While many judges are abiding by the rules of the new court plan, there are a few that have already begun the interview process. If you are interested in a clerkship (and you should be!), don’t wait to start sending out paper applications or to update any paper applications that you have already sent. For updates to a previous application, please make sure you are also including your writing sample, resume, and transcripts from the first packet.
Here is a sample of what an updated clerkship cover letter may include. This way, if chambers no longer has your first packet, they will have all of the materials they need. You should also be uploading all of your materials into OSCAR.
For letters of recommendation, please make sure that you are sending an email to jcrecommendations@wulaw.wustl.edu after you have sent off your paper applications. You do not have to include the judges you are applying to via OSCAR in the spreadsheet you send to JCREC. Aside from your attached spreadsheet, the email should include:
Subject: Clerkship Letters of Recommendation
Hello,
I am a year in school, I will graduate in XXXX I have submitted paper applications for the judges listed in the attached excel spread sheet. (Please attach spreadsheet for the judges to which you have applied). I have spoken to Professor 1, Professor 2, and Professor 3 who have all agreed to be my references. I have sent them a follow up email letting them know that I have sent out applications. Could you please forward their letters of rec. Additionally, can you please upload the letters of rec to OSCAR.
Best,
Student Name
After you send this email to JCREC, you should also update your recommenders that you have sent out your applications (and again thank them for agreeing to serve as your recommender). That will let them know that you have gotten the ball rolling.
Some tips:
- If you are selected for an interview, please make sure that you reach out to tell jcrecommendations@wulaw.wustl.edu as well as Mahrya mfulferpage@wustl.edu . JCREC can make sure that your letters of rec have been sent. Mahrya can help you prepare for your interview.
- If your recommender is an adjunct member of the faculty or someone outside of WashULaw, that is fine! Ask your recommender to send a word letter of recommendation to: jcrecommendations@wulaw.wustl.edu. In the email they should give permission for JCREC to utilize the document for a mail merge thus inserting the proper addresses and salutations. JCREC will take care of uploading it into Oscar as well.
- Always update Mahrya and your recommenders about any clerkship interviews and/or offers. We have a lot of alums and connections that could help you prepare!
- If your recommender has told you that they updated the letter of rec or if you have new letters, send an email to jcrecommendations@wulaw.wustl.edu letting them know that you have a new letter and that you want it sent to the attached spread sheet. And then attach the spreadsheet you want them to use.