Prime Highlight

• Judicial clerkships are becoming one of the most popular career paths for law graduates, with 10.4% of the Class of 2023 entering these roles.
• Clerkships provide prestige, hands-on courtroom experience, and powerful career opportunities in both private practice and public service.

Key Facts

• Federal clerkships are highly competitive, offering salaries above $75,000 and leading to opportunities in BigLaw and academia, while state/local clerkships pay between $52,000 and $65,000.
• Employers in both private firms and public service value clerkship experience, with many law firms offering clerkship bonuses and government employers preferring candidates with courtroom exposure.

Background

According to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP), judicial clerkships are increasingly becoming more popular with new law graduates. The most recent data indicate that 10.4 percent of Class of 2023 respondents entered clerkships, the third most popular trajectory by far after private practice and other government positions.

Federal clerkships are believed to have the strongest competition, with a salary of more than 75,000 dollars, enabling the acquisition of positions in prestigious firms and academic institutions. The more prevalent state and local clerkships have a median pay of between $52,000 and $65,000.

Jennifer Pollard, director of judicial clerkships at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, said that clerkships offer experience, specialized trainers and a prestigious resume. Clerks develop research and writing skills, see how courts operate and, in many cases, receive close guidance, as judges provide them with introductions to networks and future jobs.

Clerkships also are valuable to a career in the public service. Government and public interest employers have also indicated a preference of high-level clerkship experience because such applicants require less training and have gained invaluable experience in the courtroom. Judicial clerkships also allow graduates to be eligible to participate in federal honors programs.

Federal clerkships are especially prized by BigLaw employers, many of whom provide clerkship bonuses and consider clerks for entry-level positions, even outside traditional hiring models.

Experts advise students to prepare early. Strong research and writing abilities, journal participation, Moot Court experience, and faculty recommendations are critical factors for success. Timing also matters, as state clerkships typically open in a student’s second year, while federal judges follow specific hiring plans.

Lois Casaleggi of the University of Chicago Law School noted that clerking is among the most formative experiences for young lawyers. It gives a first-hand glimpse of the courts, enhances advocacy skills, and makes one more confident.

Given the salary, status, and even career opportunities, judicial clerkships are becoming one of the most coveted pathways to the careers of aspiring lawyers.

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