Things You'll Need:
- J.D. (Law Degree) or enrollment in a J.D. program
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Step 1
Research the courts and judges in areas you are interested in applying for. Determine which courts and judges preside over cases that interest you. Research the judge's background, find a connection and highlight it.
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Step 2
Consider your career goals and match the type of court to the specific area of law you might be interested in working in. For example, if you are interested in Bankruptcy Law, a clerkship with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court will be more valuable to you than another clerkship might be.
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Step 3
Create a list of judges that you want to clerk for. Regardless of how the clerkship program is structured, each judge hires their own clerks, so it is important to know exactly whom you are applying to work with.
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Step 4
Prepare an application package. A standard application packet will consist of a cover letter, resume, references and a writing sample Tailor each item in your packet to the individual judge you are applying to work with.
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Step 5
Emphasize your fit to a particular judge. Almost everyone who applies for a federal clerkship has a high class rank and strong academic background, so distinguish your application from others by detailing how you would be the best fit,not how you have the best qualifications.
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Step 6
Find the proper way to deliver your application package to the judge. Judges do not take "walk-in" appointments. It is considered proper to mail your application. Ensure that your application has sufficient postage and is packaged properly. Remember that someone else will likely open the package before forwarding it on, so be sure that there is nothing to fall out or go unnoticed inside the box.
