Feature Article
no longer wish to practice a certain type of law or develop an
interest in practice areas they have not considered before.
Develop Beneficial Relationships with Judges, Lawyers
and Other Legal Professionals
Gain Experience Advising Judges and Other Supervisors
Developing relationships in the legal community is key
for law students and young lawyers. Clerking for a trial
judge is a great opportunity to develop close and lasting
professional relationships with judges, lawyers and other
legal professionals who are often well connected and highly
influential. Further, they are often willing to assist promising
young lawyers. For example, Yathurshi Rajendra, former clerk
to Judge Kimberly M. Esmond Adams, noted that despite
Judge Adams’s tight schedule, she made time to meet with
her clerks about assignments and also, to provide advice
and encouragement. Likewise, attorneys and other legal
professionals who work closely with clerks can be valuable
resources for clerks well after the clerkship ends. Clerks who
perform well and nurture these relationships often reap great
professional and personal rewards. Clerkships provide law
students with unique access to judges and legal professionals
they would not receive through other types of internships.
Trial-level clerkships allow students to develop skills and
experience in advising colleagues and superiors. Judges
often rely on their clerks to analyze conflicting legal arguments
and applicable law, and then provide their recommendations.
As a clerk, topics of advice may range from trivial matters
to issues with consequences that are more serious. In any
case, the ability to deliver advice effectively is an important
skill, as young attorneys often start out as associates who
advise partners and interface with clients. Chief Judge Tusan
explains that judges appreciate the input of law students
because it helps to provide them with a fresh perspective and
remain connected to current issues and legal developments.
Experience like this during law school will also help to develop
confidence in advice giving in general. With practice, trial-level
clerks have the opportunity to develop a knack for spotting
issues and giving sound, legally supported advice to their
judges, staff attorneys or other supervisors.
2014
Celebrating
SERVICE
Pro Bono Fair
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Join the Atlanta Bar Association for the
Luncheon & Pro Bono Fair
Friday, October 17, 2014
at the Piedmont Drivi