Empowering the next generation of law clerks

Although judicial clerkships are a critical stepping stone to appellate work, the clerkship process can feel opaque and inaccessible for students who lack established networks or mentors to guide them.

That's why we created the Clerkship Handbook - a resource designed to demystify the process and make clerkship opportunities more accessible to all law students. By expanding access to this tool, we are building a stronger, more representative legal system for all of us.

What is the TAP Clerkship Handbook?

In the 51 pages of the Clerkship Handbook PDF, you’ll find information including:

✔ An overview of what to expect when clerking, what clerking entails, the benefits and potential challenges, and why it’s important that clerkships reflect the diversity of our communities.

✔ A guide to clerkship opportunities in state and federal courts, with insights into how the application process differs by court.

✔ Step-by-step advice on crafting a strong clerkship application, including tips on writing cover letters, identifying recommenders, and selecting the best writing samples. 

✔ Practical advice on preparing for clerkship interviews, responding to offers, and succeeding as a clerk.

✔ Insights from judges and recent clerks on what they look for and how to navigate the process.

✔ A glossary of clerkship-related terms to help you feel confident every step of the way.

We hope the handbook will empower more students, particularly those most underrepresented, to pursue clerkships. Our judicial system will be better with you in it!

What are the benefits of clerking?

Clerking is a valuable experience for future appellate advocates. Clerks develop their legal research and writing skills, gain insight into judicial decision-making, and tackle a wide range of legal issues. Judges also benefit from a diverse chambers as they seek their clerks’ perspectives on the complex legal issues before them.

3 Benefits of Clerking

✔ Exposure to a wide range of legal issues

✔ Stronger legal research and writing skills

✔ Better insights into judicial decision-making

Why does this matter?

Although over 30% of law students identify as people of color, law clerks of color remain consistently underrepresented in chambers. Too often, law students of color are discouraged from pursuing clerkships. Many are told to not even bother applying, or self-select out after not seeing people that look like them in these spaces. And too many students simply do not even know about clerkships or their value. Our goal is to change that.

Thank you to our contributors

This handbook would not be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers and the law clerks, attorneys, and judges who generously shared their insights and experiences. Thank you for helping us open doors for the next generation of judicial clerks.