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If you’ve ever asked an individual outside the legal field for their impression of what happens in court, you may have been met with a description of an unruly courtroom, a divided jury, or a charismatic prosecutor – the Hollywood version of the legal system. We’re here to give you the real scoop: clerking is nothing like an episode of your favorite legal drama. In this episode, three former judicial clerks share their experiences to answer key questions, such as: What is a clerkship? What role do judicial clerks play in chambers? Why do firms generally value clerkship experience?

We all know that law school is expensive, so why would someone decide to postpone the financial security of private practice for a judicial clerkship? For starters, judicial clerkships offer the opportunity to build a lifelong personal and professional network that remains long after you leave chambers. Not to mention the writing experience and insight into the inner workings of the court, which will benefit your legal career. Join three former judicial clerks and one associate on their way to clerk, for a deeper dive into why law students and lawyers should consider applying for a clerkship, and how to position yourself for success in the process

Does the idea of submitting clerkship applications and interviewing in chambers give you cold sweats? It shouldn’t! Listen to the Firm’s Co-Hiring Partner and three of our associates discuss their perspective on the process – do’s, don’ts, and everything in between. We promise you’ll feel better after this episode

Can clerking inform your practice even if you’re not a litigator? You bet it can! Can you join a firm, practice as an associate for a period of time, and then decide to clerk? Sure thing! This episode focuses on the experiences of two partners and two associates, all of whom took different paths to (and from) chambers.

Hear Peter Harvey, Co-Chair of Patterson Belknap’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and past Attorney General of the State of New Jersey and Independent Monitor of the Newark PD, provide a brief introduction to the podcast.