Judicial Clerkships Podcast: Perspectives on Value, Experience and Diversity
Judicial clerkships are an excellent way for law school graduates to build upon their legal training and become immersed in the practice of law. It isn’t always easy to get the inside scoop on why clerking is beneficial, though, or how to apply for and obtain a prized judicial clerkship. Patterson Belknap’s podcast, Judicial Clerkships: Perspectives on Value, Experience and Diversity, aims to demystify the application process and help expand the pipeline of applicants for clerkships. The podcast features discussions with current and former Patterson Belknap partners, counsel, and associates from a variety of backgrounds who served as judicial clerks, providing their diverse perspectives on the clerkship experiences, and why a law student or lawyer might decide to apply for (and how they can benefit from) a clerkship. The podcast will also explore the logistics around the application process, including some of the steps you can take to position yourself for success.
The podcast was featured in the American Bar Association’s Before the Bar blog. To read the article titled, “Breaking Down Barriers to Judicial Clerkships – 5 Questions Asked & Answered” by Alejandro Cruz and Christina Seda-Acosta, please click here.
Introduction
Hear Peter Harvey, Co-Chair of Patterson Belknap’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and past Attorney General of the State of New Jersey and Independent Monitor of the Newark PD, provide a brief introduction to the podcast.
Episode 1: Setting the Stage
Episode 2 – Thinking Ahead & Getting in the Game
We all know that law school is expensive, so why would someone decide to postpone the financial security of private practice for a judicial clerkship? For starters, judicial clerkships offer the opportunity to build a lifelong personal and professional network that remains long after you leave chambers. Not to mention the writing experience and insight into the inner workings of the court, which will benefit your legal career. Join three former judicial clerks and one associate on their way to clerk, for a deeper dive into why law students and lawyers should consider applying for a clerkship, and how to position yourself for success in the process.
Episode 3 – The Hiring Process: Nuts & Bolts
Does the idea of submitting clerkship applications and interviewing in chambers give you cold sweats? It shouldn’t! Listen to the Firm’s Co-Hiring Partner and three of our associates discuss their perspective on the process – do’s, don’ts, and everything in between. We promise you’ll feel better after this episode.
Episode 4 – The Big Picture
Can clerking inform your practice even if you’re not a litigator? You bet it can! Can you join a firm, practice as an associate for a period of time, and then decide to clerk? Sure thing! This episode focuses on the experiences of two partners and two associates, all of whom took different paths to (and from) chambers.
