The Goldwater Institute’s Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation hires up to one law clerk and two externs in each of the summer, fall, and spring semesters.  Clerks and externs perform hands-on legal work and heavily participate in the litigation process.  They engage primarily in intensive legal research for cases on the center’s litigation docket.  They are also expected to assist in drafting complaints and motions, interviewing clients, and developing litigation strategy.  Every effort is made to match the interests of the student with the center’s projects. Clerks and externs work under the litigation center’s attorney Carrie Ann Sitren and director Clint Bolick, on cases promoting economic liberty, property rights, and school choice.

Q. What can I expect to gain from a clerkship or externship?

A. Clerks and externs for the Goldwater Institute will sharpen their legal research and writing skills and learn first-hand about the litigation process.  Additionally, they will learn the distinctive features of a public interest law practice, as well as the workings of a non-profit public policy and research organization.  Clerks and externs also have opportunities to participate in the Institute’s events, policy research, and lunch-and-learn seminars specially directed to students.

Q. Who qualifies for clerkships and externships?

A. Applicants must have completed at least one year in law school.  Other students should apply for a Ronald Reagan Fellowship and state their interest in working with the litigation center.

Q. What qualities do you look for in an ideal applicant?

A. Successful applicants have a strong work ethic, exceptional legal research skills, and an understanding of classical liberal principles.  They also must be personable and have a good sense of humor.

Q. What is the compensation?

A. Law clerks are paid up to $13.00 per hour.  Externs receive class credit towards their J.D. degree and are unpaid.  For additional financial assistance, we encourage you to contact your school’s public interest law organization (PILO) for grant and scholarship opportunities.  Upon accepting an offer to work at the Goldwater Institute, you may also apply for assistance through the Institute for Humane Studies Hayek Fund for Scholars.

Q. What hours do clerks and externs work?

A. Summer clerks must commit to the entire summer, and the position is full-time (40 hours per week).  Fall and spring clerks work up to 20 hours per week.  Externs work the number of hours required by their school based on the number of credits they receive for the work.

Applicants with unique schedules should not be restrained from applying for clerkships and externships; hours may be flexible and work may be done outside the office in some cases.

Q. What is the difference between a clerkship and an externship?

A. Clerkships are paid positions, while externs are unpaid and receive course credit towards their J.D. degree.  Both positions are research-intensive.  In order to fulfill the academic and experiential learning component of an externship, externs are offered the first opportunity to attend and participate in litigation activities when space is limited, like at client meetings and depositions.  Externs are also freely given the opportunity to attend outside law-related events, such as CLEs and Federalist Society events.  Clerks are permitted and encouraged to take advantage of those opportunities as long as their workload allows.

Q. When should I apply?

A. Clerkship and externship positions for the summer of 2008 are filled.  We are currently accepting applications for a position during or after the fall of 2008.  First-year students need not wait until December 1st to apply for a summer position.

Q. How do I apply?

A. Mail a cover letter, resume, and legal writing sample to Carrie Ann Sitren at 500 E. Coronado Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.  Please note clearly in your cover letter (1) whether you are in your first or second year of law school, and (2) whether you are applying for a clerkship, externship, or both.

Q. Who may I contact to answer my questions about the clerkship or externship program?

A. You are encouraged to call or email Carrie Ann Sitren at (602) 462-5000 ext. 231 or csitren@goldwaterinstitute.org.  You may also request contact information for previous clerks and externs to learn first-hand about their experiences.

Are you an undergrad or graduate student?  Please click here to learn more about our Ronald Reagan Fellows internship program.