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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.

“Syracuse Law students have been a great source for me for hiring clerks, and I’ve had terrific experiences with them,” says Scullin. “Any federal district court judge would tell you that law clerks are the essence of your decision making. They pull things together and provide accurate and thorough information. It’s important to have term law clerks, and I’m proud to take them from my alma mater. I think we have an obligation to do that.”

Aaron feels much the same, explaining, “I enjoyed my time at Syracuse Law and feel a connection to the school and its students. Those from Syracuse have a grounding in how things work in not just the theoretical but the practical, which is very important to me as a magistrate judge.”

Another judge who is happy to “hire Orange” is Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93, a New Jersey Superior Court judge.

“I was exceptionally prepared to enter the practice of law, as the professors, moot court and clinical experiences were top notch. When I became a superior court judge and needed a law clerk, Syracuse was my first and only call,” says Thompson. “While clerking may present what initially appears to be a financial sacrifice, most law clerks actually do better over the long term in terms of preparation and financial stability. After a successful clerkship and a good recommendation from their judges, many law clerks will be rewarded by law firms and government agencies with higher starting salaries.  Syracuse was very good to me in the form of an excellent legal education, made possible by scholarships, and I feel duty bound to pay it forward.”

Clerks at Work

Syracuse Law graduates have clerked across the country and share their perspectives on why the experience was transformative:

“I decided to pursue a clerkship because I thought it would be a strong foundation for the start of my legal career. As legal research, analysis and writing in general are critical to the practice of law, a clerkship is ideal in solidifying concepts taught in law school by providing real life experience. Every day, I am exposed to various areas of the law, and I have the opportunity to work with experienced clerks who provide invaluable insight and guidance on how to improve. The skills and knowledge I have acquired so far will be transferable to any practice area of law I decide to pursue.”

–Nate Linton L’24

Currently clerking as a court attorney for the New York Court of Appeals Central Legal Research Staff

“I was drawn to clerking, particularly for a federal judge, given my interest in constitutional law and love of legal writing. I also knew that a clerkship would allow me to engage with complex legal issues early on in my career. During my clerkship I gained a unique perspective on how judges approach decision making, which has helped me improve my persuasive writing and influences how I present my arguments to a court.”

–Emily Pascale L’23

Clerked for the Hon. William Q. Hayes ‘79, G’83, L’83, United States District judge for the Southern District of California; currently a practicing attorney in healthcare and professional liability defense at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani in Raleigh, North Carolina

“Clerking was a great chance to work under a judge and learn more about the court environment behind the scenes. When you work for a judge, your writing and research both improve because of the level of specificity that is required. Also, working with court staff teaches you all the ins-and-outs, and the various deadlines help with time management and triaging.”

–Zebedayo Masongo L’22

Clerked for the Hon. Rodney Thompson G’93, L’93, New Jersey Superior Court judge; currently deputy attorney general, New Jersey Attorney General’s Office

“I love to research and write, so a clerkship seemed like the ideal placement to keep practicing those skills. It was a personal challenge, and I wanted to show myself that I could do it, despite a background in a civil law system. I have only positives to report, and I have learned so much, both about the American legal system in practice and this state (Vermont) in general. Thanks to the clerkship, I’ve become familiar with all the areas of law, including those I did not study in my LL.M. program, and thus it has prepared me for practicing law here. The judges are willing to guide you forward and also provide recommendations, and, I know that a clerkship can open doors further down the road.”

–Lotta Lampela L’23, (LL.M.)

Currently clerking for three judges and covering all dockets for the Vermont Superior Court