A judicial internship is a full or part time position in a particular judge’s chambers. Duties of a trial court intern may include reviewing motions, researching the applicable law, and drafting memoranda to assist the judge with his or her decisions . ...
How hard is it to get a judicial internship?
It is an extremely competitive process and it can be very difficult to even land an interview with a federal judge. ... Whether state court justices and judges have law clerks and the process of obtaining such clerkships will vary greatly from state to state.
What can I expect from a judicial internship?
Judicial Internships are opportunities to work for a judge while you are in law school . Interns work with the judge and the judge’s law clerks, and may be asked to research and write memoranda, attend trials and hearings, summarize cases, and help with administrative work.
Is a judicial internship prestigious?
Federal judicial clerkships (clerkships with one of the nation’s circuit courts) tend to be more prestigious , and thus more competitive, than state court clerkships. Clerkships with the United States Supreme Court are the most prestigious and sought-after clerkship positions.
How do I prepare for a judicial internship?
To prepare for a judicial internship, one should not only brush up on one’s interpersonal skills (“soft skills”) but also continue to improve one’s most substantive legal skills (“hard skills.”) I address each in turn.
What do judicial externs do?
A Judicial Extern is a law student who conducts legal research and writing to support the work of a judge or of a court’s central staff, which can include law clerks and staff attorneys.
How do you list judicial internships on a resume?
Students who intern or extern for a judge should use the title “Judicial Intern” or “Judicial Extern” on their resume. Do not use the title “Judicial Clerk” or “Law Clerk,” as those titles refer to post-graduate, full time positions.
Are judicial clerkships worth it?
Current and former clerks says the judicial clerkship experience is well worth it , as it gives articling students the chance to interact with judges and refine research and writing skills. ... The number of clerks hired varies with every court in the country, with many courts taking on only a few students per year.
Is it hard to get a judicial externship?
Judicial externships, especially in the federal courts, can be pretty hard to come by . While very competitive, I think the biggest reason for this is the lack of clarity in the application process. In my limited experience, very few positions are posted anywhere online.
Why are judicial clerkships good?
A judicial clerkship is an invaluable experience that provides great training and opportunity for growth for all lawyers , regardless of practice area. ... One of the most rewarding aspects of a judicial clerkship is that you will gain a valuable mentor.
What is the difference between clerkship and internship?
The GMC defines internship as “ formal training and experience after you ‘ve completed your primary medical qualification.” It can take place immediately before graduation or after. ... Clerkship or medical school clinical rotations do not lead to full registration or a medical license.
How long is a law clerkship?
Clerkships mostly range from 4-15 weeks but the number of weeks differs depending on the firm. The number of weeks may also alter year to year.
How do you address a judge in an interview?
In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name] .” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma’am.”
What questions should you ask a judge?
- “How do you like being a judge?”
- “How did you decide to become a judge?”
- “What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”
- “What do you expect from your clerks?”
- “What are you looking for in clerkship applicants?”
- “What is your mentorship style?”
What is a bench memorandum?
The bench memorandum is a document written by a law clerk for an appellate judge , which the judge uses in preparing for oral arguments. A trial judge may ask his clerk to write a bench memo in advance of a motions hearing; however, writing bench memos at the trial court level is less common.
How do you write a cover letter for a judge?
In the salutation, always use the appropriate title (e.g., Judge/Justice/Chief Justice) followed by the judge’s last name . Dear Judge Cote: Dear Justice Cotter: Senior, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges are addressed simply as “Judge” with no modifier. Close the letter with “Respectfully” instead of “Sincerely.”
