Hey 3Ls, hopefully you took some of my earlier advice and it helped you compile a successful clerkship application - success being defined as snagging an interview. So now what?

1. Scheduling: People spend a lot of time strategizing how to prioritize there interviews (if they are fortunate enough to get more than one). A lot of people screen calls during the morning to access how many interviews they'll be doing and where and when. The risk in this approach is that by the time you've called everyone back the early spots are full. This really does happen. So my recomendation is to either pick up your phone and schedule every interview as early as you possibly can (if you schedule a less desirable one super early, you'll still be able to schedule in a more desirable interview that gets scheduled after that early enough to make it in the first few days) or screen your calls just long enough to collect yourself and call right back.

2. What to Bring: While it's always helpful to have extra copies of the materials you've already submitted, this is unlikely to actually be needed. Instead, consider bringin additional materials. If you submitted an academic-type writing sample consider bringing something more practical (a memo, mock-order, etc.). If you have a work reference from the summer who didn't write a letter of recommendation, bring their contact information.

3. What to Wear: I suggest checking out some of the previous discussions on this topic. I dressed conservatively (for me) for my interviews. That means low heels, hose, and a dark skirt suit. The suit was feminie but not frilly and not at all revealing. Be sure to bring an extra pair of stockings, I ended up noticing a run on the way to my interview and stopped in a bathroom and changed. I had long hair when I interviewed, and I pulled it back into a low ponytail with a clip. I wore minimal make-up.

4. What to Expect: So this is the big question, right. I can only speak from my own and a few friends' experiences, but here's what I know: if you got an interview the judge and the clerks probably already think you are completely qualified for the position. The interview is an opportunity to distinguish yourself as a person that will be a good addition to the chambers because of of personal characteristics. You need to be personable and engaging.  Try to relax and be sure to answer questions honestly.

I think you should expect a mix of personal, professional, and legal questions. I answered questions about my previous jobs, my family, my writing sample, law school classes, and post-clerkship plans.  Those answers flowed into a more natural conversation with the clerks and the judge (I interviewed with each separately for a total of about 3.5 hours).

Also expect to answer the classic interview question: Do you have any questions? This is a great opportunity to learn really valuable information about the clerkship. Does discovery practice get referred to the Magistrate? Do clerks handle docket management tasks like scheduling? How often are you in trial? Do you spend time with clerks from other chambers? If so what'd different about this clerkship? Clerks can give you the inside scoop, so tactfully askthem to do so.

 5. A Few Last Things to Keep in Mind:

You don't know who makes the decision. Some chambers include administrative staff in the hiring process, others include only clerks, and some judges pick their clerks with little input from anyone else. The point is everyone can impact your chances, so be sure that you are working just as hard to engage the judge's administrative assistant as you are everyone else.

Chambers are an extremely intimate working environment. So everyone needs to get along. That means being fun, but not such a strong personality that you might be a potential conflict.  For example, I would generally describe myself as an athiest, but in an interview (and yes religion came up in an interview) I described myself as being non-religous. I didn't pretend to be something I wasn't, I was honest, but I didn't take a potentially controvesrial position. Some may see this as a form of self-compromise. I understand that, but my advice is still to present the most universally digestable version of yourself.

You are in very stiff competition, so don't give anyone a stupid reason not to hire you. Don't be late. Seriously. Don't be dishevelled. Don't be rude or arrogant. Don't leave inappropriate material about yourself online.

Again remember that you were chosen for an interview because you are qualified for the job - now you need to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Be friendly, calm, and yourself. You're going to be great!