| COURT |
HIRING CRITERIA |
CAREER GOALS |
SALARY |
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Appeals Courts |
These clerkships are very prestigious and generally difficult to obtain. |
Naturally, these clerkships are extremely impressive and will probably open almost any door. They are often considered an informal "prerequisite" for law teaching jobs. |
Standard Federal
GS-11 or
GS-12,
roughly $42,000 |
| U.S. District Courts |
Fairly prestigious. Good grades and journal experience are usually required but the requirements vary from judge to judge. |
These trial court clerkships are invaluable for litigation training. Many of the district judges have excellent reputations, and can be a boost to your career if you are interested in litigating. Certain District Court clerkships are very prestigious, but if your primary motivation is teaching, a federal district court clerkship on your resume may not be enough to distinguish you. |
Standard Federal
GS-11 or GS-12,
roughly $42,000 |
| U.S. Bankruptcy Courts |
Same as U.S. District Courts, however, an application which shows a strong interest in bankruptcy will give you an edge. |
An excellent place to gain the expertise and create the networking contacts needed to pursue a career in bankruptcy. If you are interested in practicing in a completely unrelated area, you may have to work hard to overcome your reputation as a "bankruptcy attorney." |
Standard Federal
GS-11 or GS-12,
roughly $42,000 |
| Federal Courts with specialized subject matter jurisdiction (E.g., Tax courts) |
Same as U.S. District Courts, however, an application which shows a strong interest in the subject matter will give you an edge. |
As with the Bankruptcy Courts, you will gain experience in a specialized area. |
Standard Federal
GS-11 or GS-12,
roughly $42,000 |
| State Supreme Court |
These clerkships are very prestigious and very competitive. |
They may be helpful in obtaining a future teaching position. Excellent opportunity to develop research and writing skills and to associate with well-respected judges. |
Can run the range, depending on the state but probably in the mid $30,000 to low $40,000 range. Some pay as high as the Federal Courts. |
| State Appellate Court |
One positive element of state appellate clerkships is that they are not usually as competitive as some of the other types of clerkships. |
Provide an excellent opportunity to develop research and writing skills and to associate with well-respected judges. |
Depends on the state, but probably the mid $30,000 to low $40,000 range. |
| State District/Superior Courts/Trial Courts |
All over the map. Often depends on who you know. |
Excellent hands-on training, particularly if you are interested in litigation. Trial courts have a different feel than appellate courts: faster pace, less formal, less emphasis on writing style, more contact with the public and local practitioners. |
Depends upon the state. Some are as high as $50,000, while others are in the low 30,000. Probably somewhere between mid $30,000 and mid $40,000 range. |
