Clerkship Interviews: Questions, Writing Tests and Offer Etiquette
Short answer: Clerkship interviews often move fast. For plan-covered students, judges can call the day after the application date and interview and make offers the day after that (OSCAR hiring plan). Judges on the plan keep offers open at least 24 hours (OSCAR hiring plan), may interview by video (OSCAR Best Practices), and some ask finalists to complete a writing exercise (D. Colo. vacancy).
What to expect
- A conversation with the judge, often preceded or followed by time with current clerks.
- Questions about your writing sample, resume entries, and why this court.
- Occasionally a legal question, a recent case discussion, or a timed writing test.
- A short decision window if an offer is made on the spot.
- Re-read your writing sample and be ready to defend it and discuss the other side.
- Research the judge's recent opinions, background, and where former clerks went. Ask your school's clerkship office and alumni.
- Prepare a two-minute answer to "Why this court?" tied to your career plan.
- Prepare three questions for the judge and three for the clerks.
- Plan logistics for in-person travel and a test video setup.
- How do you divide work among clerks?
- How do you like bench memos or draft opinions structured?
- What do your clerks do after the clerkship?
- What is your schedule for hiring decisions?
Writing tests
Some courts say so in the posting. D. Colorado told finalists to expect a writing exercise (D. Colo. vacancy). Practice drafting a short bench memo in 2 to 3 hours. Discussion: Writing Test During Clerkship Interview Process.
Offer etiquette
- You may accept on the spot, but you need not accept the first offer. The Best Practices encourage judges to give reasonable time (OSCAR Best Practices).
- Plan judges keep offers open at least 24 hours, and you may keep interviewing during that time (OSCAR hiring plan).
- Once you accept, withdraw other pending applications and cancel remaining interviews the same day.
- Never accept and later renege; judges talk to each other.
- Clerkship Interview - What to expect?
- Just landed an interview with a district judge. Any advice?
- Unexpected or Strange Interview Questions
- Sending a Judge an email? (emailing chambers)
- Gift Ideas for Judges / Co-Clerks (gifts and thank-you etiquette)
Q: How soon after applying will judges call?
For plan-covered students, not before 12:00 p.m. EDT the day after the application date (OSCAR hiring plan).
Q: Can I ask for time to decide?
Yes. Plan judges keep offers open at least 24 hours (OSCAR hiring plan).
Q: Are video interviews common?
They are permitted, and the Best Practices encourage them when feasible (OSCAR Best Practices).
Related guides
- Application materials
- OSCAR and the hiring plan
- Post-clerkship jobs and bonuses
- Clerkship Directory home
