Judicial Writing

Note: This course is reserved for 3L students with priority for students with clerkships.

This course focuses on developing the writing abilities and practical knowledge of prospective judicial law clerks.  The class will center around three writing assignments, typically between 10 and 15 pages in length, including a bench memo, a trial court order, and appellate opinions.  Most of the reading for the class will consist of materials relating to these writing assignments, including attorneys’ briefing, relevant portions of the record, and key precedents.  Class will also provide students with practical information about how to be an effective law clerk, drawing on guest talks from local federal and state judges and law clerks.  Topics will include how to rely on the case record, the centrality of the standard of review, and how to write effectively from a judicial point of view.

Clerkship Pipeline Program: Students in the Clerkship Pipeline Program are required to take this course and thus will be automatically enrolled in the seminar.  

For students not in the Pipeline Program there are two pathways to be considered for enrollment in the class. Both require students to add themselves to the class waitlist during the Open Enrollment/Waitlist period. Enrollment will be determined by the student's position on the waitlist and whether they have secured a clerkship.  

• 3Ls With a Clerkship: 3Ls with clerkships, but not in the Pipeline Program, will receive priority for registration before students who have not yet secured a clerkship. Students should 1) add themselves to the waitlist during the Open Enrollment/Waitlist period, and 2) submit this google form prior to the Open Enrollment/Waitlist period. 

• 3Ls Without a Clerkship: Those 3Ls who do not have a clerkship but are interested in the class should 1) add themselves to the waitlist during the Open Enrollment/Waitlist period, and 2) submit the google form to express interest. If seats are available, 3L students who have expressed interest may have an opportunity to enroll a few weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.