| Summary |
Judicial clerkships are often viewed as attainable only for top students from elite law schools. However, this article shows that grades and prestige are not the only factors. By leveraging networking, showcasing writing skills, targeting the right courts, and applying broadly, law students and graduates from non-T14 schools can still secure clerkships. The guide outlines practical steps and real strategies to help determined candidates stand out and achieve this prestigious career milestone.
| Questions Answered in This Article |
- Can you get a clerkship without top law school grades?
Yes. Judges often value strong writing, professionalism, and recommendations over GPA.
- Do you need a T14 law degree for a clerkship?
No. Many judges hire from regional or non-T14 schools, especially for state and trial courts.
- What kinds of courts should non-T14 students target?
State courts, federal magistrate judges, and bankruptcy courts are excellent entry points.
- How can networking help in securing a clerkship?
Alumni networks, professors, and former clerks can provide introductions and recommendations.
- Can you still get a clerkship after graduation?
Yes. Many attorneys secure clerkships after practicing for a year or two.
Securing a judicial clerkship is one of the most prestigious career opportunities for law students and young attorneys. Clerkships open doors to BigLaw firms, government roles, academia, and long-term litigation careers. However, many students assume clerkships are only attainable if they have top grades or a degree from a T14 law school. The truth is, while those credentials help, they are not the only path. With the right strategy, persistence, and networking, students outside the traditional “elite” path can still land a clerkship. Whether you graduated from a T14 or a regional law school… networking, specialization, and personal drive can level the playing field.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps, strategies, and overlooked opportunities to secure a judicial clerkship without top grades or a T14 law degree.
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Why Clerkships Matter
- Mentorship from Judges – Direct guidance on how legal decisions are made.
- Stronger Writing & Research Skills – Daily practice drafting opinions and memos.
- Prestige & Marketability – Firms, agencies, and academia view clerkships as elite experience.
- Networking Opportunities – Connections with judges, attorneys, and fellow clerks.
- Career Flexibility – Opens doors in big law, government, public interest, and teaching.
Even without top grades or a T14 degree, a clerkship can set you apart and accelerate your legal career.
1. Build Relationships With Professors and Judges
One of the most effective ways to secure a clerkship—especially without top grades or a T14 background—is to leverage strong professional relationships. Judges often rely heavily on recommendations from people they trust, which makes professors and established legal professionals key allies in your clerkship search.
- Seek Mentorship Early – Visit office hours, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in research projects with professors who have clerkship connections. Their letters of recommendation often carry significant weight.
- Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities – Attend judicial panels, guest lectures, and local bar association events where judges and clerks are present. Making a positive impression in person can set you apart from paper applications.
- Show Genuine Interest – Judges and professors value students who are eager to learn, professional in demeanor, and committed to service. Demonstrating this through consistent communication builds long-term trust.
- Leverage Alumni Connections – Many professors maintain strong ties with their former students, including judges. A personal introduction can sometimes mean more than grades or class rank.
By building authentic relationships with professors and judges, you not only gain strong advocates for your clerkship applications but also mentors who can guide your career well beyond law school.
2. Target the Right Courts
Not every judicial clerkship is limited to graduates of top law schools. Many students overlook opportunities by only aiming for highly competitive federal appellate courts. A smart strategy is to broaden your search and focus on courts more open to candidates from diverse backgrounds.
- State Courts – Trial and appellate courts at the state level often hire clerks from a wide range of schools. These clerkships provide hands-on litigation exposure and can serve as a strong launchpad for future opportunities.
- Federal Magistrate and Bankruptcy Courts – These courts are less competitive than federal appellate courts, yet they offer valuable experience in motions practice, pre-trial procedures, and specialized legal areas. Broadening your focus beyond elite federal appellate courts is a sound approach, as articulated in ‘Judicial Clerkships: Not All Are Equal But Not All Need to Be,’ which emphasizes that federal, state, and specialized court clerkships all carry distinct advantages depending on long-term career goals.
- Geographic Flexibility – Judges in less populated regions may receive fewer applications, increasing your chances of being selected. Be open to relocating to areas where competition is lower.
- Specialty Courts – Courts focused on areas like family law, tax, or administrative law often welcome applicants who show genuine interest in the subject matter, regardless of law school ranking.
- Apply Broadly – Limiting your applications to only a handful of judges reduces your odds. Casting a wide net improves the chances of landing at least one clerkship.
By targeting the right courts and being flexible with your applications, you significantly improve your likelihood of securing a clerkship—even without top grades or a T14 degree.
3. Showcase Writing and Research Skills
- Internships & Externships – Experience in a judge’s chambers, government office, or nonprofit shows you’re familiar with legal procedures and courtroom dynamics.
- Law Review or Journals – Even if you’re not at the top of your class, writing and editing for a journal demonstrates strong research and writing skills. Choosing journal experience over singular focus on grades can be strategic—LawCrossing’s breakdown ‘Should You Join Law Review, Moot Court, or Focus on Grades?’ highlights how Law Review signals exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills—key credentials for clerkship applicants.
- Moot Court or Mock Trial – Participation highlights advocacy skills and the ability to craft persuasive arguments.
- Legal Clinics – Hands-on work with real clients under supervision proves your ability to apply legal knowledge in practice.
- Part-Time Legal Work – Clerkships in small firms or volunteer legal aid experience can signal diligence and commitment to the profession.
Judges know that strong research, writing, and professionalism are more valuable than a perfect GPA. By showcasing your practical experience, you prove you can contribute meaningfully from day one.
4. Use Networking to Your Advantage
A well-prepared application can make a powerful impression, even if your grades or school rank aren’t perfect. Judges want clerks who show professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine interest in the role.
- Tailor Your Cover Letter – Go beyond a generic template. Reference the judge’s background, recent cases, or your specific interest in their court to show you’ve done your homework.
- Highlight Writing Samples – Judges heavily value writing ability. Choose a polished, well-edited sample that demonstrates clear analysis, strong structure, and precise legal writing.
- Secure Persuasive Recommendations – Strong letters from professors, supervising attorneys, or former judges can outweigh GPA. Judges trust recommendations from people who know your work ethic and judgment.
- Polish Your Resume – Emphasize research, writing, and legal experience. Keep it concise, error-free, and focused on skills that matter most for clerking.
- Demonstrate Professionalism – Judges appreciate attention to detail. Submitting materials on time, correctly formatted, and free from typos reflects the diligence they want in a clerk.
By presenting a tailored, professional application package, you increase your chances of standing out—proving that your skills, judgment, and potential matter more than class rank.
5. Highlight Professional Experience
Networking can be the deciding factor in securing a clerkship—sometimes even more important than grades or school prestige. Judges often rely on referrals and trusted recommendations when selecting clerks.
- Tap Into Your Law School Alumni Network – Many alumni have clerked and are eager to help current students. Reach out through LinkedIn, your school’s alumni office, or bar associations.
- Connect With Former Clerks – Speaking to someone who worked for a judge gives you insider insight into what that judge values in applicants. They may even put in a good word for you.
- Attend Legal Conferences & Bar Events – These are prime opportunities to meet judges, clerks, and attorneys in a professional but approachable setting.
- Utilize Professors’ Connections – Professors often maintain close relationships with judges. A personal introduction can carry significant weight.
- Be Genuine, Not Transactional – Build authentic relationships by showing curiosity and respect, not just asking for favors. Judges value applicants who demonstrate sincerity.
By strategically networking and leaning on alumni connections, you can open doors that grades alone might not unlock—helping you secure clerkships that may otherwise seem out of reach.
6. Apply Broadly and Early
Clerkship applications are competitive, and rejection is part of the process. The key is to stay persistent and flexible while pursuing opportunities.
- Apply Broadly – Don’t limit yourself to just a handful of judges. Casting a wide net increases your chances of landing interviews.
- Stay Open to Locations – Many judges outside major cities receive fewer applications. Being willing to relocate—even temporarily—can dramatically boost your odds.
- Consider Multiple Courts – State courts, magistrate judges, and specialized courts (like bankruptcy or tax) often hire excellent clerks from a variety of schools.
- Reapply in Future Cycles – If you don’t succeed right away, try again the following year. Judges respect persistence and growth.
- Adapt Your Strategy – If your first round isn’t successful, seek feedback, strengthen your application, and expand your outreach before applying again.
Persistence shows resilience, and flexibility demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt—two qualities judges highly value in clerks. Understanding your law school job‑search timeline is vital—LawCrossing’s guide ‘Law Student Job Search Timeline: What to Do (and When to Do It)’ lays out specific actions by year to stay ahead, including key clerkship application targets.
7. Be Persistent and Resilient
Landing a clerkship without top grades or a T14 degree often requires persistence. Many successful clerks applied multiple times, adjusted their strategy, and eventually secured a position. Resilience is key.
- Don’t Be Discouraged by Rejection – Every applicant faces it. Use it as motivation to refine your materials and approach.
- Keep Improving Your Profile – Gain more practical experience, publish writing, or work in related legal positions to strengthen your resume.
- Reapply in Later Cycles – Judges hire clerks in different timelines. A “no” one year may turn into a “yes” the next.
- Learn From Feedback – If a professor, mentor, or former clerk gives constructive criticism, apply it to improve your application.
- Stay Focused on the Long-Term – A clerkship may not come immediately, but persistence shows the dedication and professionalism judges admire.
Resilient candidates prove they can handle setbacks, adapt, and continue striving—qualities that mirror the realities of practicing law.
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Final Thoughts
You do not need top grades or a T14 law degree to secure a judicial clerkship. Judges value qualities like dedication, strong writing skills, professionalism, and genuine interest in the law. By networking strategically, applying broadly, and showcasing your strengths, you can position yourself as a strong candidate—even without traditional “elite” credentials.
If you’re determined and proactive, a clerkship is within reach.
