How To Apply For A Clerkship
Applicants should submit a résumé, writing sample, law school transcript, and list of three references. We look for applicants with strong academic records, including extracurricular activities such as journal work and moot court participation.
Writing Sample
The writing sample should reflect the applicant’s writing skills and should include factual and legal analysis. We therefore prefer that the applicant submit a sample that has been edited little, if at all, by someone other than the applicant. The cover page of the writing sample should indicate the purpose for which it was prepared and the degree to which it was edited by someone else. Because we read writing samples blind, please do not include any identifying information after the cover page.
Although publication of a law review note or comment is a praiseworthy achievement, we don’t find such publications to be useful writing samples because of the extensive editing they typically receive.
Law School Transcript
Applicants should submit the most recent transcript available. Photocopies are acceptable, but should include an explanation of the school’s grading system. If the most recent transcript does not indicate current course enrollment, the applicant should submit a separate list of current courses.
References
References should be from people personally familiar with the applicant and the quality of his or her legal work. A reference from someone who can knowledgably discuss the applicant’s capabilities will be more helpful than a reference from, for example, an eminent law professor who knows only the grade the applicant received in his or her class. Subject to that caveat, references from practicing attorneys are considered as valuable as references from law school professors.
If possible, applicants for a clerkship should submit the materials described above by email, addressed to Jeanne Freed at freed@smwlaw.com.
Alternatively, materials may be mailed to the following address:
Human Resources Director
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
396 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Additionally, questions about the clerkship program or application requirements should be directed to the firm’s Human Resources Director, Jeanne Freed, at freed@smwlaw.com or (415) 552-7272, extension 240.