Law Student Guide to Securing Clerkships, Internships, and Fellowships

Summary

This guide walks law students through the process of landing clerkships, internships, and fellowships that shape their legal careers. From polishing résumés to leveraging faculty connections and applying for selective fellowship programs, the article provides actionable strategies to help students succeed. It also explains how to maximize each experience to gain mentorship, practical skills, and professional clarity.

Questions Answered in This Article

Why are clerkships, internships, and fellowships important for law students?

They provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities that boost employability and help students identify their ideal legal career path.

How can law students increase their chances of securing clerkships?
Start early, tailor application materials, seek faculty recommendations, and prepare thoroughly for interviews with judges and legal employers.

What strategies help law students land competitive internships?
Utilize career services, target practice areas of interest, showcase transferable skills, and apply broadly across different opportunities.

What do fellowship programs look for in candidates?
Fellowships value strong proposals, faculty support, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to public service or legal reform.

How can law students maximize their clerkship, internship, or fellowship experience?
Network with mentors, seek constructive feedback, track achievements, and use the experience to clarify long-term career goals.

Law Student Guide to Securing Clerkships, Internships, and Fellowships

Breaking into the legal profession requires more than excelling in the classroom. Today’s competitive job market demands that law students build practical experience through clerkships, internships, and fellowships. These opportunities not only strengthen your résumé but also provide valuable mentorship, networking, and real-world insights that law firms and employers look for.

This guide outlines actionable strategies for law students to secure clerkships, internships, and fellowships—and maximize these experiences to launch a successful legal career.

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Why Clerkships, Internships, and Fellowships Matter

For law students, the path from the classroom to a thriving legal career is not always straightforward. Employers, judges, and fellowship committees are increasingly seeking candidates who have demonstrated their abilities outside of academic performance. That’s where clerkships, internships, and fellowships come in. These experiences serve as the bridge between legal theory and real-world application. For a practical breakdown of internship, externship, and clerkship roles beyond the classroom, see The Ins and Outs of Legal Internships.

Building Practical Skills

Classroom learning lays the foundation, but clerkships, internships, and fellowships allow law students to apply legal concepts to actual cases, clients, and projects. You gain hands-on experience with legal writing, research, case preparation, and client communication—skills employers expect from day one.

Expanding Professional Networks

In the legal industry, connections often open doors. Working under judges, law firm partners, nonprofit attorneys, or government officials gives students access to mentors and future employers. Many law students secure post-graduate employment offers directly from their internship or fellowship placements.

Enhancing Career Clarity

Not every law student knows exactly which practice area or career path to pursue. A clerkship might reveal a passion for litigation, while a fellowship could spark interest in public policy or social justice work. These experiences provide career exploration opportunities that classroom study alone cannot offer.

Strengthening Your Résumé

With thousands of law students graduating each year, standing out is essential. Clerkships, internships, and fellowships demonstrate initiative, dedication, and real-world capability, making candidates more competitive for top law firm positions, judicial appointments, or public interest roles.

Establishing a Reputation Early

Performance during these opportunities often becomes part of a student’s professional reputation. Judges, supervisors, and attorneys you work with can become references, advocates, and connectors who recommend you for future roles.

In short, clerkships, internships, and fellowships are more than résumé boosters—they are career accelerators. By engaging in these opportunities, law students not only gain invaluable experience but also establish a strong foundation for long-term success in the legal profession.

Strategies for Securing Legal Clerkships

Judicial clerkships and law firm clerkships are among the most competitive opportunities available to law students. They provide an unparalleled chance to work closely with judges or practicing attorneys, sharpening legal reasoning, research, and writing skills. Because these roles are so highly sought after, law students need a clear strategy to stand out in the application process. Not all clerkships carry equal prestige—understanding the distinction between federal and state, appellate and trial roles can shape your strategy.

1. Start Early with Research

The best time to begin preparing for clerkships is well before the application window opens. Research which courts, judges, or law firms typically hire clerks and interns. To help you structure your timeline—from 1L through 3L—consult this law student job search timeline. Explore:

Judicial Clerkships: Federal courts, state supreme courts, and appellate courts often hire law students as clerks. These positions are prestigious and can shape your entire career trajectory.
Law Firm Clerkships: Many mid-size and large law firms hire summer clerks as a way to evaluate potential associates.
Government Clerkships: Prosecutor’s offices, public defenders, and administrative agencies may also offer clerkship positions.

By identifying deadlines, application requirements, and hiring preferences early, you’ll have more time to tailor your approach.

2. Polish Your Application Materials

Clerkship applications often include a résumé, cover letter, law school transcript, legal writing sample, and letters of recommendation. To stand out:

Résumé: Highlight legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Emphasize law review, moot court, and top grades in relevant subjects.
Cover Letter: Personalize each letter to the judge or employer, demonstrating knowledge of their work and explaining why you are a strong fit.
Writing Sample: Choose a well-polished legal memo or brief that demonstrates clarity, structure, and persuasive reasoning.

Attention to detail is critical. Judges and attorneys expect precision, so any typos or formatting errors could cost you an opportunity.

3. Leverage Faculty and Alumni Connections

Networking is a powerful tool in the legal industry. Professors, law school deans, and alumni often maintain relationships with judges and employers. A strong recommendation from a respected faculty member or an introduction from an alumnus can give you a significant edge. Don’t hesitate to:

Ask professors for guidance on judges’ preferences.
Reach out to alumni who previously clerked for a particular judge.
Attend law school networking events to meet potential mentors.

4. Strengthen Legal Writing and Research Skills

Because much of a clerk’s work involves drafting bench memos, orders, and legal opinions, writing ability is a top priority for judges. Participating in law review, journals, or moot court can showcase your skills. Even outside of these roles, consistently refining your writing will prepare you for the expectations of a clerkship.

5. Prepare for Clerkship Interviews

Once you secure an interview, preparation is key. Judges and employers may test not only your knowledge of the law but also your professionalism and demeanor. Be ready to:

Discuss your interest in the judiciary or specific practice area.
Talk through writing samples or case analysis in detail.
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and discretion.

Professionalism matters—judges, in particular, want clerks who will uphold the integrity of the court.

6. Apply Broadly and Stay Flexible

Competition is fierce, so applying broadly increases your chances of success. Keep an open mind about locations, court levels, and practice areas. A state appellate court clerkship or small firm clerkship may be just as valuable for building experience as a federal placement, and often serves as a stepping stone to larger opportunities.
Securing a legal clerkship requires early preparation, strong academic performance, polished writing skills, and the ability to network effectively. By approaching the process strategically, law students can greatly increase their chances of landing one of these career-defining roles.

How to Land Competitive Internships

Internships are one of the most valuable stepping stones in a law student’s career. They offer real-world exposure, the chance to explore different practice areas, and, in many cases, a direct pipeline to post-graduate employment. Because of their importance, internships—particularly with prestigious firms, government agencies, or nonprofits—are highly competitive. To stand out in the applicant pool, law students must be strategic, persistent, and proactive.

1. Utilize Career Services Early

Most law schools provide career services offices that specialize in connecting students with internship opportunities. These offices maintain job boards, coordinate on-campus interviews, and host networking events. Successful students take advantage of these resources early by:

Meeting with career counselors to refine résumés and cover letters.
Attending workshops on interview skills and professional etiquette.
Applying to internship postings as soon as they become available.

Career offices often have insider knowledge about employers’ hiring patterns and preferences, giving proactive students a valuable edge.

2. Target Practice Areas of Interest

Law internships are not one-size-fits-all. Some focus on litigation, others on transactional work, public service, or niche areas like intellectual property or environmental law. Instead of applying randomly, students should:

Reflect on long-term career goals and align internships accordingly.
Research firms, agencies, or nonprofits that specialize in areas of interest.
Seek internships that provide substantive exposure to desired practice areas, rather than purely administrative tasks.

This targeted approach allows law students to build relevant experience that strengthens their career trajectory.

3. Showcase Transferable Skills

Even if you lack direct legal experience, you can still make a strong impression by emphasizing transferable skills. Employers value competencies such as:

Strong research and writing ability.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Professional communication, both written and verbal.
Time management and organizational abilities.

Work experience in business, government, or nonprofit sectors can demonstrate maturity and adaptability, making you a more attractive candidate.

4. Apply Broadly and Strategically

Top internships are competitive, and many students limit themselves to only applying to prestigious firms or government positions. A smarter strategy is to:

Apply broadly across firms of different sizes, courts, and public interest organizations.
Balance “reach” internships with more accessible opportunities.
Consider internships outside of major cities, where competition may be less intense but the experience is just as valuable.

Being flexible with location and employer type greatly increases the odds of securing meaningful experience.

5. Network to Access Hidden Opportunities

Not every internship is advertised online. Some are filled through networking, referrals, or direct outreach. Students can uncover hidden opportunities by:

Connecting with alumni through LinkedIn or law school directories.
Attending bar association events, panels, and career fairs.
Reaching out directly to small firms or nonprofits to ask about opportunities.

Often, smaller organizations are happy to take on interns if students express genuine interest and initiative.

6. Prepare for Competitive Interviews

Once you land an interview, preparation is key. Employers want to see enthusiasm, professionalism, and a clear understanding of their work. Prepare by:

Researching the employer’s recent cases, practice areas, or legal issues.
Practicing answers to common behavioral and legal questions.
Asking insightful questions that show genuine interest in the position.

Confidence, professionalism, and preparation can turn an interview into a job offer.

Landing a competitive law internship requires more than strong grades. Students must leverage career services, target meaningful practice areas, emphasize transferable skills, network proactively, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. With the right strategy, internships become not only a way to gain experience but also a launchpad into long-term legal success.

Winning Fellowships in Law School

While clerkships and internships often focus on building legal skills through structured employment, fellowships offer law students the chance to innovate, advocate, and lead. These programs frequently provide funding, mentorship, and a platform to launch impactful projects in areas like public interest law, social justice, policy reform, or legal research. Because of the prestige and competitive nature of these opportunities, winning a fellowship requires foresight, dedication, and a compelling personal vision.

1. Identify Fellowship Programs Early

The most prestigious fellowships—such as Equal Justice Works, Skadden, Soros Justice, and Fulbright fellowships—have strict eligibility requirements and early deadlines. Law students should start researching during their 1L or 2L year to:

Understand each program’s mission and priorities.
Track deadlines and application cycles.
Assess what experiences, coursework, or volunteer work could strengthen their candidacy.

By identifying fellowship options early, students can align their law school activities and internships to build a competitive profile.

2. Craft a Strong Proposal

Unlike internships or clerkships, many fellowships require applicants to submit a project proposal. This is an opportunity to showcase originality and passion. A winning proposal should:

Address a pressing legal or social issue with measurable goals.
Demonstrate how your background, skills, and experience make you uniquely qualified to lead the project.
Highlight the fellowship’s broader impact on the legal community or underserved populations.

The best proposals balance practical feasibility with visionary thinking, showing that you can deliver tangible results while advancing meaningful change.

3. Secure Faculty and Practitioner Support

Letters of recommendation are crucial for fellowships. Faculty members, supervising attorneys, and mentors can vouch for your legal acumen, leadership, and commitment to service. To maximize support:

Build strong relationships with professors by excelling in class and engaging in research projects.
Seek feedback from supervisors during internships or externships to demonstrate growth.
Ask recommenders well in advance so they can write detailed, personalized letters.

Endorsements from respected professionals can significantly strengthen your application.

4. Highlight Commitment to Public Service

Most legal fellowships, particularly in public interest law, seek candidates who are deeply committed to justice, equality, and community impact. To demonstrate this:

Volunteer with nonprofits, pro bono initiatives, or advocacy groups during law school.
Join student organizations aligned with social justice or policy reform.
Highlight experiences where you made a measurable difference, whether through client advocacy, community outreach, or policy research.

Authenticity matters. Fellowship committees can easily distinguish between applicants who are genuinely passionate and those applying solely for prestige.

5. Prepare for Rigorous Selection Processes

Some fellowships involve multi-stage evaluations, including essays, interviews, and presentations. Preparation is key:

Practice articulating your vision clearly and persuasively.
Anticipate questions about feasibility, funding, and sustainability of your project.
Be ready to discuss how the fellowship aligns with your long-term career goals.

Confidence, clarity, and passion will set you apart from other highly qualified applicants.

Winning a law school fellowship is not just about academic excellence—it’s about demonstrating vision, leadership, and a sustained commitment to public service. By starting early, crafting a compelling proposal, securing strong support, and showcasing genuine passion, law students can earn fellowships that not only advance their careers but also create meaningful impact in the legal field.

Maximizing the Experience

Securing a clerkship, internship, or fellowship is a major achievement, but the true value lies in how well you leverage the opportunity once you’re there. Many law students make the mistake of treating these roles as résumé fillers rather than transformative experiences. To stand out and gain long-term benefits, it’s essential to approach every assignment, interaction, and project with strategy and purpose.

1. Network Intentionally

Clerkships, internships, and fellowships place you in direct contact with attorneys, judges, professors, and legal professionals who can shape your career. Instead of waiting passively, take initiative to:

Ask questions and seek advice from mentors.
Attend networking events, CLEs (Continuing Legal Education), and firm or court functions.
Stay in touch with supervisors and colleagues even after the position ends.

These relationships often turn into letters of recommendation, job referrals, or long-term mentorships that can accelerate your career path.

2. Seek Feedback and Show Growth

Legal employers value students who are open to constructive criticism and actively improve their work. To demonstrate growth:

Request feedback on legal writing, research, or client interactions.
Apply suggestions immediately to show responsiveness.
Thank supervisors for guidance and acknowledge how their feedback strengthened your skills.

By showing you can learn quickly and adapt, you’ll leave a lasting impression.

3. Document Your Achievements

During your clerkship, internship, or fellowship, you will contribute to briefs, memos, hearings, or community projects. Keep a detailed record of your work (while respecting confidentiality rules) so you can:

Build a portfolio of writing samples for future applications.
Update your résumé with concrete examples of accomplishments.
Highlight quantifiable impact (e.g., “assisted in drafting a motion that contributed to a favorable ruling”).

Documenting your achievements ensures you don’t forget valuable details when applying for future roles.

4. Demonstrate Professionalism at All Times

Clerkships, internships, and fellowships are not only about skills—they’re also about reputation. Every interaction with judges, attorneys, or clients shapes how you are perceived. To project professionalism:

Be punctual, reliable, and respectful in all settings.
Dress appropriately for the environment (court, firm, or nonprofit).
Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards without exception.

A strong professional reputation can open doors to future clerkships, job offers, and networking opportunities.

5. Reflect on Career Fit

These experiences are also opportunities to explore whether a particular practice area or work environment suits your long-term goals. Ask yourself:

Do I thrive in litigation, policy, or transactional work?
Am I drawn more to public interest or private practice?
What aspects of this role energized me—and which drained me?

By reflecting honestly, you’ll gain clarity on where to direct your efforts after law school.

Maximizing the value of a clerkship, internship, or fellowship requires intentional networking, continuous learning, careful documentation, and self-reflection. When approached strategically, these opportunities do more than build your résumé—they shape your skills, expand your network, and guide you toward a fulfilling legal career.