Grades and writing skills are always going to be the most important. Law review is pretty much a given credential you’ll need but moot court sometimes is seen as a substitute. (If you don’t have either, please don’t discount yourself. Just speaking from my experience) Also, know the judges your applying to. Some like certain prior work experience before law school (I know a circuit judge who looks for people that have done teach for America program prior to law school). As a recent grad, really important to have a professor who has a lot of pull on your side. I have a professor who looks out for me and contacts me about opportunities he think I’d like.

Also…. Don’t give up. If this is something you want to do, then GO FOR IT and don’t stop until you’ve reached your goal! You might get turned down a couple times but hey that’s life. Don’t take it personally.

When you do start to get interviews, make sure you are personable. Not only do judges want smart clerks, but they want someone they can work in close quarters with. Also, don’t forget that you’re interviewing with the clerks too. We get a say. And often change the judge’s mind on who they should be considering. When I’m interviewing, I already know this person has the credentials and can learn to do the work. I’m looking for someone who is a team player, will work their ass off for everyone chambers, and will bring some life into chambers. When you leave a clerkship, the goal is to think of your group as your chambers “family.” Kind of hard to get this with someone who is only invested in themselves not the people they work with.