Appellate 101: Demystifying Federal District Court Clerkships
For aspiring appellate lawyers, there are many opportunities that can help build a path to becoming an advocate. One path is pursuing a federal district court clerkship. Clerkships are highly valued by appellate employers, yet many law students and early-career practitioners are unclear about what they entail and the benefits they offer.
This resource offers a closer look at the role of district court clerks and how these positions can support your long-term goals. Including an overview of the day-to-day work of clerks, a breakdown on the skills you can develop, and insider tips on what judges look for in applicants, this guide highlights how district court clerkships can serve as a valuable foundation for a career in appellate law.
Contributor Section
Brandi M. Lupo
Brandi M. Lupo is a Thomas C. Grey Fellow and Lecturer in Law at Stanford Law School, where she studies litigation culture and institutional legitimacy. Before joining Stanford Law, she practiced as a litigation associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and clerked for federal judges at both the district court and appellate levels. Earlier in her career, she worked in civil rights enforcement and local government. As a first-generation college graduate, Brandi knows the challenges of forging new paths and is dedicated to lifting up others.
