General Information
A judicial clerkship provides direct insight into the judicial process and is a valuable and enriching experience. A law clerk gains practical experience by attending judicial proceedings, performing legal research, drafting memoranda and providing other assistance to the judge. Law clerks also are exposed to the methods and customs of practitioners, including the quality of their work and professionalism. Many former law clerks find the prestige and experience associated with service as a judicial law clerk broadens their future employment opportunities.
Temple graduates have served as judicial law clerks with great distinction in courts across the nation, from the United States Supreme Court to state trial courts, from locations as far away as Hawaii to as close as downtown Philadelphia. Students from both the day and evening divisions have held these positions.
Second year students interested in state and federal clerkships should attend the Career Services informational sessions and meet with faculty members who could serve as recommenders. In order to participate in the organized process managed by the Office of Career Services, each student must have a meeting with a career counselor.
For more information, please see a career counselor in the Office of Career Services, and visit these two helpful websites: oscar.uscourts.gov (for federal) and forms.vermontlaw.edu/career/guides (for state – passwords for this site are on the CPM).
Judicial Internships
Summer internships with state and federal judges are also extremely valuable experiences. Judicial internships will expose you to various areas of the law, styles of advocacy and strengthen your understanding of the judicial system. These positions are volunteer, although work study funding is sometimes available.
Many of the judiciary are receptive to part-time clerkships during the school year. Some evening division students have found this to be an attractive option both in terms of the limited time commitment and the opportunity to gain legal experience. You can apply for these positions at any time.
Also, be advised that the Office of Career Services frequently receives position announcements from state court judges across the country and funnels them into Career Planning Manager (CPM).