After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law with his J.D., Steven Guynn completed a clerkship with the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. As Steven Guynn explains, many law school graduates begin their careers as clerks at the federal or state level, in either trial or appellate courts. Clerkships afford law school graduates the opportunity to gain extensive experience in a field of law related to their career ambitions. State clerkships can familiarize individuals with the laws of the state in which they plan to practice, and there are also specialty clerkships within the fields of criminal, family, and bankruptcy law.
Clerks learn how to write and research in a professional legal setting under the auspices of a respected judge while acquiring a deep understanding of trial or appellate procedure. In addition, clerks benefit from opportunities for networking with various lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. While in law school, students interested in clerkships should regularly contact their career services office, as many schools maintain connections with certain judges.
Clerks learn how to write and research in a professional legal setting under the auspices of a respected judge while acquiring a deep understanding of trial or appellate procedure. In addition, clerks benefit from opportunities for networking with various lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. While in law school, students interested in clerkships should regularly contact their career services office, as many schools maintain connections with certain judges.