Most federal judges follow the Federal Law Clerk Hiring Plan. The Plan sets the timing of hiring. In the past, many judges rushed to hire students as early in their law school careers as possible. In fact, judges used to hire students as early as the fall of their second year for positions that would not begin until the Fall after the student’s graduation.
The Hiring Plan does not allow judges to hire before the fall of the third year of law school. Although some federal judges do not follow this plan, most do. Students interested in applying for a federal clerkship starting after graduation should submit applications at the beginning of fall semester of their final year of law school.
Important Federal Hiring Plan Dates
- Tuesday, September 8, 2009: The day after Labor Day - The first day that application materials may be RECEIVED by judges, also the day the online application system OSCAR releases applications to judges.
- Friday, September 11, 2009: The first day judges may contact applicants to schedule interviews.
- Thursday, September 17, 2009: The first day judges may hold interviews and the first day judges may make job offers.
Timing Issues to Consider
- Do not submit your materials too late. Because of the tight time-lines, it is important that you submit your materials as soon as possible without arriving before the deadline. If your materials arrive late in the reading period, the judge may have already received many good applications and may not even review your materials.
- Do not submit your materials too early. Judges who are strictly following the Plan will not review materials if they arrive early.
- Prepare your application early. Most judges require you to submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, writing sample and 2-3 letters of recommendation. You will need to prepare your materials over the summer, so that you can have them ready to submit immediately after Labor Day. Think about who you will ask to write your letters of recommendation. Advise them of your plans. Ask them no later than mid-summer, so they will have plenty of time to prepare a good letter for you to submit on time.
- Keep in mind that the Plan only applies to federal judicial clerkships. Some state courts follow these timing guidelines, many do not (including the Oregon appellate courts).
- Remember, when you apply through OSCAR, your completed applications will be automatically released to the judges according to the hiring plan.
- Review The Hiring Plan
- Pick up a copy of the Career Services “Judicial Clerkship Handbook” - pick one up from the Career Services front desk anytime or read online (login required).
- Register for OSCAR, the online judicial hiring system. It is never too early to start entering your information to OSCAR!
- Ask faculty and other recommenders about writing letters of recommendation for you.
- Research judges and determining where you plan to apply. A list judges and openings is available from OSCAR.
- Schedule an appointment to talk with Libby Davis, Ellen Jones, or Bill Penn in Career Services about your clerkship plans.
