A strong resume is key for aspiring judicial clerks aiming to impress hiring judges.
This judicial clerkship resume sample provides a blueprint for law students and recent graduates to organize their qualifications, highlight their relevant experiences, and demonstrate their commitment to the legal field.
AdvertisementBy following this guide, you can create a tailored resume that stands out in a competitive market, showcasing the best of your legal education and advocacy skills.
Judicial Clerkship Resume Sample
John Doe
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
(555) 123-4567
[email protected]
linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Objective
Dedicated and detail-oriented law graduate seeking a judicial clerkship to contribute strong legal research and writing skills, along with a commitment to excellence and a passion for the judicial process.
Education
Columbia Law School — New York, NY
Juris Doctor
May 2025
- Graduated with Honors
- Relevant Coursework: Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, Legal Writing, Criminal Law, Administrative Law
University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
May 2022
- Graduated with Distinction
- Dean’s List 2020-2022
- Relevant Coursework: American Government, Comparative Politics, Legal Theory
Experience
Legal Intern
Smith & Associates Law Firm — New York, NY
June 2024 – August 2024
- Assisted in legal research and drafting pleadings for civil litigation cases involving business disputes.
- Conducted client interviews and prepared case summaries for review by senior attorneys.
- Collaborated with a team to prepare for trial, including organizing evidence and witness statements.
Research Assistant
Professor Jane Smith, Columbia Law School — New York, NY
September 2023 – May 2024
- Conducted comprehensive legal research on constitutional law regarding freedom of speech.
- Analyzed case law and contributed to the drafting of a publication on the First Amendment.
- Assisted in managing and organizing case files and materials for lectures.
Judicial Extern
Honorable Mary Johnson, New York State Supreme Court — New York, NY
January 2025 – April 2025
- Supported the judge in case reviews by drafting bench memos and summarizing case law.
- Observed court proceedings, gaining insight into the judicial decision-making process.
- Interacted with court personnel, attorneys, and litigants, enhancing professional communication skills.
Skills
- Legal Research & Writing: Proficient in Westlaw and LexisNexis; strong written communication skills honed through extensive coursework and practical experience.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex legal issues and develop sound arguments based on facts and applicable law.
- Time Management: Experienced in managing multiple priorities and deadlines in fast-paced environments.
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent at building rapport with clients, colleagues, and judicial personnel.
Leadership & Activities
Columbia Law Review
Editor
August 2023 – May 2025
- Edited articles on contemporary legal issues for publication and contributed to the review process.
Moot Court Competition
Participant
September 2024 – April 2025
- Competed in a national moot court competition, developing oral advocacy skills and presenting case arguments.
Legal Aid Volunteer
Volunteer
June 2023 – August 2023
- Provided pro bono legal assistance to low-income clients in landlord-tenant disputes.
References
Available upon request.
FAQs: Judicial Clerkship Resume
What is a judicial clerkship resume?
A judicial clerkship resume is a specialized document that highlights a law graduate’s qualifications and experiences relevant to applying for a judicial clerkship position. It typically emphasizes legal education, research and writing skills, internships, and relevant experiences.
How should I format my judicial clerkship resume?
Your resume should be clear and professional. Use headings and bullet points for easy readability. Maintain consistent formatting throughout, such as font size and style, and ensure that your sections are logically organized.
What sections should be included in a judicial clerkship resume?
Key sections to include are:
- Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile.
- Objective: A brief statement about your goals and what you hope to achieve in the clerkship.
- Education: Information about your law degree and undergraduate education, including honors and relevant coursework.
- Experience: Details of internships, externships, or other work experiences pertinent to legal practice.
- Skills: A list of relevant skills, such as legal research, writing, analytical thinking, and time management.
- Leadership & Activities: Involvement in law school organizations, competitions, or volunteer work.
- References: Optional section that states references are available upon request.
How long should a judicial clerkship resume be?
A judicial clerkship resume should typically be one page long, especially for recent law graduates. It is important to highlight only the most relevant experiences and skills to keep it concise.
What should I include in the objective statement?
The objective statement should briefly convey your career goals and express your desire for a judicial clerkship. It should also highlight your key skills or experiences that make you a suitable candidate for the position.
How important is legal writing experience in a judicial clerkship resume?
Legal writing experience is highly important for a judicial clerkship resume. It demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, analyze legal issues, and perform the type of research and writing that will be required in a clerkship role.
Should I tailor my resume for each judicial clerkship application?
Yes, you should tailor your resume for each application. Customize your objective statement and highlight experiences that align closely with the specific court or judge you are applying to, ensuring your qualifications meet their expectations.
Can I include non-legal work experience on my judicial clerkship resume?
While the focus should be on legal experience, relevant non-legal work can be included if it demonstrates transferable skills such as research, writing, communication, or leadership abilities. Make sure it’s clearly linked to the skills needed for the judicial clerkship.
What is the best way to list my skills on the resume?
List your skills in a concise bullet-point format, ideally under a dedicated “Skills” section. Focus on both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the role, such as proficiency in legal research databases, analytical skills, and interpersonal communication.