UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
COLLEGE OF LAW CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
_________________________________
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIP
PLANNING GUIDE
_________________________________
Center for Professional Development
University of Cincinnati College of Law
PO Box 210040|Cincinnati, OH 45221
Telephone: 513-556-6810
Fax: 513-556-2391
CENTER FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
STAFF DIRECTORY
Mina Jones Jefferson, Esq. Associate Dean of Professional Development
Direct: 513-556-0075
Joel Chanvisanuruk, Esq.
Director of Academic Success
Direct: 513-556-3531
Karla Hall, Esq.
Director of Externships and Public Service
Direct: 513-556-0900
Brooke Hiltz, Esq.
Program Coordinator and Counselor
Direct: 513-556-0072
Diane N. Cross, Esq.
Public Service Coordinator and Counselor
Judicial Clerkship Advisor
Direct: 513-556-0058
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction
Judicial Clerkship Defined
Qualifications
Trial vs. Appellate Level Clerkships
II. Types of Clerkships
Federal Court
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
District Court & Magistrates
Bankruptcy Court
Tax Court
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
Court of Federal Claims
Court of International Trade
State Court Clerkships
Supreme Court
Court of Appeal
Court of Common Pleas/Trial Courts
Staff Attorney Positions
Administrative Law Judges
III. Applying for a Judicial Clerkship
When to Apply
Resources for Your Search
Web Based Research
Faculty/Alumni
Preparing for the Application Process
Cover Letter
Resume
Writing Samples
Letters of Recommendation
Mail Merge
Interviews & Offers
IV. Appendix – Judicial Clerkship Faculty and Alumni Records
Recently Alumni Judicial Clerks
Cincinnati Law Faculty Former Clerkships
Judges for Whom Alumni have Clerked
Alumni Serving as Judges
I. Introduction
Judicial Clerkship Defined
A judicial clerkship is the opportunity to work for a judge or group of judges and
is among the most prestigious and competitive employment opportunities available to
recent graduates. Usually lasting one to two years, a judicial clerkship is an excellent way
to bridge the gap between law school and the practice of law. The primary duties include
conducting legal research, writing memoranda, drafting opinions, editing, analyzing legal
issues, and performing cite checks. Clerks at all court levels obtain unparalleled access to
and knowledge about the judicial process. Additionally, a judicial clerk is exposed to a
wide array of legal issues and is able to make a hands-on contribution to the judicial
decision-making process. This experience and perspective is attractive to future legal
employers who hire former judicial clerks for their significant legal knowledge, insider
view of the court system, and ability to view cases from the court's perspective. A judicial
clerkship can provide a significant edge in the legal job market not only because of
increased knowledge of the law and court system, but because of the valuable contacts
and personal relationships developed during the clerkship experience.
If you are interested a judicial clerkship, schedule an individual meeting with
Diane Cross ([email protected]), the Judicial Clerkship Adviser. To sign up for
the judicial clerkship email list, send your request to Diane Cross. It is never too early to
begin thinking about applying for a post-graduate judicial clerkship.
Basic Qualifications
There are no strict guidelines regarding the minimum qualifications for judicial
clerks. In general, the positions are competitive and thus require students who have
succeeded in law school, in college, and/or in the work field. Class rank in the top quarter
is usually necessary for federal clerkships. The criteria for state clerkships and specialty
federal clerkships are frequently less "grade sensitive," especially for candidates with
outstanding recommendations and strong writing skills. Information on hiring criteria is
available for some judges in OSCAR and in the Vermont Law School Guide to State
Court Clerkships (link on Symplicity).
As previously mentioned, clerkships within the federal judiciary can be more
competitive than at the state level. In addition, certain circuits, specifically the District of
Columbia, the Second and the Ninth Circuits, are more popular than others. By the same
measure, some clerkships in certain geographic areas are less popular and, hence, less
competitive. For example, positions in the mid and southwest may have fewer
applications than positions in California, New York or Washington, D.C. As such, it is
strongly encouraged that applicants apply broadly with little geographic boundaries if
possible. Note that although some clerkships may be less competitive, they are still
prestigious and excellent opportunities.
Trial v. Appellate Level Clerkships
There are some basic differences between trial and appellate level clerkships. A
trial courtroom clerk's duties are generally much broader in scope and are likely to offer
a greater variety of assignments due to the nature of the court's work. Trial court clerks
will draft opinions (short and long), assist with discovery meetings and conflicts, and
attend trials, among other projects. Extensive contact with attorneys and exposure to law
firms and witnesses are invaluable to a student interested in eventually becoming a
litigator.
Judicial clerks serving in an appellate level courtroom are more likely to be
involved in researching issues of law and fact and drafting bench memoranda and
opinions for the judge. Appellate clerks are often present in the courtroom during oral
arguments. The nature of the appellate court allows for clerks to have more time to
analyze issues, whereas the environment at trial level tends to be fast-paced.
Courts that offer exposure to special practice areas include the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. Court of International
Trade as well as state specialty courts. Clerks in these chambers generally will perform
duties similar to trial court clerks. At either level, you will learn by doing. The insight
gained into the process, the association with and exposure to specific judges, courts,
attorneys and firms is highly valued by legal employers.
II. Types of Clerkships
Federal Courts
There are several different options when applying to a federal court. While there
are differing levels of competitiveness, it is a generally accepted fact that all federal
clerkships are very competitive. Applications are generally made as early as 18+ months
before the clerkship begins.
The following is a breakdown of the available clerkships at the federal level:
United States Supreme Court: These clerkship positions are obviously the most
competitive. In fact, U.S. Supreme Court clerks are not hired while the clerk is in law
school. In order to be considered for a clerkship with the U.S. Supreme Court, applicants
must almost always have completed a clerkship at the federal Court of Appeals level.
Certain courts, such as the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit are considered most
likely to lead to a U.S. Supreme Court clerkship. The credentials of individuals selected
for such positions are almost always extraordinary. For more information on the U.S.
Supreme Court, visit its website at www.supremecourtus.gov.
United States Court of Appeals: There are thirteen judicial circuits, each within
regional circuit courts of appeals. Each judge at the Court of Appeals level has two or
three clerks. With a limited number of positions available and with the complexity of
legal issues presented, these clerkships are very competitive, although certain circuits are
more competitive than others. The D.C. Circuit, the Second Circuit and the Ninth Circuit
are generally considered the most competitive. For a US map of circuits and links to
individual circuit court websites, visit www.uscourts.gov/links.html.
United States District Court: There are ninety-four judicial districts in the United States
(this includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, Guam and the
Northern Mariana Islands in addition to the 50 states). There are two different clerkship
options at the federal trial court level. First, there are several hundred active U.S. District
Judges across the country, most of which have two law clerks. Second, U.S. District
Magistrate Judges frequently hire judicial clerks. Magistrates are responsible for pre-
trial matters before the District Court and handle trials for petty offenders. Magistrate
Judges serve a term of eight years and can be appointed to District Court following their
terms. District clerkships are usually for 1-2 year terms. For a map of circuits and links
to circuit and district court websites, visit www.uscourts.gov/links.html.
United States Bankruptcy Court: Judicial clerks at the Bankruptcy Court are
responsible for reviewing cases, writing memoranda of law and answering attorney
questions regarding court procedures and policies. A background in Bankruptcy law is
helpful, but not always essential to obtaining this type of clerkship. For a map of circuits
and links to bankruptcy courts across the country, visit www.uscourts.gov/links.html.
United States Tax Court: There are over twenty judges appointed to the tax court.
Clerks receive the experience of a trial court within the specialized field of tax. The
court's trials involve controversies regarding deficiencies in income, estate and gift taxes,
and other tax related issues. Students interested in positions should be sure to take and
excel in tax courses and be ranked in the upper third of their class. For more information
on the U.S. Tax Court visit www.ustaxcourt.gov.
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit: This specialized court sits in
Washington D.C. and handles primarily intellectual property matters. For more
information on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, visit www.fedcir.gov.
United States Court of Federal Claims: This court has eighteen judges and
approximately nineteen law clerks. The judges hear cases dealing with suits against the
United States. For more information, visit www.uscfc.uscourts.gov
United States Court of International Trade: This court has thirteen judges most of
whom have two law clerks. The jurisdiction of this court is over civil actions against the
United States arising from federal laws governing import transactions. For more
information visit http://www.cit.uscourts.gov/. To apply for clerkships, you should
contact individual judges: http://www.cit.uscourts.gov/Judges/.
State Courts
State Court clerkships vary in tenure and type. An individual search utilizing the
web and print resources referenced herein will be necessary for each State where you are
considering clerking opportunities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify
judges in which they would like to clerk and contact chambers directly to inquire
about the hiring process. The following is a breakdown of the type of clerkships
available at the State level, using Ohio as an example. Other states may vary in their
number of trial courts and clerks:
Supreme Court: The court has seven justices, with each justice usually employing three
law clerks. Clerkship lengths vary; however, there is no rotation among justices. This
court has original jurisdiction in select cases and is the court of last resort on state
constitutional questions and questions of public or great general interest. It also presides
over appeals from Board of Tax Appeals, Public Utilities Commission and death penalty
cases.
Courts of Appeal: There are sixty-six judges divided among the twelve appellate
districts. Each judge has one to two clerks generally without rotation and for varying
lengths. Appellate courts have general jurisdiction in select cases, appellate review of
judgments of the Common Pleas, Municipal and County Courts and appeals from Board
of Tax Appeals.
Courts of Common Pleas: There are 375 judges divided among the eighty-eight courts.
The courts are divided into the General, Domestic Relations, Probate and Juvenile
Divisions. Trial court clerkships offer significant exposure for the clerk to the local bar
community. These clerkships can be for an unlimited duration or 1-2 years.
Note that in Kentucky, Circuit Court judges frequently hire recent graduates for year-long
clerkships.
Staff Attorney Positions
Law clerks that serve several judges or work with the entire court are referred to
as staff attorneys or staff counsel. These opportunities are available at both the Federal
and State levels. Responsibilities typically include reviewing appeals, researching and
drafting memoranda as well as assisting the court with case management and settlement.
The CPD posts these positions throughout the year; however you can also conduct your
own search under the general employment section on the Federal Judiciary website,
individual court’s websites, or through the Office of Personnel Management at
www.usajobs.gov.
Administrative Law Judges
Over 30 Federal government departments and agencies employ Administrative
Law Judges (ALJ). Some ALJs employ law graduates as judicial clerks for term or
indefinite periods. Consult http://www.aalj.org/agencies-employing-administrative-
law-judges for information on federal agencies and ALJ’s as well as
http://www.usdoj.gov/ for links to agencies that utilize ALJ’s. U.S. Department of Law,
Office of Administrative Law Judges office in Cincinnati hires law clerks annually for a
two-year term. Information will be advertised in the fall on Symplicity.
III. Applying for a Judicial Clerkship
When to Apply
As previously mentioned, clerkship hiring is individual to each judge. Some
judges will hire as early as winter of your 2L year for post-graduate positions. As such,
it is strongly encouraged that you begin applying as early as possible.
Approximately fifty percent of Federal Judges will utilize OSCAR,
https://oscar.uscourts.gov/, to announce clerkship and staff attorney vacancies.
Through OSCAR, students can create a profile, upload resume/cover letters, enter grades
(used in lieu of transcript). If a particular court has not posted application deadlines, you
must contact the Court/chambers where you have an interest in clerking to ascertain when
that Judge will begin accepting applications. Note that several judges do not use OSCAR
to advertise their clerkship vacancies. Once you have identified where you are interested
in clerking, contact individual judge’s chambers to inquire if the judge is hiring and
how/when to apply.
State Judges vary as to when they begin accepting applications for clerkships.
As a general rule, commence this process in your second year of law school by utilizing
the Vermont Law School Clerkship Guide and contacting individual chambers to
determine each court’s distinct timeline. Information on how to access the guide is
referenced below.
Resources for Your Search
Web Based Research. We suggest that your search for a federal clerkship begin
broadly, with an examination of each Circuit’s list of Judges. These can be found by
Circuit at http://www.uscourts.gov/links.html. In addition, OSCAR provides a
searchable database that lists clerkships that have been published by individual Courts.
This site is updated frequently and provides all the necessary application information as
well as when a vacancy has been filled. Please note, however, that not all judges utilize
this resource.
The following are helpful resources for federal clerking information:
OSCAR: https://oscar.symplicity.com/
BNA’s Directory of State and Federal Courts, Judges, and Clerks (available in
CPD and the library)
General Clerkship Information: www.judicialclerkships.com
Federal Circuit and District Website Links: www.uscourts.gov/links.html
Law Clerk Message Board:
http://www.infirmation.com/bboard/clubs.tcl?topic=Greedy%20Clerks
To learn more about a particular Federal judge, you may also review individual
biographies at http://www.fjc.gov/public/home.nsf/hisj.
The Vermont Law School Clerkship Guide is a subscription service that provides
State court contact information, names of Judges, application deadlines, and salary
information for all state supreme, appellate and trial level courts. Cincinnati Law
subscribes to the Vermont Guide. You should utilize the username and password below
to the site: http://forms.vermontlaw.edu/career/guides/.
Username: sugar
Password: maple
In addition, the following sources can also be consulted to learn more about state
court clerkships:
http://www.ncsc.org/ (National Center for State Courts website)
http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/Employment/default.asp (Ohio opportunities)
The CPD library also has a number of print resources available to consult
for Court addresses and personnel.
Library Resources: The College of Law’s library has a host of resources
(http://guides.libraries.uc.edu/researchingjudges).
Faculty/Alumni As you consider federal and state clerkships, do not
forget to utilize your best resources at Cincinnati Law: Many members of our
faculty have clerked for a judge, and a number of current alumni have also pursued
clerking opportunities. If you have any questions about a particular judge or
clerkship, please make an appointment with the CPD office. Be sure to also
consult the charts included in the appendices regarding faculty and alumni
clerkship records.
In addition, the following faculty members have offered to consult individually and
conduct preparatory interviews with students interested in clerkships. Particular areas of
expertise and interest have been noted:
Professor Bettman (Ohio courts, appellate)
Professor Bradley (Federal Court of Appeals, 6th
Circuit)
Professor Malloy (Federal district and appellate courts, 9th
Circuit)
Professor Mank (Connecticut Supreme Court)
Professor O’Reilly (6th
Circuit and federal labor courts)
Professor Solimine (Federal district and appellate courts, Ohio)
Professor Williams (Federal courts, Boston)
Preparation for the Application Process
There is no set application process for clerkships. Typically, courts require a cover
letter, resume, writing sample, law school transcript and 2 to 3 letters of recommendation.
You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the CPD to customize your
application. The following are general guidelines:
Cover letter: Your cover letter may describe your writing skills, interest in
clerking, goals, and provide informal information for the judge to get to know you as a
person. This may include interests, hobbies, volunteer work, community involvement,
etc. You do not necessarily need to state your reasons for wanting a clerkship in your
cover letter. If you are returning to your hometown or plan to practice permanently in that
judge's city, you should mention this in the cover letter. A sample cover letter is included
in the appendix.
Resumé: Resume for a clerkship application is not much different than for other
jobs. Be sure to focus on any research, writing, and analysis experience. If you know
that you will be at a different address over the summer, be sure to include that address.
Once you send out your letters, ensure that your answering machine or cellular telephone
message is professional when the Court contacts you to schedule an interview.
Writing Sample: Most judges require a writing sample in your application. A
sample can be a law review article, journal note, substantive brief or pleading and should
be 8-15 pages in length, unless otherwise specified. Because requirements may vary from
judge to judge, be sure to check the LEXIS Judicial Clerkship Directory and the OSCAR
website for specifics. Focus on submitting your best writing and/or a topic that would be
of interest to the judge. Always triple check your sample for errors.
Transcript: In addition to a resumé, you should include a transcript. If you send
an unofficial transcript you should have a copy of your official transcript to provide the
judge should you obtain an interview. Some clerkships may require a copy of your
undergraduate transcript. Note that when utilizing OSCAR, you will manually enter your
grades (this is called your Grade Sheet), rather than upload a transcript.
Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation can be very effective in
distinguishing you from other candidates. Make sure to establish excellent working
relationships with Law Faculty members prior to requesting a recommendation.
Generally applicants have two to three recommendations but it will depend on the
individual requirements of each Judge. We strongly suggest that you have three to four
recommendations available if you’re applying to a high number of clerkships so you
may rotate your requests for recommendation letters. You may also use
recommendations from employers who know you and your analytical work product. Two
letters from professors and one from an employer is a good combination. Always give
your references adequate advance notice when requesting recommendations. Some
judges will indicate a preference with respect to receiving your letters of
recommendations, however most require that if you include them with your application
they should be sealed in a separate envelope. Many judges prefer that letters of
recommendation be included in the initial application. It is highly suggested that if a
letter of recommendation will be sent separately from an application, please have the
reference mark “Letter of Recommendation for Law Clerk Application” on the outside of
the envelope.
Take special care in addressing cover letters. Use the form of address
appropriate for the particular judge. Letters of application are formal and should show
proper deference to the judge by stating the judge's title correctly. The following are
guidelines for correctly addressing cover letters:
Use "The Honorable" before the judge's name on the inside address and on the
envelope.
The title for judges who sit on courts that have the name "Supreme" is "Justice".
All other judges are called "Judge". The salutation of the cover letter should use
the appropriate title. Examples: Dear Justice Smith; Dear Judge Jones, etc.
The correct title for a magistrate is United States Magistrate Judge. The salutation
of the cover letter should read "Dear Magistrate Judge Johnson".
If the judge is the Chief Judge, Chief Justice, or Senior Judge, address him or her
as such in the letter. Example: Dear Chief Justice Shepard.
When addressing a letter to a judicial clerk, include the title "Law Clerk" after the
name.
The appropriate closing for a cover letter to a judge is "Respectfully" instead of
"Sincerely".
Courts have requested that all clerkship application submissions include the
notation “Law Clerk Application” on the exterior of the envelope containing your
application.
Additional points to consider when preparing your application:
If you are working on a note or article for a journal, give that work a title, list it on
your resume and consider mentioning it in your cover letter. Be prepared to
answer questions about your writing sample at interviews.
Remember that in some chambers applications are screened by other law clerks
and administrative assistants.
Be sincere. For example, do not try to spin negligible ties to the area into a life-
long commitment to live in North Dakota!
Do not assume that judges appointed by a particular President share that
President’s political viewpoint, and be careful about “padding” your resume with
political viewpoints such that a judge and/or clerks think that you might be
difficult to get along with or unwilling to write an opinion as the judge directs.
There are times when this advice does not apply, i.e., when you know how and
why a particular judge hires, and it does not mean that you should remove
significant professional experience and interests from your resume because it
happens to show your political ideology.
Emphasize law school and professional experience, rather than undergraduate
activities such as involvement in social organizations.
Proofread. Have a fellow student, roommate, parent or friend proofread your
application, cover letter and resume. Consult with the CPD office if you need
assistance or to discuss any details about your application.
Interviews and Offers
The interview is of the utmost importance in the selection process. The most
important thing to remember is to be as relaxed as possible. The judge, as well as her
current law clerks, will be evaluating you to see if this is a good ‘fit.’ You, of course,
should consider the same factors for your own evaluation. Never agree to an interview
for a clerkship that, if it is offered, you are not prepared to accept.
Scheduling: Once your file with a judge is complete, the judge will consider
whether to call you for an interview. If you get an interview, try to schedule it
immediately. Telling a judge you cannot come for two weeks is a signal to the judge that
you are not really interested. Also, during the two-week delay, some other candidate may
get the job. If a judge sees someone she likes, she may cancel later interviews. Judges
may also request very short timelines for completing interviews, so be prepared to be
flexible with your travel and professional schedule.
Always arrive early for the interview. Take with you extra copies of your resumé,
transcript and writing sample. When the interview takes place in the judge's chambers,
you will speak with the judge and the clerks, and possibly the judge's assistant. The
discussion with the clerks and secretary may seem very informal, but they represent an
important part of the evaluation process, since the judge may assume that an applicant
will be more candid when speaking with them than with a judge. Treat everyone you
meet in chambers with respect.
Costs: The interviewee always assumes costs associated with interviews for
judicial clerkships. Do not offend a judge by asking for reimbursement for the
interviewing expenses you incurred. It is always a good idea to call other judges in the
area where you have submitted an application and tell them that you will be in town and
ask if they would like to interview you during your trip.
Preparation: Take the time to prepare for your interview. First, be sure you know
the basics about the court with which you will be interviewing. What are the geographical
boundaries, for example, for the Middle District of Illinois? What is the court's
jurisdiction? Look up the judge's background. Use The Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
(hard copy) available at the Reference Desk in the library. The hard copy version, unlike
the online one, contains more information, i.e., attorney comments about the judge. Also
refer to The American Bench, which contains short biographies of judges, also available
in the library.
Check the LEXIS Current Articles Library to see if there are any recent news
stories about the judge or the court. It’s also helpful to research some of the judge's recent
opinions to learn what issues the court is concerned with as well as articles about the
judge or court. Knowledge of current events in a jurisdiction can be also be particularly
helpful, so make sure to scan a local paper or business journal prior to your interview.
In addition, schedule a mock interview with CPD or even a Cincinnati Law
faculty member. Many of our Faculty have significant clerking experience and can
provide constructive commentary to prepare you for your clerkship interview. You may
contact the CPD to arrange a mock interview.
Knowledge of the Law: While judges are typically looking for a fit, most will
almost always engage you in a discussion of substantive legal topics. Prepare yourself to
be articulate about your law school classes as well as the type of legal work you have
performed in the past. In addition, be well versed in your law review article, journal note
or writing sample as they provide a common source for discussion. It is important to
emphasize your intelligence and knowledge of the law during your interview.
Follow Up and Thank You Notes: Make sure you leave the judge’s chambers
with a good understanding of their clerkship hiring timeline. Always ask if there is any
additional information the court would like to have following the interview. A brief,
typed thank you letter to the judge should be sent immediately following the interview. If
some aspect of your background interested the judge, it is appropriate to include a
reference in your letter. Law clerks and administrative assistants who participated in the
interview should receive email thanks or short, typed notes of appreciation if applicable.
Send these immediately; many judges make their decisions shortly following a round of
interviews.
If you determine following the interview that you do not wish to clerk for this
judge, withdraw yourself immediately from consideration by a phone call to chambers as
well as a brief letter. Consult the CPD if you have questions regarding these matters.
Offers: If you receive a clerkship offer, it is preferred that you accept or decline
immediately. Unfortunately, the luxury to pick from a host of offers from law firms is not
applicable here. However, you may request some additional time to consider before
making your final determination. Typically, many judges would like a response within 24
hours. If you have interviewed with other judges, it is appropriate to notify those judges
that you have received an offer and ascertain whether there remains any interest on their
part. Offers should be accepted in person or by phone, and should be followed up with a
formal letter of acceptance. Once you have accepted this offer, notify all other judges in
writing or by phone who may be considering your application.
If you accept a clerkship, please notify the Center for Professional Development
right away. This information is very helpful to our program and useful for future
Cincinnati Law graduates.
Some Final Thoughts:
1. Make your grades and a strong academic record your priority.
2. Make an effort to get to know a few faculty members well by taking small seminar
classes and/or serving as a research assistant.
3. In your course selection, keep in mind and be guided by the need for at least some of
the useful subject matter (more black letter law content such as Evidence, Civil and
Criminal Procedure, Business Organizations, First Amendment/Constitutional Law
issues). Choose at least a couple of classes in which you will have the opportunity to
write in class, rather than all exam courses. If possible, take at least one small class, as
noted above.
4. Develop your legal research and writing skills early in your law school career (and
over the summer), through writing class papers, briefs, memoranda, and/or a journal note.
Doing so will serve three purposes: getting to know a professor who will be familiar with
your writing (i.e., for letters of recommendation); developing a possible writing sample
for clerkship applications; and fulfilling a graduation requirement early – plus, it’s just
plain good for you!
5. Try to work on a law journal. The journal experience of writing and editing is
valuable and may help you with a writing sample. Activities such as moot court and trial
advocacy are also beneficial for a clerkship and judges do look for them.
6. Pursue a judicial externship/internship, for exposure to the judiciary, to see what a
judicial clerkship would be like, and to gain the potential support of a judge.
7. Be open-minded and flexible as to judges, types of courts and clerkships. Continue to
expand your horizons – do not fall into the trap of limiting your options by thinking it has
to be Judge X or the Xth Circuit.
8. Research early and continue to gather information through a variety of sources –
printed, on-line and people! This includes remaining aware of judges and courts, and on
the alert for clerkship issues, during your summer job as well as throughout law school.
9. To this end, attend any lectures, events and functions that expose you to members of
the judiciary. Nothing substitutes for the opportunity to mingle and exchange
information directly with a judge!
10. Attend the programs on judicial clerkships offered by the
College of Law and utilize its resources!
APPENDIX
December 17, 2013
The Honorable Alice M. Batchelder
United States Court of Appeals
143 West Liberty Street
Medina, OH 44256
Dear Chief Judge Batchelder:
I write regarding my interest in a clerkship with your chambers commencing in
2015. I am currently a second year law student at the University of Cincinnati College of
Law and will graduate in May 2015. Letters of recommendation on my behalf are
forthcoming from Professors Mark Godsey and Betsy Malloy.
As an associate member of University of Cincinnati Law Review and through
practical learning experiences, I have engaged in a substantial amount of legal research
and writing opportunities. During my tenure at the College of Law, I have been awarded
Fellowships with the Center for Law & Justice and the Weaver Institute for Law &
Psychiatry. As a Weaver Fellow, I provide research and drafting assistance on health law
and psychiatric issues, while my work with the Ohio Innocence Project involves research
and case investigation regarding wrongfully convicted inmates. As a member of
University of Cincinnati Law Review, I researched and authored an article selected for
publication, which I attached as a writing sample. In addition, I researched and edited
other associate members’ law review articles, significantly honing my research and
writing skills. I have found my activities at the College of Law to be a perfect
compliment to my academic achievement and excellent preparation to be an asset to your
chambers.
Thank you for your time in considering my credentials. I look forward to further
discussing my qualifications and future opportunities in your chambers with you.
Respectfully yours,
Sally Smith
Enclosures
Comment [WU1]: If you can personalize the application, do so here (i.e. Geographical ties, practice area interests). Example:
As a native to Cincinnati, I plan to establish my career here upon graduation.
Or if applying to a specialty court:
I have a demonstrated interest in bankruptcy law,
coupled with practical experience honing my legal research and writing skills, and am eagerly pursuing
a clerkship in your chambers.
Comment [WU2]: This paragraph should give
solid examples of your legal research, writing and analytical skills. If it is a specialty court – mention
any exposure you have had to that practice area
(example: immigration, bankruptcy).
If you have a demonstrated interest in a public
career, or community service involvement – those topics could be added either to this paragraph, or to a
brief third paragraph. Keep in mind that personality
is typically a significant factor in hiring clerks.
Alumni Name Class Judge/Court
Abby Chermely 2014 Judge Beth A. Myers, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Douglas Smothers 2014 Judge Pat DeWine, Ohio First District Court of Appeals
Elizabeth Barrera 2014 Judge Danny C. Reeves, U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky
Suzanne Firestone 2014 Magistrate Judge Michael J. Newman, U.S. District Court Souther District of Ohio
Andrea Backscheider 2013 Judge Beth A. Myers, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Danielle Levy 2013 Judge Jon Sieve, Hamilton County Domestic Relations Court
Kacey Marr 2013 Judge Eugene Siler, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Lauren Staley 2013 Judge Pat DeWine, Ohio First District Court of Appeals
Suzanne Smith 2013 U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Administrative Law Judges (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Troy Benton 2013 Judge Nadine Allen, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Kamiikia Alexander 2012 Judge Nadine Allen, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Kayla Delk 2012 Judge James Cissell, Hamilton County Probate Court
Megan Heller 2012 Judge Beth A. Myers, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Christina Flanagan 2011 Staff Attorney, Judge Steven K. Dankof of Montgomery County Common Pleas Court
Curtis Eilers 2011 Staff Attorney Office, 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Elisa Elam 2011 Judge Jodi Luebbers, Hamilton County Common Pleas
Jennifer Cunningham 2011 12th District Court of Appeals
Bethany Bell 2010 Judge Karla J. Grady, Hamilton County Juvenile Court
Chandani Jones 2010 Hon. Darryl Dean Donohue, Presiding Judge, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
George Musekamp 2010 Chief Judge Joseph H. Mckinley, Jr., U.S. District Court of the Western District of Kentucky
Gwenn Dobos 2010 Hon. Burton Perlman, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Jenna Johnson 2010 Hon. Michael Powell, Warren County Juvenile and Probate Court
Laura Hils 2010 Staff Attorney Office, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals & Staff Attorney Office, 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
Peter O'Shea 2010 Hon. David Bunning, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky
Ashely Couch 2009 Judge Fischer, Hamilton County Court of Appeals
Emily Meier Walters 2009 Judge Schrand, Boone County
Margaret Shipitalo 2009 Hon. Mary Anne Mason, Chancery Division, Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois
Michael Scott Serfozo 2009 Hon. Kay Woods, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Ohio
Sarah Keates 2009 Hon. Joseph Kane, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Administrative Law Judges
Scott Brenner 2009 Judge Nadine Allen, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Anne Niehaus 2008 Judge Larry Merck, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Administrative Law Judge
Kimberly S. Boyles 2008 12th District Court of Appeals
Matt Singer 2008 Judge Phillip Simon, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
Michael Wylie 2008 Judge John D. Holschuh, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Walter Bocchini 2008 Department of Justice Honors Program - Miami Immigration Court
Benjamin Anchill 2007 Hon. Avern Cohn, Senior U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan
Benjamin Anchill 2007 Hon. Bernard A. Friedman, Chief U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan
Chandra Napora 2007 Judge Spiegel, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Recent Alumni - Judicial Law Clerks
Alumni Name Class Judge/Court
J. Michael Becher 2007 Judge Robert C. Chambers U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
Mahlet Richardson 2007 Judge West, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Erica Faaborg 2006 Magistrate Judge Karen L. Litkovitz, U.S. District Court for the Souther District of Ohio
Jeanette McClellan 2006 Hon. Burton Perlman, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Keven Tidd 2006 Judge Nadel, Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas
Ronda Cross 2006 Judge Richard M. Rogers, Ohio Third District Court of Appeals
Andrew Thompson 2005 Judge Philip R. Garrison, Southern District Missouri Court of Appeals
Beth Mandel 2005 Judge Susan Dlott, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Breean Walas 2005 Justice Donald Corbin, Arkansas Supreme Court
Casey Lane 2005 Judge Jerry McBride, Clermont County Court of Common Pleas
Daniel Smith 2005 Justice Ron Parraguirre, Supreme Court of Nevada
David Traskey 2005 Hon. Cheryl Johnson, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
Kristin Woeste 2005 Judge Roger L. Gregory, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
Bess McGovern 2004 Hon. Thomas H. Fulton, U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Western District Kentucky
Billy Guinigundo 2004 Staff Attorney, Ohio Twelfth District Court of Appeals
Brian Dursch 2004 Judge Harry A. Haines, United States Tax Court
Chris Bauer 2004 Superior Court, Connecticut
Christine Smith 2004 U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie P. Cooke, District of Nevada
Christine Smith 2004 Justice Ron Parraguirre, Justice, Nevada Supreme Court
Dan Linneman 2004 Judge Robert P. Ringland, Clermont County Court of the Common Pleas
Elizabeth Royalty 2004 Judge Henry J. Boroff, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Massachusetts
James P. Fantetti 2004 Twelfth District Court of Appeals, Ohio - Judges: Powell, Valen, Walsh, Young and Bressler
Scott Ryan Nazzarine 2004 Hon. Robert G. James, U.S. District Court for Western District of Louisiana
Donald Caster 2003 Judge Robert C. Chambers U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
Mike Majba 2003 Judge Mark Painter, First District Court of Appeals
Paula Boggs 2003 Justice James E Keller of the Kentucky Supreme Court
Ryan Babcock 2003 U.S. District Court Judge Anthony Alaimo, Southern District of Georgia
Tim Cahill 2003 Senior U.S. District Judge Sylvia Rambo, Middle District of Pennsylvania
Andy Eckstein 2002 Judge Paul J. Kelly, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Carrie Dettmer 2002 Judge Robert C. Chambers U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
Craig Hoffman 2002 Administrative Law Judge Thomas F. Phalen, Jr., Office of the Administrative Law Judge, Department of Labor
Kasey T. Ingram 2002 Chancellor William B. Chandler III, Delaware Court of Chancery
Patrick Haggerty 2002 Hon. Leonard Davis, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas
Sarah Fairweather Flem 2002 Judge Susan Dlott, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Emily Q. Shults 2001 Judge Joseph H. Mckinley, Jr., U.S. District Court of the Western District of Kentucky
Keith Sylerke 2001 Judge Spiegel, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Susan Schaen 1999 Judge Fischer, Hamilton County Court of Appeals
Grace Royalty 1998 Judge Barrett, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Mary Minnillo 1995 Judge Penny Cunningham, U.S. First District Court of Appeals
Kate Murray 1993 Judge Hendon, Hamilton County Court of Appeals
Alumni Name Class Judge/Court
Tom Langlois 1991 Judge Penny Cunningham, U.S. First District Court of Appeals
Judge Faculty CourtHon. Walter H. Rice* Michael E. Solimine U.S. District Court, Southern District of OhioHon. Anna Diggs Taylor* Emily Ming-Sue Houh U.S. District Court, Eastern District of MichiganHon. David A. Nelson* Michele Bradley, Nancy Oliver,
Verna L. Williams U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth CircuitHon. Wade Brorby* Rachel Jay Smith U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth CircuitHon. Monroe G. McKay* Mark A. Godsey U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth CircuitHon. James L. Buckley* A. Christopher Bryant U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC CircuitHon. Donald J. Stohr Sandra Sperino U.S. District Court, Eastern District of MissouriHon. Francis D. Murnaghan, Jr. Louis D. Bilionis U.S. Court of Appeals For the Fourth CircuiteHon. Judge Patricia M. Wald Ann Hubbard U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia CircuitHon. Justice Harry A. Blackmun Ann Hubbard U.S. Supreme CourtHon. Sandra Lynch Jacob Katz Cogan U.S. Court of Appeals for the First CircuitHon. John Minor Wisdom Timothy K. Armstrong U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth CircuitHon. Eugene A. Wright S. Elizabeth (Betsy) Malloy U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitHon. J. Dickson Phillips, Jr. Janet Moore U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
* Denotes Senior Status
CINCINNATI LAW FACULTY FORMER CLERKSHIPS
Judge Type of Court Court LocationHon. Charles W. Boteler, Jr. State 4th Judicial Circuit Madisonville, KYHon. Margaret Ryan Huddleston State 8th Judicial Circuit, Warren County Family Court Bowling Green, KYHon. Richard Ryan Lamb State 9th Circuit, Trial Division Kalamazoo, MIHon. Randy T. Rogers State Butler County Probate Court Hamilton, OHHon. Jerry R. McBride State Clermont County Court of Common Pleas Batavia, OHChancellor William B. Chandler III State Delaware Court of Chancery Georgetown, DEHon. Michael Powell State Warren County Juvenile & Probate Court Lebanon, OHHon. John West State Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Cincinnati, OHHon. Robert Kraft State Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Cincinnati, OHHon. Beth Meyers State Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Cincinnati, OHHon. Ethna M. Cooper State Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Cincinnati, OHHon. Nadine Allen State Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Cincinnati, OHHon. James C. Cissell State Hamilton County Probate Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Mary Anne Mason State Circuit Court of Illinois, Chancery Division Chicago, ILHon. Stephen W. Powell State Appellate Ohio Court of Appeals, 12th District Middletown, OHHon. William H. Wolff, Jr. State Appellate Ohio Court of Appeals, 2nd District Dayton, OHHon. Richard M. Rogers State Appellate Ohio Court of Appeals, 3rd District Lima, OHHon. Nancy Steffen Rahmeyer State Appellate Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District Springfield, MOHon. Cheryl Johnson State Appellate Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (TX Supreme Court) Austin, TXHon. Donald Corbin State Supreme Supreme Court of Arkansas Little Rock, AKHon. James E. Keller State Supreme Supreme Court of Kentucky Frankfort, KYHon. Ron Paraguirre State Supreme Supreme Court of Nevada Reno, NVChief Justice Deborah Agosti State Supreme Supreme Court of Nevada Reno, NVHon. Jess Dickinson State Supreme Supreme Court of Mississippi Jackson, MSChief Justice William Barker State Supreme Supreme Court of Tennessee Chattanooga, TNHon. Paul Kelly, Jr. Federal Appellate U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit Santa Fe, NMHon. Roger Gregory Federal Appellate U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit Richmond, VAHon. Richard Griffin Federal Appellate U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit Traverse City, MIHon. William Frank Crawford Federal Appellate U.S. Court of Appeals, Tennessee Memphis, TNHon. Thomas F. Phalen, Jr. Federal U.S. Department of Labor, Admin. Law Judge Cincinnati, OHHon. Joseph Kane Federal U.S. Department of Labor, Admin. Law Judge Cincinnati, OHHon. Henry J. Boroff Federal U.S. District Bankruptcy Court, 1st District Worcester, MSHon. Kay Woods Federal U.S. District Bankruptcy Court Northern District of O Youngstown, OHHon. Thomas H. Fulton Federal U.S. District Bankruptcy Court Louisville, KYHon. Burton Perlman Federal U.S. District Bankruptcy Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Anthony A. Alaimo Federal U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia Brunswick, GAHon. Stephen McNamee, Chief Judge Federal U.S. District Court, District of Arizona Phoenix, AZHon. Avern Cohn Federal U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan Detroit, MIHon. Bernard Friedman Federal U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan Detroit, MIHon. R Allan Edgar Federal U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee Chattanooga, TNHon. Leonard Davis Federal U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas Tyler, TXHon. Sylvia H. Rambo Federal U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania Harrisburg, PAHon. James S. Gwin Federal U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio Cleveland, OHHon. Nancy A. Vecchiarelli, Magistrate Federal U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio Cleveland, OHHon. Fredrick Stamp Federal U.S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia Wheeling, WVHon. John Holschuh Federal U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Columbus, OHHon. S. Arthur Spiegel Federal U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Cincinnati, OHHon. Robert C. Chambers Federal U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia Huntington, WVHon. David Bunning Federal U.S. District Court, Easter District of Kentucky Covington, KYHon. Joseph H. McKinley, Jr. Federal U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky Owensboro, KYHon. Philip S. Simon Federal U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana Hammond, INHon. Robert G. James Federal U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana Monroe, LAHon. Susan Dlott Federal U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Cincinnati, OH
JUDGES FOR WHOM ALUM HAVE CLERKED
Judge Class Court LocationHon. William O. Bertelsman 1961 U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky Covington, KYHon. James C. Cissell 1966 Hamilton County Probate Court Cincinnati, OHHon. David K. Batsche 1966 Mason Municipal Court- Small Claims Mason, OHHon. Douglass L. Custis 1967 Administrative Law Judge, Office of Hearings and Appeals Cincinnati, OHHon. Sandra S. Beckwith 1968 U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Cincinnati, OHHon. Nicholas Holmes, Jr. 1968 Ross County Courts Chilicothe, OHHon. Robert B. Crew, Jr. 1968 Denver County Courts Denver, COHon. William D. Joseph 1969 Zanesville Municipal Court Zanesville, OHHon. Robert P. Ringland 1970 Ohio 12th District Court of Appeals Middletown, OHHon. Joseph J. Cassata 1970 Tonawanda City Court, 8th Judicial District Tonawanda, NYHon. Betsy Kolkoski 1971 Las Vegas Municipal Court Las Vegas, NVHon. Dennis S. Helmick 1972 Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Neal B. Bronson 1972 Warren County Court of Common Pleas Cincinnati, OHHon. Mark K. Wiest 1972 Wayne County Common Pleas Court Wooster, OHHon. David E. Spears 1972 Scioto County Court of Common Pleas Portsmouth, OHHon. Sheridan C. Randolph 1972 General Sessions Court, Bradley County Tennessee Cleveland, TNHon. Mark. P. Painter 1973 United Nations Appellate Tribunal New York, NYHon. Thomas M. Rose 1973 U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Dayton, OHHon. Cheryl D. Grant 1973 Hamilton County Municipal Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Mark W. Wall 1973 Middletown Municipal Court Middletown, OHHon. Mark R. Bogen 1973 Lebanon Municipal Court Lebanon, OHHon. Stephen J. Markman 1974 Michigan Supreme Court Lansing, MIHon. James L. Flannery 1974 Warren County Common Pleas Court Lebanon, OHHon. Patricia S. Oney 1975 Butler County Common Pleas Court Cincinnati, OHHon. R. Michael Redman 1975 Senior Judge, Twin Falls County 5th District Twin Falls, IDHon. David C. Stockdale 1976 Hamilton County Municipal Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Michael R. Barrett 1977 U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Cincinnati, OHMagistrate Judge Nancy A. Vecchiarelli 1977 U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio Cleveland, OHHon. Robert P. Ruehlman 1977 Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Melba D. Marsh 1977 Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Jerry R. McBride 1977 Clermont County Common Pleas Court Batavia, OH Hon. Victoria S. Marks 1977 First Judicial Circuit, Honolulu Honolulu, HIHon. Margaret A. Clark 1977 Brown County Juvenile Court Georgetown, OHMagistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson 1978 U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas Houston, TXHon. Stephanie Wyler 1978 Clermont County Juvenile Court Batavia, OH Hon. Susan L. Goldie 1978 Xenia Municipal Court Xenia, OHHon. Christopher J. Mehling 1978 2nd Division Family Court, Kenton County Justice Center Cincinnati, OHJohn T. Stelzer 1981 Williams County Court of Common Pleas Bryan, OHHon. Beth A. Myers 1982 Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Cincinnati, OHHon. James A. Shriver 1982 Clermont County Municipal Court Batavia, OH Hon. Heather Russell 1983 Hamilton County Municipal Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Elizabeth S. Gutmann 1984 Miami County Municipal Court Troy, OHHon. Karen L. Litkovitz 1984 U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Cincinnati, OHHon. Katrina L. Patton 1986 Dorchester Saint George Central Civil Court St. George, SCHon. Penelope R. Cunningham 1987 First District Court of Appeals, Ohio Cincinnati, OHHon. Victor M. Haddad 1988 Clermont County Municipal Court Batavia, OH Hon. William Andrew Hasselbach 1990 Warren County Court of Common Pleas Lebanon, OHHon. Sharon L. Kennedy 1991 Butler County Domestic Relations Court Hamilton, OHHon. Laura C. Liu 1991 Cook County, Circuit Judge Chicago, ILHon. Melissa Powers 1991 Hamilton County Municipal Court Cincinnati, OHHon. Fanon Rucker 1996 Hamilton County Municipal Court Cincinnati, OH
ALUMNI SERVING AS JUDGES (FEDERAL AND STATE)
