A judicial internship, or clerkship, is a coveted position for law students and graduates. Clerks assist judges with managing cases and communication, and may conduct research and draft memos. Competition is high, and candidates should apply to the appropriate court for their desired field. Strong academic and personal accomplishments are necessary, and the experience can enhance a legal career.
A judicial internship is one of the most coveted judicial positions available to law students and recent graduates. Also known as a clerk, a person working under a judicial office helps a judge manage his caseload and facilitates communication between the judge and his colleagues or lawyers trying cases in his courtroom. A federal secretariat may differ from a judicial secretariat that occurs at the state or city level. Due to the limited number of judges compared to the volume of applicants, competition for a judicial internship is generally high. Working as a law clerk can also improve an individual’s job prospects in the legal community.
In general, a law enforcement official acts as an assistant to a judge. Employees may be required to conduct research on scientific or historical facts presented in certain cases. Lawyers who submit questions, documents, or evidence generally do so through the judge’s secretary. Drafting memos for attorneys or other judges is another common duty associated with a judicial internship. Law enforcement officials also participate in drafting or revising the legal opinion issued by a judge after he or she decides on a case.
Some courts specialize in specific cases, such as taxes, bankruptcy or cross-border trade. Federal courts can handle legal matters that state or local courts do not, such as appeals or disputes between individuals and the government. Local courts handle cases related to family matters, property matters, criminal acts committed within the state or county, and small claims matters between state or county citizens. Consequently, individuals applying for a judicial internship should do so in the judicial branch most likely to handle cases related to the type of law they seek to practice. This gives the law clerk extra exposure and experience in his or her future field.
The competitiveness associated with obtaining a judicial internship requires candidates with strong academic and personal accomplishments. Considerable emphasis is placed on a candidate’s academic record and writing ability to ensure that they are capable of performing the tasks associated with the judicial internship for which they are applying. Judges review a candidate’s extracurricular activities and personal accomplishments to gain a better understanding of their personality and level of motivation. Finally, a candidate for judicial office may have to write an essay that further allows a judge to determine ideological and personal compatibility.
The highly sought-after nature of a judicial office makes achieving a notable achievement in the legal community and enhances a law enforcement officer’s resume. Employees improve as researchers and writers during their time on the job. Working closely with a judge and attorneys also provides an opportunity to network and build personal relationships in the legal community.
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