Landing a Clerkship: A Guide for Law Students

Law clerks play a key role in the American judicial system, working closely with judges to review cases, resolve motions, and render fair and just decisions. This program will discuss the responsibilities of law clerks in trial and appellate courts, explore the career and networking benefits of pursuing a clerkship, and provide an overview of the clerkship application and hiring process, including practical tips for securing a judicial clerkship.

Topics covered include:

Professional Development Law Practice

Agenda:

Introduction, Poll, and Review of Agenda
Clerkship Hiring Process
Law Clerk Responsibilities
Federal and State Court Overview
Rewards of Clerking
Questions & Answers

Duration of this webinar: 60 minutes

Originally broadcast: March 13, 2025 10:00 AM PT

Webinar Highlights

This webinar is divided into section summaries, which you can scan for key points and then dive into the sections that interest you the most.

00:00 Introduction and Speaker Background

Keisha Stokes-Hough, the speaker, is introduced as the Deputy Director of Legal Management at the Southern Poverty Law Center. Keisha shares her personal journey into clerking, inspired by a professor. She emphasizes the value of clerkships in gaining close insights into the judicial process and encourages students to consider them. Keisha invites participants to share their interest levels in clerking to tailor the presentation accordingly.

06:02 Clerkship Application Process

Keisha discusses the clerkship hiring process, starting with the Federal Judicial Hiring Plan and the OSCAR system. She explains the importance of understanding the hiring timelines and the distinction between on-plan and off-plan hiring. Applicants should prepare a cover letter, a strong writing sample, and letters of recommendation for their applications. Keisha highlights the need for thorough and detailed recommendation letters that compare candidates to their peers. She advises on the importance of tailoring applications to specific judges and understanding their hiring preferences.

14:20 Interview Tips and Law Clerk Responsibilities

Keisha advises candidates to focus on interpersonal skills during interviews, as judges assess compatibility with their team. She stresses the significance of being polite and collegial with all courthouse staff, as their opinions can influence hiring decisions. She provides tips on scheduling interviews, being honest about conflicts, and prioritizing judges of interest. Keisha outlines the typical format of clerkship interviews, including meetings with judges and their clerks, and the importance of preparation.

24:32 Federal and State Court Structures

Keisha discusses the structure and roles of clerks in federal and state courts, including district and appellate courts. She explains the responsibilities of magistrate judges and their role in handling preliminary matters and preparing reports. Appellate court clerks assist judges with drafting opinions and preparing for oral arguments. Keisha describes the process of pooling bench memos among judges and the discretion judges have in handling them. She provides an overview of state court structures, including state Supreme Courts and their jurisdiction over federal law issues.

46:07 Rewards and Benefits of Clerking

Keisha highlights the benefits of clerking, such as gaining familiarity with federal law and building professional networks. Clerkships provide valuable experience and can enhance career opportunities, including bonuses from law firms. She emphasizes the importance of relationships with judges and other clerks in advancing one's career. Keisha shares her personal experience of how clerking influenced her career path and inspired her to become an assistant federal defender. She encourages considering state Supreme Court clerkships for their unique opportunities and experiences.

53:02 Audience Q&A

Keisha answers audience questions, offering advice on making clerkship applications stand out without top grades or law review experience. She emphasizes the importance of a strong cover letter and addressing any academic shortcomings directly. Keisha discusses qualities judges look for in clerks, such as work ethic and the ability to work well with others. She reassures that clerkships can be compatible with family life, citing her own experience with supportive judges. Keisha advises on applying broadly for clerkships and considering non-traditional routes if not applying through on-campus interviews.

Please note this AI-generated summary provides a general overview of the webinar but may not capture all details, nuances, or the exact words of the speaker. For complete accuracy, please refer to the original webinar recording.

Speaker

Keisha Stokes-Hough Deputy Director of Legal Management
Southern Poverty Law Center

Keisha Stokes-Hough is the Southern Poverty Law Center’s deputy director of legal management, where she assists with overseeing the operations of the SPLC’s legal department, and coordinates programming for attorneys and law students. Her experience includes a range of legal and advocacy work seeking economic justice, as well as habeas litigation on behalf of indigent petitioners.

Keisha received a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and a law degree from Harvard Law School, where she was a member of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.

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