While many students who graduate from the Syracuse University College of Law are hired straight into law firms, corporations, government agencies and nonprofits, some choose another route: one or two-year clerkships for state or federal judges. These prestigious roles offer invaluable insight into the innerworkings of courtroom operations and legal decision making and give budding attorneys the opportunity to develop their research and writing skills while working closely with judges.
“There is no better way to understand the legal profession than by securing a clerkship — from learning how decisions are made to seeing how a good lawyer should conduct him or herself in the courtroom,” says Hon. Frederick J. Scullin, Jr., L’64, senior U.S. District Court judge. “And, of course, you’ll be honing your skills in writing, which is key to the practice of law in federal courts.”
Hon. Stewart Aaron L’82, U.S. magistrate judge, Southern District of New York, adds, “Clerks get invaluable experience in how the process works on the court side and how judges go about analyzing cases, managing caseloads and making decisions. Learning how judges think and the practical things they need are invaluable.”
The Pathway to Clerkships
Clerkships offer recent graduates a unique opportunity to work closely with judges who provide mentorship, guidance and insight into the judicial process. At Syracuse Law, the Faculty Clerkship Committee, led by Associate Teaching Professors Laurie Hobart G’16 and Richard Wallach L’06, supports students throughout the highly competitive application process. With clerkships often secured by top-performing graduates, the committee helps students plan and position themselves for success in securing these prestigious roles.
Students typically apply for clerkships in the late spring and summer before their final year of law school. Those in the Class of 2026, for example, who are interested in a clerkship are in the midst of doing so now, according to Dafni Kiritsis L’97, director of externships and career services.
“We hope students will start thinking about clerking opportunities early on, and we are here to help them plan ahead as to what classes to take or the importance of being involved in something like Law Review or another law journal in order to make them stronger candidates,” Kiritsis explains. “Even if you don’t plan to be a litigator, it’s the experience that matters — the chance to work closely with extraordinary legal minds, perfect your writing and research skills, better understand how case law is drafted, and make and forge invaluable professional relationships. It’s some of the best legal training that you can get, and, if you succeed, will greatly benefit your career prospects.”
The Syracuse Advantage: Tapping into the Orange Law Network
Thanks to the strength of the Orange law network, many Syracuse Law graduates have been securing clerkships with judges who also call the College of Law their alma mater. It is a testament to both the alumni loyalty and the caliber of the recent graduates.
