Judicial Clerkships

Additional Resources

• Application Basics

  Federal Appellate Clerkships 

  Generally, these judges are the first to hire clerks, so you must be prepared to apply early. Some federal clerkships hire as early as the summer after your 1L year. If you are determined to land a federal clerkship, it is wise to widen your geographic search—while you may be competing with the top students at the top law schools for clerkships in New York, San Francisco, and often Denver, fewer students will apply in smaller cities and your chances will improve.

  Increasingly, more federal judges prefer or require clerkship or legal practice experience. If you do not get a federal appellate clerkship directly out of law school, you may be able to complete a state appellate clerkship and then apply for a federal clerkships. Several alumni have taken this path to a federal clerkship.

  Many federal judges list their law clerk hiring information on OSCAR, the federal law clerk hiring website operated by the U.S. Courts (www.oscar.uscourts.gov).

  However, not all federal judges use OSCAR—some judges still accept application materials in chambers through regular mail. The CDO maintains a list of the judges in our circuit with information about when they are hiring clerks and how they accept materials. You may also want to send paper applications to judges outside of our circuit. Make an appointment with us to learn more about how to research judges, prepare application materials and determine the optimal application method. 

  For appellate clerkships, the 10th Circuit also has a law clerk hiring page, which can be helpful (though the information there may not be followed in all cases).

  The application time frames for these clerkships vary widely—some judges accept applications during the summer after your 1L year; others collect applications during the 2L year or the summer after the 2L year. Some judges even hire all the way through 3L year. To prepare for this application process you should meet with the CDO in the Spring of your 1L year, so you are prepared to start applying early.

  State Appellate Clerkships

  The Colorado Supreme Court and the Colorado Court of Appeals offers clerkships with justices and judges on both appellate courts. Most other states also have two levels of appellate courts (though the names vary; be sure to research the courts in the state you are interested in).

  For the Colorado Supreme Court, each of the seven Justices publishes judicial clerkship hiring procedures online.

  Most Justices accept applications early in the 2L Spring semester, interview in the late spring or during the summer after your 2L year, and have hired by September or October of your 3L year, but double check to make sure that no one is accepting applications early! Some Justices may accept applications earlier in your 2L year.

  For the Colorado Court of Appeals, which consists of 22 judges, each judge publishes judicial clerkship hiring procedures online.

  The procedures listed on this site are helpful to give you an idea of which judges are accepting applications and when their deadlines are (usually the deadlines fall in the spring of your 2L year, the summer after your 2L year, or the fall semester of your 3L year; rarely there is a deadline early in the spring semester of your 3L year).Because judges sometimes accept applications ahead of the posted application window, we recommend that you apply as early as possible, starting in the spring semester of your 2L year.   

  If a judge’s hiring procedures are not listed on the website, contact the CDO and we will help you learn more about when to apply. Some judges hire for one-year terms, and some hire for two-year terms. Clerkships generally start in September. 

  If you are looking at state appellate clerkships outside of Colorado, Courts may hire as early as the fall semester of your 2L year and as late as the fall of your 3L year. The best way to find out what the hiring practices are in a particular state is through the Judicial Clerkship Guide published by Vermont Law School (login credentials are available to current students on Symplicity under Resources). You can also contact individual courts and ask them about their timelines.

  State Court Trial Clerkships

  Colorado District Court clerkships are generally posted as they become available under the Careers Tab, in “Career Opportunities,” on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.

  You should start watching for state trial clerkship positions in Colorado between December and January of your 3L year. Boulder District Court hires on an annual cycle—usually posting in December or January. Ft. Collins generally posts some clerkship positions in the Spring of the 3L year. Other courts hire as needed and those positions are generally available after graduation.

  If you are looking at state clerkships outside of Colorado, courts may hire as early as the fall semester of your 2L year, through your 3L year (and beyond). The best way to find out what the hiring practices are in a particular state is through the Judicial Clerkship Guide published by Vermont Law School (login credentials are available to current students on Symplicity under Resources). DU subscribes to this guide and you can get our password from the CDO. You may also want to review the NALP publication on state court clerkships.

• Application Materials

  To determine what to send with your application, always review the judge’s individual requirements. Send what is asked for.

  In general, your application should include a cover letter, resume, writing sample, a copy of your unofficial transcript, and 3 letters of recommendation*.

  *You should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample for State District Court applications, even though the website only asks you to fill out a State of Colorado application. If you have your transcript and letters of recommendation, you may also send those. Put all of your documents in one PDF.  

  Be prepared in advance! Have your 8.5” x 11” manila envelopes and address labels ready with the following materials:

  1. Cover Letter on resume paper (personalized to each judge) – contact CDO for assistance
  2. Resume on matching resume paper – contact CDO for assistance
  3. Three letters of recommendation (unless they are being sent under separate cover). See protocol for faculty recommendation letters.
  4. Writing Sample – on regular paper
  5. Transcripts
      

  Resume and Cover Letter

  Resume

  Please refer to the Career Development Handbook for information on resume writing.  You should utilize the CDO for individual consultations to discuss your resume in more detail.

  Cover Letter

  For information on writing a cover letter, see the section on cover letters in our Career Handbook.

  Your cover letter should explain why you are seeking this clerkship and what skills you have to offer to the judge. Explain why you are the best candidate for the job by showing rather than telling (describe the experience and skill set you have that prepared you for this position). Here are some essential tips:

  • Make certain the letter is well written and no longer than one page.
  • Do not write a terse, formal letter. Tell something about yourself. Judges often like to hire people who have something interesting in their backgrounds.
  • Highlight your strengths in the cover letter. Do not just restate your resume—discuss your strengths. First and foremost, emphasize your writing skills. This is particularly crucial if you are not on the Law Review or another journal. If you are applying to a court that does specialized work, emphasize your skills in that area.  
  • To the extent you have a particular reason for applying to the judge, state it.
  • Letters sent to other geographic areas should state a reason, if you have one, for wanting to live in that region. Also, indicate you will be in the area on a certain date for an interview, should an interview be necessary. You should communicate you will be willing to absorb the expenses associated with travel. Judges do not have funds to cover travel expenses.
  • Do not use platitudes, hyperbole or cliché in your cover letter. Judges see hundreds of cover letters and are turned off immediately by anything remotely resembling exaggeration, boastfulness, insincere flattery, etc. Highlight your strengths but do not be tempted to oversell yourself!
  • Your cover letter is your first writing sample and must be completely error-free. If it is not well written or contains typos, your application will be rejected immediately.  
  • Be sure to address the letter properly. See the clerkships section of the career handbook for a chart on how to address letters to judges.
     

  You should utilize the CDO for individual consultations to discuss your cover letter.

  Writing Sample

  Ideally, use a non-1L work product from a job, externship or upper-level writing class. Most judges prefer a memo or a brief written in the IRAC format. Avoid memos or briefs prepared for your Lawyering Process class because they were written in an early phase of your development as a legal writer and do not necessarily represent your capabilities after your second year of law school.  If you are applying after your 2L year, judges may see the submission of a first-year brief as a red flag that you have not done any meaningful writing since the first year.

  If you are using a sample from work, get permission from your employer. Concerns about confidentiality or litigation strategy may make it inappropriate to submit some work products as writing samples.  If the employer gives you permission, you should block out all identifying names and case numbers. Be sure to give the employer advance notice you would like to use something as a writing sample in case it takes some time to secure approval. Sometimes it is better to insert fictional names for parties instead of blocking them all out; the reader will have an easier task of reading the brief.

  Generally, it is best not to use law review/journal article or academic paper (but a published article may serve as a good supplemental sample).

  Your sample should ideally be 5-7 pages + cover sheet.

  Utilize Denver Law’s Writing Clinic and professors if you would like a substantive review of your writing sample. 

  Writing is a critical element of a judicial clerkship. Thus, judges generally place great emphasis on the writing sample.  Your writing sample should be chosen carefully.  It should be well written and well organized. Judges will evaluate the writing sample to determine not only how well you write, but also how well you can analyze and organize the issues.

  • It is better if your memo addresses one issue in depth, rather than several issues superficially.
  • Do not submit a writing sample with errors. Edit, proofread, and proofread again!
  • You should not submit work that has been heavily edited by another person.
  • Include substantial case analysis: Your writing sample should discuss case law and its application to a legal problem. This does not mean simply listing a few cases and stating their holdings. It should involve a more developed analysis of how the cases are similar to or different from the case at hand, and why.
  • Choose more complex issues over simple ones: If you are trying to decide which part of a larger memo to excerpt for your writing sample, it is probably better to choose a section that discusses a relatively complex issue. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work with precedents, distinguish or harmonize them, and apply them to the facts in your case.
     

  Prepare a cover sheet for your writing sample that includes any necessary explanations or clarifications.  For example, you might explain that your writing sample consists of just one of three issues that were covered in a brief or memorandum.  This may help provide a context in which the judge can view your excerpt. You may also wish to include a short description of the facts underlying the legal problem or problems analyzed in your sample. Finally, explain any redactions and clarify that the writing sample is your unedited (or at least not substantially edited) work. 

  Letters of Recommendation

  Students need at least 3 letters of recommendation from professors and/or employers and should ask for these well in advance of application deadlines.

  To request letters from Denver Law Faculty, follow the protocol described.

  Best option when collecting letters for mailed applications: Get letters from your recommenders in sealed envelopes to include in your packet. Judges prefer to receive all application materials in one packet.

  • NOTE: If letters are given to you unsealed, include as given (do not seal).
     

  Alternatively: Recommender can mail letters directly to judges to whom you are applying in which case you should offer to provide postage and envelopes. Indicate in the cover letter who will be writing letters of recommendation on your behalf, and that these letters of recommendation will arrive under separate cover if you haven’t included them with your packet of materials.

  Addressing letters of recommendation:

  • For faculty, follow the protocol.
  • For prior employers, you have three options:
     

  1. Send recommenders a spreadsheet with addresses/titles for a mail merge resulting in letters personally addressed to each judge. If you need help creating this, contact the Office of Career Development & Opportunities for help.
  2. Get a Word copy of the letter from recommenders and do the mail merge yourself.
  3. Have your recommenders address all letters to “To Whom It May Concern” (last resort)

  Selecting your Recommenders

  In general, you should select people who know you and are well acquainted with your writing and analytical abilities. You need to schedule a meeting to get to know any professor who does not know you well.

  Consider asking individuals who know the judge. This is very helpful because judges take these letters more seriously.

  Ask lawyers for whom you have worked.

  Provide Materials

  Prepare a packet of materials to give to the people who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation. The packet should include copies of your resume, transcript, and writing samples. Even people who are well-acquainted with you and your abilities will appreciate being able to refer to specifics contained in these materials.

  Transcripts

  Order your undergraduate transcript well in advance, as some judges will request both your undergraduate and law school transcripts.

  For most judges, an unofficial transcript is fine, but you may want to request an official transcript ahead of time just in case. For information on Denver Law transcripts, see the University of Denver's Registrar’s web page.

• Clerkship Timeline

  1L Year

  All Year 

  Meet as many judges as possible by attending events and activities.

  • Watch for information on judicial panels and events at Denver law, as well as on-campus and outside events with judges.
  • Consider applying to intern with a judge during the summer after your 1L year.
     

  Build relationships with your professors so they will be able to write detailed letters of recommendation for your clerkship applications

  • Judges look for strong legal research and writing skills; get to know your LP professor.
     

  Spring

  Meet with the CDO about your clerkship application plans. Recently, there has been a trend in the federal courts toward early hiring—those judges may hire as early as summer after 1L year, so meet with CDO now to prepare for the application process.

  • During this meeting, we can identify the courts you want to apply to, determine your timeline, discuss application materials, and refer you to current and former clerks.
     

  Join one of the 7 Inns of Court in Denver to meet judges.

  Summer After 1L Year

  July-August              

  Apply for competitive federal clerkships. The most competitive federal clerkships start hiring as early as the summer after your 1L year for post graduate clerkships!

  • If you are seeking a federal clerkship, you should start getting your materials together, and possibly applying, the summer after your 1L year.
  • The CDO is open all summer to help!
     

  2L Year

  All Year                     

  Continue to build relationships with your professors.

  • Be sure to request letters of recommendation with plenty of advanced notice, prior to your application.
     

  Early Fall                  

  Meet with the CDO to plan your clerkship search. Even if you have not applied for some federal clerkships over the summer, there are lots of federal and state clerkships you can still apply for during the 2L and 3L year, and we are here to help!

  Fall                             

  Apply for federal clerkships. Many federal judges will be accepting applications during the fall of your 2L year.  

  Review the deadlines for Colorado Supreme Court applications. Each Justice publishes judicial clerkship hiring procedures online.

  • Most Justices interview the Spring of your 2L year, and have hired by Spring or early Summer of your  2L year, but double check to make sure that no one is accepting applications early!
     

  Review the deadlines for state court appellate clerkships outside of Colorado (and apply!).

  • If you are looking at state court clerkships outside of Colorado, Courts may hire as early as the fall semester of your 2L year, or may hire in the Spring of your 2L year or even into the 3L year.
  • The best way to find out what the hiring practices are in a particular state is through the Judicial Clerkship Guide published by Vermont Law School. DU subscribes to this guide and you can get our password from the CDO.
     

  Spring                        

  Apply for federal clerkships. Some federal judges will be accepting applications during the spring of your 2L year.

  Apply for Colorado Supreme Court clerkships. Each Justice publishes judicial clerkship hiring procedures online.

  • Generally, we advise applying in February after receiving fall 2L grades.
     

  Apply for state court appellate and some district/trial court clerkships outside of Colorado.

  • These courts may hire as early as the fall semester of your 2L year, but many hire in the Spring of your 2L year. The best way to find out about hiring practices in a particular state is through the Judicial Clerkship Guide published by Vermont Law School. DU subscribes to this guide and you can get our password from the CDO.
     

   March-June              

  Apply for Colorado Court of Appeals clerkships.

  • Most Colorado Court of Appeals Judges accept applications during Spring of the 2L year. Most interview over the summer and early fall, so it is a good idea to get your application in well in advance of that deadline. You can supplement your application with second semester grades when you receive them.
  • Note: While the website indicates that you must have completed four semesters of law school to apply to the Court of Appeals, most judges accept applications prior to the end of your 2L year.
     

  Summer after 2L Year

  June-July                  

  Supplement any pending applications with an updated transcript that includes your updated grades and ranking.

  June-August             

  Continue to apply for federal clerkships. Some federal judges will be accepting applications during this summer.

  Apply for Colorado Supreme Court clerkships and Colorado Court of Appeals clerkships, if you have not already. Some Judges may still be accepting applications. See information above.

   Apply for state court clerkships outside of Colorado. These courts may hire during your 2L year, but many will be hiring in the summer. See the Judicial Clerkship Guide published by Vermont Law School.

  3L Year

  Fall and Spring        

  Continue to apply for Colorado Supreme Court, Colorado Court of Appeals, out of state clerkships, and Federal Clerkships. Some Judges and Justices may still be hiring. See information above.

  November-March     

  Begin looking for Colorado State District Court clerkships (trial level clerkships).

  • Boulder District Court hires on an annual cycle, usually posting in December or January.
  • Ft. Collins District Court posts some clerkship positions in the Spring of 3L year.
  • Other courts hire as needed and those positions often arise after graduation. Positions are posted under the Careers Tab, in “Career Opportunities,” on the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
     

  After Graduation

  Many state-level trial court clerkships hire after graduation.

  • In Colorado, most trial courts hire as needed. Positions are posted under the Careers Tab, in “Career Opportunities,” on the Colorado Judicial Branch website. Watch this website for new opportunities after graduation.
  • For state-level trial court clerkships outside Colorado, consult the Judicial Clerkship Guide published by Vermont Law School.
     

  The CDO is still here to help you with applications!

• Online Clerkship Resources
  • American Judicature Society 
  • Colorado State Courts 
  • Federal Judicial Center Website 
  • Provides biographical information for judges in the Federal Judiciary
  • Federal Judiciary Homepage 
    This website offers general information about the US Courts including publications, directories, news and information
  • Federal Judicial Nominations Page 
  • Judicial Clerkships 
    Information and advice on judicial clerkships as well as a forum for law clerks and links to the best on-line clerkship resources
  • Law Clerks at the Colorado Court of Appeals 
    Learn which judges are hiring and when
  • National Center for State Courts 
    Links to state, federal and international courts, also include job announcements for court positions
  • OSCAR (Online System for Clerkship Application and Review) 
    Many federal judges require applications via OSCAR. This is the official federal clerkship application system.
  • Third Branch 
    Monthly publication of the Federal Judiciary that includes nomination and retirement information for Federal Judges as well as news articles regarding the Federal Judiciary.
  • Vermont School Guide to State Judicial Clerkships 
    Login credentials are available to current students on Symplicity under Resources.
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 1st Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, DC Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit 
  • U.S. Court of International Trade 
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces 
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
  • U.S. Supreme Court  
  • U.S. Tax Court