Judicial Writing: Preparing for a Judicial Clerkship (4381)

This course focuses on developing the writing abilities of prospective judicial law clerks. The class and its assignments span the life of a case, from reviewing the record and legal briefs; to researching and writing a bench memorandum; to drafting, revising, and cite-checking an opinion. The focus is on both style and substance of judicial writing, as compared to legal writing of advocates. The course also features weekly guest speakers (both former clerks and current judges), creating opportunities for prospective clerks to learn the style of the judges and courts that they will serve as well as appreciate the value of a clerkship to their careers as practicing attorneys. Students are not required
to have secured a judicial clerkship to participate in the class, but preference will be given to 3L/4L students who have secured a clerkship following graduation.