Moving from Class to Chambers: Five Tips for Training New Clerks to Write for You

For eleven years, I have taught new legal writers. I primarily teach UNC Law’s 1L research, writing, and advocacy class, but in recent years have also taught an upper-level seminar titled Judicial Clerkship Writing for those students interested in learning to write like a clerk. The students in both classes differ in skill level, naturally, but they have in common that they have never before done the type of writing the class requires of them. Judges do much the same. Each time a new clerk or intern joins your chambers, you start training and guiding anew. Below are five increasingly specific tips on how to make that process as smooth as possible