About to start a federal district clerkship. Do you have any recommended resources or suggestions for writing/research or any general tips on what helped you do well?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Probably overkill but I liked the book “Point Taken.” But learn your judge’s style as it might vary. As for research, just build on your current skills. My one tip would be to start with your judge’s prior opinions on similar issues to ensure your interpretation of the issues/case law/statute is consistent with their prior rulings.

like

Thank you, just bought a copy!

like

Start with the Reply briefs.

like

It isn’t—it probably just didn’t work for you.

^^that's all you need right there

like

Keep in mind that you're no longer an advocate. Always consider fairness and the importance of ensuring the parties are heard.

Start reading the opinions that come out of your circuit.

Try to build good relationships with your co-clerks. Having a second opinion and someone to bounce ideas off of is invaluable.

Get Federal Practice and Procedure and Chemerinsky's con law and fed courts treatises.

Try not to write sentences longer than 20 words.

like

Good call, thank you!

likesmart

Review Judge’s prior opinions, adapt to his or her writing style

like

The best way is to try to pick up the judge's voice early. Read previous opinions of your judge to see how they like to set things up and what kind of language they gravitate toward. Some chambers will keep a style guide with tips on what they like and don't like; for example some judges say "I find" and others just state things as matter of fact.

like

Related Posts

Hey Fishes ! Wanted to know if deloitte has stopped its hiring process for Developers ? Or is it going to stop soon ?

like

Does citi accept counter offer after releasing the offer letter?

like

In my offer letter, nothing is mentioned about variable pay, but the recruiter had mentioned to me about 0-12% variable. Am I missing anything. Do they have any variable component in the salary or not.

anyone here with Salesforce and do product willing to chat?

like

As product managers, what questions would you ask when interviewing a product designer?

like

Recommendation : Skin care products and beauty regime for brides to be? 4 months to go!

like

Started my first job out of college ~1month ago and am only at around 50% utilization. Before I fully ramp up, what would be some good skills or certs to work towards? I’m working for my firms management/tech practice and am also open to expanding my coding skills (currently pretty basic)

like

Anyone received offer from ZS recently?

like

ZS or Synechron?
Both offering same package
But I think learning curve will be more in ZS.
Tech Stack: ETL dev
YOE: 4.4

like
like

Hey Guys,

need some help.

my DOJ & Notice period is conflicting by 5 days. None of the party agreeing to adjust.

New Employer (Oracle) mentioned that his budget will expire by May 31 so cloudn't shift the DOJ.

What should I do now ?

like

Looking for job in SAP Accounts Payable domain with 10+ Experience in Genpact & Accenture.
Awaiting for any reference.

Anyone know the salary range for associate level positions including senior associate level.

Is at home service still as popular as it was during the pandemic?

like

I got rejected after interview for a position in Shell. When can i reapply for the same position.

like

I'm looking for a good real estate conference to attend with my team. Any suggestions?

like

I got an offer from Mindtree as a Support Engineer in the US and was asked to fill out a profile through an excel sheet. Has anyone else experienced this? I don't feel comfortable sending my personal info over email in an excel sheet

like

Anyone having sfcc materials or videos session pls ping me.

like

Is Accenture hiring is freezed, because my application for the Analyst -Reporting (CID:- C7303041) is not going further.
Any help would be appreciated
Accenture Accenture India

like

Monday Wordle :

Wordle 401 5/6

⬛🟨⬛⬛🟩
⬛🟨⬛🟨🟩
⬛🟩🟩⬛🟩
⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

like

Additional Posts in Law Clerks

Any insight into clerkship bonuses at BakerHostetler?

like

I went to a T14 law school, got great grades and glowing recommendations, and wrote (what I thought was) a great writing sample. But I got rejected from all 70 federal clerkships I applied to. The only thing I can think of is: I took a non traditional route after law school and did a 2 year public interest fellowship in a niche field of administrative law. The rejection gave me a lot of self hatred. I still really want to clerk. Any advice? What is wrong with me? I feel like a failure.

like

Were you drug tested as part of your federal district court clerkship background check?

like

Finishing up a clerkship & trying to negotiate a clerkship bonus with my firm. Anyone and everyone - drop the clerkship bonuses you’ve heard of (or received) & firm size (small/medium/large is enough) so I can come with some numbers/averages. Much appreciated!!

like

Anyone deal with taking paternity leave during a 2-year clerkship? How long did you take and how’d you bring it up to your judge?

like

Ive been practicing in TX for 2-3 years at a big law firm doing mostly bankruptcy work (and some trial) and looking to clerk at a bankruptcy court in SDNY/DDE/EDVA (I am well aware of how great the SDTX judges are but I am set on leaving Texas). Anyone familiar with how many apps these judges normally get or what makes candidates stand out? Are these judges generally not interested in someone who has practiced in a different market?

like

Has anyone been approached or heard anything about lateral/post-clerkship hiring during (as well as the new timeline for hiring)?

like

Change my mind: A motion to “clarify” one of the court’s orders is actually just a cute, roundabout way of asking for reconsideration.

like

What are your hours like as a clerk? I’m sure it varies a lot based on the judge but curious to hear people’s experiences

like

What types of questions/polls/posts do you want to see/discuss?

like

To those who applied for and obtained an appellate clerkship *after* clerking at a district court: How many applications did you submit to get your appellate clerkship? Did you have your district court judge advocate on your behalf, and if so, how much of a difference do you feel it made?

like

I’m a current federal clerk and I have an option to clerk again with a different federal judge or take a career clerk position with a state judge. Any insight into how each would impact my career path going forward?

like

How does everyone track their daily and long term work to-dos (lists)? I am not the best at organising and feel overwhelmed with tracking and prioritising. Any tips?

like

Hey I'm a lawyer who has a few years of experience. Do people hire guys like me for clerkships

like

Clerks, at what point in your clerkship did you start applying for jobs? I’m about halfway through a two year clerkship in my intended market and I am trying to figure out when I need to seriously start applying.

like

Currently applying to federal clerkships. Is there an average amount of time before you hear back (if selected)? Also, is it proper to call to confirm receipt of submitted apps outside of OSCAR?

like

Hi everyone! I come from Big law and have an interview at a federal court (dream job) and will be meeting two federal judges. Any tips for a successful interview? I’ve worked previously at a lower court. Any qualities / skills I should put forward? Many thanks

like

How much should I charge or accept for a law clerk position inhouse at a Biotech company? An attorney I previously supported has asked me to assist as an independent contractor. She is the only attorney at the company and has no legal staff currently.

For context: I graduated law school in May 2021 and have not passed the Bar as of yet. I have been working in IP support roles for the past six years. What would be an appropriate rate?

like

How many applications do COA chambers usually get, particularly in 2/9/DC?

like

Does anyone have any recommendations on how to conduct the post-clerkship job search if the goal is big law? I am coming from a state appellate clerkship in a major market.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal