Clerkship
A position in which a recent law school graduate works for a judge, assisting with legal research, drafting opinions, and other judicial duties.
A clerkship is a position in which a recent law school graduate works for a judge, assisting with legal research, drafting opinions, and other judicial duties. In the federal courts the person who holds the position is called a law clerk, and positions are posted and applied for through OSCAR, the Online System for Clerkship Application and Review.
What does a law clerk do during a clerkship?
The duties of a federal law clerk are determined by the employing judge. In most chambers, law clerks concentrate on legal research and writing, and typical duties include conducting legal research, preparing bench memos, drafting orders and opinions, proofreading the judge's orders and opinions, verifying citations, communicating with counsel regarding case management and procedural requirements, and assisting the judge during courtroom proceedings.
Who does a law clerk work for?
According to the federal judiciary, law clerks work for one judge as a member of the chambers staff, or on behalf of the court for pro se, death penalty, or bankruptcy appellate panel cases.
How do you apply for a federal clerkship?
Federal judicial clerkship applications go through OSCAR, the Online System for Clerkship Application and Review, which is maintained by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts on behalf of the Federal Judiciary. Applicants create an account in OSCAR to search and apply for law clerk positions, and judges can list the particular duties of a position in its announcement.
Key Facts
- A clerkship is a position in which a recent law school graduate works for a judge, assisting with legal research, drafting opinions, and other judicial duties.
- The duties of a federal law clerk are determined by the employing judge; in most chambers, law clerks concentrate on legal research and writing.
- Federal law clerks work for one judge as a member of the chambers staff, or on behalf of the court for pro se, death penalty, or bankruptcy appellate panel cases.
- A federal law clerk is bound by the ethical standards established by the judge and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.
Sources: OSCAR: Duties of Federal Law Clerks (uscourts.gov); OSCAR: Explore Federal Judicial Clerkships and Staff Attorney Positions (uscourts.gov)
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.