial clerk works directly in the courtroom with a judge. Tasks vary, but typically include research, assisting with the drafting of opinions, and seeing to the day to day operation of the courtroom. A clerkship can be a great way to build a close relationship with a judge and develop the skills, connections, and familiarity with the law that will propel your career. A clerkship is also a great way to play a role in the development of the law.

Most clerks are hired to assist a specific judge; although, some courts employ clerks to assist all of their judges. Most clerkships are for a one or two-year term that begins the fall after graduation. Clerks work in most courts: state and federal trial and appellate courts, bankruptcy courts, state and US tax courts, and administrative law courts (immigration hearings, Federal Trade Commission hearings, National Labor Relations Board hearings).

What do judicial clerks do?

Most federal court clerks (both at the trial and appellate levels), spend the bulk of their time assisting the judge by performing legal research and writing, verifying citations, and drafting of bench memoranda, orders, and opinions. Some judges also have clerks assist attorneys with procedural issues, maintain the court or chambers’ law library, assist in the courtroom, and perform other assorted administrative tasks. This is true for state appellate court clerks as well. Usually clerks are allowed to observe courtroom proceedings involving cases they are working on.

Judicial clerks in state trial courts rarely do research and writing, however, and spend most of their time in the courtroom observing proceedings, swearing in jurors and witnesses, assisting during trial with evidence and exhibits, performing “spot” legal research, and performing other administrative duties.

How do I get started?

Follow the steps at the top right of this page.

What can you do with a clerkship?

After clerkships, some continue on with higher court clerkships (a lower clerkship is the only way into a US Supreme Court Clerkship), some take jobs at firms, some take positions through the government attorney honors program, some apply for public interest fellowships, and some take positions at law schools; the possibilities are endless. Check out a list of jobs (pdf) former Oregon Appellate Court Clerks took directly and long-range after their clerkships.

Steps Toward a Judicial Clerkship

1. Read the Manual (WebDisk password)
2. Visit Clerkship Links
3. Meet with Career Services
4. Take Classes
5. Use Our Resources
6. Get an Adviser
7. Cultivate References
8. Apply

Sign up for Judicial Clerkship news and update e-mails by sending a request to wcpenn@lclark.edu

PDF brochure: "The Courts: An Excellent Place for Attorneys of Color to Launch Their Careers"