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A. Working with a Judicial Law Clerk

“Mentoring a judicial law clerk will come naturally and easily to you if you enjoy working with
them and respect your clerk’s abilities.” The foundation of a stable clerkship is having open
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Part V. Mentoring a communication. The judge should ensure that the clerk feels comfortable coming to them for advice
and guidance. An open-door policy is foundational. “As much as possible, allow the clerk to freely
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Judicial Law Clerk express themselves and test their legal reasoning.” The judge should provide meaningful feedback
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to the clerk, which will improve the clerk’s productivity. The judge’s assistance in developing a clerk’s
relationships inside and outside the courtroom ideally will create lasting formative experiences for the
clerk.

1. Providing Meaningful Feedback

The judge’s role is to give instructive feedback on the judicial law clerk’s work product and habits
by communicating effectively. The best teaching opportunities usually come out of everyday
occurrences. These occasions allow the judge to point out lessons, pitfalls, and alternative
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perspectives. For example, after an oral argument or hearing, the judge can explain the disposition
of the issues and instruct the clerk to prepare a draft opinion or order. Explaining how to prepare the
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draft is better than merely describing it. The judge should help the clerk solve problems by asking
questions, posing alternative methods, and prodding the clerk to find solutions.
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The judge is the key role model and

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mentor for the judicial law clerk. The 2. Developing Relationships
clerk accepted the job to learn directly A judicial law clerk develops a relationship with the judge and the legal community. The clerkship

should help build the clerk’s self-confidence. Clerking in a tribal court allows the clerk to meet
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from the judge, so the judge should other lawyers. These relationships can lead to avenues for career advancement. Additionally, the
clerk develops a relationship with the tribal community that can enhance the quality of the clerkship
help the clerk develop professional job experience and the clerk’s future law practice.

skills and relationships. This section

offers tips and methods for training

clerks plus guidance for handling

challenges and solving problems.

111 Id.
112 Id. at 43.
113 Id.
114 Being an Effective Mentor 101, Practical Strategies for Success, 8.
115 Id., 9.
116 Id.
110 Id. at 42. 117 Dunnewold et al., supra note 4, at 6.
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