State courts handle over 95% of U.S. cases, encompassing a wide range of legal issues at multiple levels:

• Trial Courts of Limited Jurisdiction: Typically handle misdemeanors, traffic offenses, evictions, and small claims, often with high case volumes.
• Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction: Typically handle felony criminal cases, civil disputes, and complex litigation.
• Intermediate Courts of Appeals: Review lower court decisions to ensure legal accuracy.
• Courts of Last Resort (State Supreme Courts): Serve as the final authority on state law and handle cases of significant public interest.
• Specialty Courts: Address specific issues, such as substance use or mental health, using therapeutic and collaborative approaches.

• Clerkship: Typically a one- to two-year paid role for recent graduates; emphasizes legal research and drafting.
• Externship: Temporary, often for course credit, designed for students seeking hands-on experience.
• Internship: Often unpaid, available to students across education levels, ideal for early career exploration in law.

State court clerkships provide invaluable experience and career benefits, including:

• Diverse Experiences: Gain exposure to various court types (trial, appellate, specialty) tailored to your interests.
• Skill Development: Develop practical skills in litigation, legal research, and court procedures.
• Local Networking: Build relationships with judges and attorneys within your community.
• Professional Growth: State court clerkships offer critical professional experience and can be a stepping stone to other opportunities.

During a state court clerkship, you’ll take on several responsibilities and receive mentorship from experienced judges:

• Daily Responsibilities:
  • Trial Court Clerks: Engage in legal research, draft memoranda, support courtroom activities, and assist with real-time decision-making.
  • Appellate Court Clerks: Conduct deep legal research, analyze cases on appeal, and help draft judicial opinions.
• Professional Interaction: Regular interaction with attorneys, court staff, and legal professionals provides insights into the workings of the legal system.

Externships and internships offer a chance to explore court work before committing to a clerkship:

• Early Exposure: Ideal for students considering law school or a career in the courts, these roles offer a firsthand view of clerkship responsibilities.
• Flexible Options: Some courts have formal programs; others may be open to creating informal roles.
• Finding Opportunities: Contact local courts or use school career services to discover externships and internships, building experience and networking in the process.

Preparing for a clerkship application involves early planning and gathering essential documents:

• Start Early: Begin researching positions, networking, and building relevant skills during law school.
• Essential Documents: Prepare a polished resume, cover letter, writing samples, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
• Networking: Attend events and meet professionals to gain insights and connections that can support your application.

The application process for state court clerkships varies by state, but there are some commonalities.

• Common Application Materials: Most applications require a cover letter, resume, transcript, writing sample, and references. But make sure to check for court-specific requirements.
• Deadlines and Timelines: Check specific deadlines for each court, as they can range widely. Apply early to maximize your chances.
• After Submission: If a court is interested, they’ll reach out with next steps for interviews or additional information.

The CORA platform simplifies the process of finding and applying to state court clerkships:

• Centralized Resource: Access clerkship, internship, and externship listings across state courts nationwide.
• Application Management: Submit application materials for multiple positions through one streamlined platform.
• Helpful Guides: Read this guide for tips on maximizing your CORA experience.
• Post-Acceptance Steps: Once you accept a position, notify NCSC if you applied to multiple opportunities through CORA so we can withdraw your other applications.