For over two decades, the ABA Judicial Clerkship Program (JCP) has been connecting underrepresented law students with judges who are committed to mentoring future generations and promoting inclusivity in the judicial field. The JCP, a joint initiative of the ABA Council for Diversity in the Educational Pipeline and the ABA Judicial Division, aims to increase the representation of historically underrepresented groups among judicial clerks and ultimately among judges.
The program consists of a three-day educational and networking event held annually during the ABA Midyear Meeting, where selected students participate in clerkship panels, resume reviews, workshops, and social activities with judges from various courts and jurisdictions. The program also provides ongoing support and guidance for students who pursue clerkships after the event.
Importantly, the JCP has a proven track record of success and impact. Since its inception in 2000, the program has served over 1,500 law students and involved over 500 judges. Moreover, the program has fostered lasting relationships and collaborations among judges and students, as well as between the judges themselves, who share best practices and resources to ensure excellence in the judiciary. After all, by implementing best practices that enhance diversity and inclusivity, judges improve public confidence in their ability to deliver fair outcomes, provide equal access to justice, and allow each other to challenge and sharpen perspectives. As former ABA President Patricia Lee Refo stated, "Judicial clerkships are a critical pipeline to the bench and to leadership positions throughout the legal profession. The ABA Judicial Clerkship Program helps ensure that our judiciary reflects the rich diversity of our nation and that our legal system benefits from the perspectives and talents of all its members."
The JCP is currently accepting law school participation forms for its 25th program, which will be held in Phoenix, Arizona from January 30 to February 1. The deadline to apply is November 8, 2024. For more information, visit here:
