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Erica, Law Clerk at State Government District: Advize Career Interview
A UCLA economics and gender studies graduate's journey to a state government judicial clerkship offers invaluable insights into the legal field.
Early social media marketing roles unexpectedly honed essential writing skills, leading to law school and impactful internships.
The current role involves drafting orders, attending hearings, and contributing to judicial opinions, providing a "sneak peek" into legal practice and fostering skills applicable to a future career at Stanford Heisler Sharp, specializing in employment discrimination.
Challenges include the isolating nature of the work and navigating a formal environment, but the fulfilling pursuit of intersectional equality and passion for making a positive impact drive this career professional.
Success in the legal field requires not only intelligence and organization but also passion, empathy, and the ability to connect with others.
The interviewee's experience underscores the importance of open-mindedness, diverse experiences, and finding an environment where one can thrive.
Aspiring legal professionals can gain valuable experience through entry-level roles like paralegal or investigative work, government positions, or even university-based legal research.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Erica Roberts
Law Clerk
State Government District
University of California, Los Angeles. Graduated 2018
The University of Texas School of Law
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics
Law
Legal
Greek Life Member, LGBTQ
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Career Path Of A Law Clerk At A US District Court
Erica's career path began with an economics major and a gender studies minor at UCLA, where early social media marketing jobs at organizations like the US Chamber of Commerce and Paramount Pictures shaped their professional skills. A pivotal "gender and the law" class led to law school at the University of Texas, followed by legal internships and a current judicial clerkship, culminating in a future role at Stanford Heisler Sharp, where they will "practice plaintiff-side employment discrimination and harassment work."
Main Responsibilities of a Law Clerk at a State Government District
Erica's main responsibilities as a law clerk involve "reading, attending hearings, drafting orders," and significantly contributing to a judge's opinions by independently identifying key issues in cases. This role, which Erica describes as "kind of a judge," provides invaluable experience, especially given her recent law school graduation.
A Day In The Life Of A Law Clerk At The Federal Government
A typical workday for this law clerk involves a mix of courtroom observation, "taking copious notes" during hearings, and extensive legal research to draft orders for five simultaneous cases, primarily criminal. The process includes constant collaboration with colleagues and other judges, followed by meticulous writing, editing, and a waiting period for judicial review, creating a "never-ending process".
Most Important Skills for a Law Clerk at State Government District
Essential skills for a law clerk include strong reading, writing, and editing abilities, honed throughout legal education and prior roles. Beyond these foundational skills, the ability to "read between the lines" and anticipate a judge's opinions based on past rulings and interactions is crucial for success, a skill not explicitly taught in law school.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Law Clerk At A State Government
Erica, a Law Clerk, most enjoys the "sneak peek behind the curtain" of legal practice, learning valuable skills applicable to a future attorney career. The experience provides a wide range of learning opportunities, from observing diverse advocacy tactics and case outcomes to understanding judicial preferences, shaping their approach to future client representation.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Law Clerk At A Federal District Court
Erica's biggest challenges as a law clerk include the isolating nature of the job, describing it as "delaying socially" due to limited daily interaction with only "two or three people", and navigating the "formality" of the courthouse environment while trying to build relationships. The steep learning curve transitioning from law student to "decider" also presents significant stress.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Legal Industry As A Law Clerk
Erica's passion for rectifying "intersectional inequality" drove their pursuit of a legal career, leading them to a clerkship where they find fulfillment in "making a change," even if it's for a single client. This pursuit of positive impact, whether through policy writing or individual advocacy, is central to their career aspirations.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Legal Industry, According to a Law Clerk in State Government
Success in the legal industry hinges on more than just intelligence and organization; passion for the work, the ability to "make connections" with clients and colleagues, and empathy are key. Inquisitive individuals who enjoy "putting the pieces together" of legal puzzles, fueled by a genuine interest in their area of law—even if it's niche—tend to thrive in this demanding field.
What a Law Clerk at a State Court Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Law Industry
Erica, a law clerk, wishes someone had conveyed that securing a clerkship is more attainable than the "crazy hard" reputation suggests; the experience proved that excelling in the role is possible regardless of lacking typical resume items like "law review," a fact which initially intimidated Erica and many others.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Law Clerks in State Government
Erica, a State Government District Law Clerk, suggests undergraduates explore entry-level roles such as "paralegals or investigators or even receptionists" in smaller law firms to gain familiarity with the field. Further, she highlights the value of government work at any level or assisting with legal research or pro bono work at a university law school, emphasizing that even seemingly basic tasks "might as well do it at a place that has something to do with the law".
Significant Career Lesson From A Law Clerk At State Government
Erica's career path highlights the importance of "having an open mind when it comes to different opportunities," as evidenced by their unexpected journey from an initially disliked economics major to a fulfilling career as a law clerk in Texas—a state and career path they initially never considered. This demonstrates how embracing unforeseen possibilities can lead to unexpected career success and personal fulfillment.
College Experiences That Helped A Law Clerk At State Government District Succeed
Erica's UCLA experience highlights the value of diverse work experiences, noting that "every work experience is beneficial," even seemingly unrelated roles like social media marketing at Paramount Pictures, which unexpectedly developed concise writing skills applicable to a legal career. Developing relationships with professors and remaining open to diverse opportunities were also key factors in preparing for a successful legal career.
How Identity Has Influenced A Law Clerk's Career At A State Government District
Navigating a conservative legal community in Texas as a member of the LGBTQ community required careful consideration of potential employers' values and alignment with their own, a process Erica describes as "figuring out what law firms what judges like who I'd be comfortable with." Ultimately, the career professional found that firms specializing in employment discrimination and civil rights law were more accepting, highlighting the importance of finding an environment where one can "be yourself."
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