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Too late to start applying?
Posted: Sun Jul 12, 2026 8:27 pm
by Anonymous User
I am a rising 2L applying primarily to FedSoc judges, missed the FedSoc rush of the spring/early summer, now worried I'll be locked out of everything (even 2029, though I'm hoping this fear is more unfounded). I basically just started applying. I am within the top 2% at my T14 (high 3.9s). Any advice/suggestions would be much appreciated--feeling a bit in the dark here.
Re: Too late to start applying?
Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:30 am
by Anonymous User
You'll be fine. Your school, GPA, and rank will make you competitive for nearly any judge, and you're only a 2L and have plenty of time. But there are two things you need to do in the meantime.
First, keep an eye on OSCAR because judges routinely hire off-plan sporadically throughout the year (You may not be able to create an OSCAR account yet, but most law schools have a dumby account so you can review applications). And also check on the US judiciary jobs website--sometimes a judge will post on there rather than on OSCAR.
Second, and more importantly, network. Fedsoc judges, professors, and lawyers are a close network. Speak to your professor that you trust on wanting to clerk and ask if he or she can help you. If they're a good professor, they'll let you know whether someone is hiring and what candidates that judge looks for.
I know you'll find a clerkship. I found mine off-plan and it all worked out in the end.
Re: Too late to start applying?
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2026 7:01 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote: ↑Mon Jul 13, 2026 10:30 am
You'll be fine. Your school, GPA, and rank will make you competitive for nearly any judge, and you're only a 2L and have plenty of time. But there are two things you need to do in the meantime.
First, keep an eye on OSCAR because judges routinely hire off-plan sporadically throughout the year (You may not be able to create an OSCAR account yet, but most law schools have a dumby account so you can review applications). And also check on the US judiciary jobs website--sometimes a judge will post on there rather than on OSCAR.
Second, and more importantly, network. Fedsoc judges, professors, and lawyers are a close network. Speak to your professor that you trust on wanting to clerk and ask if he or she can help you. If they're a good professor, they'll let you know whether someone is hiring and what candidates that judge looks for.
I know you'll find a clerkship. I found mine off-plan and it all worked out in the end.
Thank you! This is extremely helpful.