How to research judges

Thorough research is key for clerkship applicants

—By Cecilia Hong

Second-year students learned how to research for judicial clerkships at an event sponsored by the Career Services Office on April 3.

Suzanne Huntley Levy spoke to 2Ls about the importance of researching judges, narrowing searches and identifying resources that will help in the application process for competitive clerkship positions.

Levy suggests consulting Symplicity and the Judicial Yellow Book when students create an initial judge list. The directory includes all federal, state, and appellate judges.  

When students refine their list of potential judges, “the most valuable resource is talking to 3Ls who went through the process,” Levy said. Along with the library, online resources, and OSCAR, students should also refer to the Externship Reviews in the CSO and Office of Public Service to read externship evaluations and understand clerkship positions from an insider’s perspective.

Below is a list of sources students can consult when refining their searches:

• Sources for Federal Judges only:
   o Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
   o Bureau of National Affairs, United States Law Week (U.S.L.W.)
   o The Third Branch

• Sources for State Court Judges only:
   o Directory of State Court Clerks and County Courthouses
   o Vermont Law School Guide to State Judicial Clerkship Procedures

• Sources for California Judges only:
   o California Courts and Judges
   o Daily Journal Judicial Profiles
   o California Directory of Attorneys

• Directories of Minority Judges and Female Judges
   o The Directory of Minority Judges of the United States
   o NAWJ: National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) 2002
      Membership Directory

“It’s never too early to start researching. Don’t be bashful. Ask as many questions as you can,” Levy said. “Remember, it’s always a good idea to apply broadly because it increases your chance of obtaining a clerkship.”

The Clerkship Interest Form is due to CSO by April 11.