OCS

By addressing grades, we do not mean to suggest they are the “be-all-end-all” factor that determines success. We know some applicants with mediocre grades who…

One of Harvard Law School’s greatest assets is its faculty, and one of the best ways to engage in the law school experience is by…

Transfer students face some unique benefits and challenges in the clerkship landscape. On the plus side, you must have had strong 1L grades and recommendations…

International students and alumni without U.S. citizenship have various clerkship options. First, it is helpful to understand the main restriction. Noncitizens are prohibited from being paid as federal employees…

Most clerkships have terms of one or two years, corresponding roughly to academic years (i.e., starting in August or September). With that regular turnover comes…

Advice Positioning Yourself for Clerkship Applications   Developing Faculty Recommendations   Why Clerk and Common Misconceptions   Considering Clerkships as a…

While the rest of the OCS clerkship website is geared to applicants, this page is provided for the reference of HLS faculty and assistants. Faculty who…

If you think you may be interested in a judicial internship, please consult all of the materials on this website about Judicial Clerkships for reference.

Recent Numbers In recent years, we have had approximately 250+ judicial clerks each year. Total Clerkships: 2019-2023* As of 12/9/2024 Court 2019 2020 2021 2022…

In recent years, HLS students and graduates have secured approximately 250+ clerkships annually.  Interested in joining these ranks?  The steps below – together with the…

The application process for Supreme Court clerkships is no more streamlined than the application process for other types of clerkships. While some general guidelines apply…

Program Name Date Notes Program Name Date Notes…

Materials Resume for Clerkships   Cover Letters for Clerkships   Transcripts for Clerkships   Writing Sample for Clerkships   Review…

Advice Clerkship Reporting, Evaluations, and Notifications Preparing for Clerkship Interviews   Strategy for Scheduling Clerkship Interview   Thank You Notes to…

You will be gathering important information in your first year, such as: The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to navigate the challenges…

Understanding what you are being evaluated on is an important part of knowing how to do well. Your evaluation goes beyond doing good work; how…

Reminder that OCS will be open all summer and advisers are available to answer any of your career-related questions, concerns on the job, or anything…

Law Firm Structure Law firms in the United States are typically organized as partnerships. These partnerships employ administrative support staff and attorneys. The attorneys within…

Managing the Unexpected  Some firms will provide you with structured tools to help you succeed, such as training programs and mentors. Other firms are less…

Not all employers allow split summers, while others may allow splits with certain limitations. Firms are typically more amenable to splits with employers that are…

What is a Post Offer or Second Look Visit? A post-offer or “second look” visit is an opportunity to meet with more attorneys and allows…