U.S. District Court Judges visit USC Gould
-By Steve Holmgren '17
Two federal judges from the United States District Court shared valuable insight about judicial externships with USC Gould students during an informal panel organized by the Office of Public Service.
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| U.S. District Court Judges Jean Rosenbluth '93 and Michael Fitzgerald |
Judge Michael Fitzgerald, appointed by President Obama in 2012, joined Magistrate Judge Jean Rosenbluth '93, appointed in 2011 and former director of the Legal Writing and Advocacy program and professor at USC Gould.
While they have different policies on the number of externs they take on and typical duties assigned, both judges emphasized the invaluable experience of judicial externships for law students. The opportunity to work with a judge and fellow clerks and to observe practicing lawyers – both good and bad – was highlighted as very beneficial, regardless of what area of law externs decide to practice.
The practical exposure to the judicial system from inside the court can provide an important stepping stone to post-graduate clerkships as well.
Judge Rosenbluth said she appreciates candidates who display an interest in government service and want to treat the opportunity like a job, which often has its demanding moments considering the pace and workload.
Judge Fitzgerald places an emphasis on the importance of hard work and showing initiative. Having taken time off to teach before going to law school at Berkeley, he values work/life experience, along with finding ways to be distinct in a cover letter. For some in attendance, this marked the second encounter of the week with Judge Fitzgerald, who welcomed Professor Daniel Klerman’s Civil Procedure students to observe his Monday routine of ruling on pre-trial motions.
Practical Tips from the Judges on Acquiring Judicial Externships
- Think of the application process like a university’s admissions process: Research why you are a good fit and be able to present this in a succinct manner via a cover letter, resume, and writing sample - which generally are first reviewed by the judge’s clerks. Diversity in a broad sense is also considered.
- Consider timing issues: Fall and spring semester opportunities may provide less competition from out-of-region applicants who apply for the typical eight-week summer externship. However, not all judges take externs during every period.
- 2L and 3L positions when students have even more classroom and work experience can lead to greater extern responsibilities.
- It’s a small world: echoing Dean Robert K. Rasmussen’s frequently expressed sentiments, the legal community is tight-knit, thus working hard, being nice, and getting to know your professors can go a long way, and recommendations do matter. Law students already are members of this community and building reputations within it.
- PROOFREAD: If your cover letter or resume have typos, they will not be considered.
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