On February 15, 2025, the USLLS Internship and Placement Cell hosted an enriching and insightful Career Talk and Guidance Session on the role of a Law Clerk-cum-Legal Research Associate at the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Hon’ble Delhi High Court. Judicial clerkships are highly sought-after roles that offer budding legal professionals a unique opportunity to work closely with judges, gain hands-on experience in legal research, and contribute meaningfully to the judiciary. The session provided students with an in-depth understanding of the selection process, responsibilities, and career prospects associated with judicial clerkships.

Distinguished Panelists

The session featured a distinguished panel of esteemed alumni who have made notable contributions in the field:

• Ms. Anushka Gupta – Legal Consultant at the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee and Former Law Clerk-cum-Legal Research Associate to HMJ (Retd.) Hima Kohli, Supreme Court.

• Ms. Seerat Kaur – Law Clerk-cum-Legal Research Associate at the Centre for Research & Planning and HMJ Sandeep Mehta, Supreme Court.

• Ms. Bhavya Sharma – Law Clerk-cum-Legal Research Associate at the Delhi High Court.

• Mr. Dev Sareen – Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and Former Law Clerk-cum-Legal Research Associate, Supreme Court.

While Mr. Hriday Gandhi was unable to join, his contributions to judicial research and clerkship guidance remain noteworthy.

Understanding the Role of a Judicial Clerk

The speakers shared firsthand experiences and practical insights into the role and responsibilities of judicial clerks. They emphasized the significance of:

• In-depth legal research and analysis, which forms the backbone of judicial decision-making.

• Drafting judgments, orders, and legal opinions, requiring clarity and precision.

• Case briefings and procedural assistance to ensure the smooth functioning of the court.

• Exposure to high-stakes litigation and the opportunity to work closely with legal luminaries.

The discussion also underscored the transformative impact of clerkships on young legal professionals, enhancing their research acumen, legal reasoning, and professional network.

Preparation Strategies for the Supreme Court Law Clerk Examination

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to guiding students on preparing for the Supreme Court Law Clerk-cum-Legal Research Associate Examination. The speakers emphasized the importance of a structured study approach, including an in-depth understanding of constitutional law, procedural laws, and recent judgments. They advised students to focus on developing strong analytical and writing skills, as these are crucial in both the examination and the actual role. Additionally, practical insights were shared regarding the interview process and how candidates can effectively present their legal reasoning and research capabilities. Recommended resources such as case law databases, previous clerkship exam questions, and legal drafting exercises were also discussed, providing attendees with actionable steps to enhance their preparation.

Career Prospects and Future Opportunities

The discussion also delved into the career trajectory following a judicial clerkship. The panelists highlighted how this role serves as a stepping stone to various prestigious opportunities, including litigation, academia, judicial services, and policy-making. The experience gained as a judicial clerk significantly enhances one's legal acumen and professional credibility, making it a valuable credential for future career advancements. Notable examples of former judicial clerks who have transitioned into academia, international arbitration, and policymaking roles further illustrated the long-term benefits of this career path.

Impact and Conclusion

The session proved to be highly beneficial, especially for final-year students and LLM students, as it offered them a clear roadmap toward securing a judicial clerkship. The practical strategies and real-world insights shared by the panelists provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the expectations and challenges associated with the role. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants actively engaged with the speakers, seeking further guidance on applications, interview techniques, and career prospects.

The USLLS Internship and Placement Cell extends its heartfelt gratitude to the speakers and attendees for making this session a resounding success. The knowledge and experiences shared will undoubtedly assist aspiring judicial clerks in navigating their career paths with greater clarity and confidence.

For further assistance and updates on upcoming career guidance sessions, students are encouraged to stay connected with the Internship and Placement Cell.