This was such a great article and I really appreciated how you wove in examples of what your work actually entailed as a clerk. Very helpful to those of us either applying or about to begin a clerkship. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Your article really resonated with me. During law school, after my first year, I had an intense 12-week full time judicial externship experience with a non-litigator brand new federal judge in the Central District of California. It was intense because he was so new, he could not hire clerks in the ordinary manner. Then his one clerk who knew anything suddenly quit because her family back in India was murdered by house servants (no kidding!). So, it was basically me and this judge, trying to figure it out as we went along. I probably worked 80 hours a week. Of course, Judge Letts turned into a lifelong friend.
During law school I wanted a different clerking experience, so I applied to dozens of federal circuit court judges all over the place. I had to because, coming from a regional law school, I was of course competing with all the ambitious and accomplished top students from top law schools. I did get several offers though and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma clerking for the first woman appointed to the Tenth Circuit in Denver. It was the best job I ever had. Another lifelong friend in the Hon. Stephanie Seymour.
I did not enjoy practicing law nearly as much. I hated Big Law and got out as soon as I could. Spent my time in public interest law and in an appellate boutique, which was tolerable. I am retired now and do not miss the billable hours system one bit. Funny, but I never really was comfortable with identifying myself as a lawyer. You apparently have also taken a less travelled path.
This was such a great article and I really appreciated how you wove in examples of what your work actually entailed as a clerk. Very helpful to those of us either applying or about to begin a clerkship. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Thanks, Jenna! So happy to hear + can't wait to hear about your clerkship!
What a great reflection on your experience. Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks, Daniel!! :)
Your article really resonated with me. During law school, after my first year, I had an intense 12-week full time judicial externship experience with a non-litigator brand new federal judge in the Central District of California. It was intense because he was so new, he could not hire clerks in the ordinary manner. Then his one clerk who knew anything suddenly quit because her family back in India was murdered by house servants (no kidding!). So, it was basically me and this judge, trying to figure it out as we went along. I probably worked 80 hours a week. Of course, Judge Letts turned into a lifelong friend.
During law school I wanted a different clerking experience, so I applied to dozens of federal circuit court judges all over the place. I had to because, coming from a regional law school, I was of course competing with all the ambitious and accomplished top students from top law schools. I did get several offers though and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma clerking for the first woman appointed to the Tenth Circuit in Denver. It was the best job I ever had. Another lifelong friend in the Hon. Stephanie Seymour.
I did not enjoy practicing law nearly as much. I hated Big Law and got out as soon as I could. Spent my time in public interest law and in an appellate boutique, which was tolerable. I am retired now and do not miss the billable hours system one bit. Funny, but I never really was comfortable with identifying myself as a lawyer. You apparently have also taken a less travelled path.
You are a fellow Sagehen! I am class of '81!
Many thanks for commenting and sharing your experience! Always lovely to hear from a fellow Sagehen!