Judicial Clerkships
A Solid Foundation for your Judicial Career
Creighton equips students with the skills and support necessary to pursue competitive judicial clerkships, giving them unparalleled insight into the judicial process. As a judicial clerk, you’ll work closely with judges, gaining hands-on experience that bridges the gap between law school and legal practice.
Tailored Support in Securing Clerkships
Creighton’s Career Development Office (CDO) offers personalized guidance to help students secure clerkship positions. From application preparation to networking opportunities, the CDO is with you every step of the way. We connect students with judges and former clerks through panels, workshops and events, providing insider perspectives on the application process and day-to-day responsibilities of clerking. Additionally, we offer in-depth application reviews to ensure your materials stand out.
Clerkships That Open Doors
Creighton students have secured clerkships at every level, from state district courts to federal appellate courts, including placements at the U.S. Supreme Court. These clerkships provide more than just practical experience—they open doors to future career opportunities. Clerking builds your resume, fosters professional relationships with judges and attorneys and helps you establish a strong network within the legal community. These experiences position you for success in a wide range of legal careers.
Students can gain access to the Online System for Clerkship Application and Review (OSCAR), which is the site that they use to apply for federal clerkships, in February of their 2L year. Typically, applications for post-grad federal opportunities are due during their 2L year. State Supreme Courts and Appellate Courts usually accept applications during spring or summer semester of your 2L year.
Gain Real-World Experience
Judicial clerkships provide invaluable exposure to both substantive and procedural law. Whether serving at the trial or appellate court level, clerks develop their legal research, writing and analytical skills in a fast-paced, real-world setting. Trial court clerks are often deeply involved in the litigation process, drafting briefs, managing correspondence and interacting with attorneys and witnesses.
Appellate court clerks, meanwhile, focus on reviewing case records, conducting extensive legal research, and drafting memoranda and opinions. At all levels, clerks play an integral role in the court's decision-making process.
While judicial clerkships are highly competitive, Creighton’s emphasis on practical learning and strong faculty support helps students rise to the challenge. Each year, a select group of our graduates go on to clerkships across various court levels, leveraging the skills, connections, and confidence they developed at Creighton.
Contact Us
Career Development Office
cdo@creighton.edu
402.280.3094
