Judicial clerks gain inside knowledge of how parties pursue actual cases and how judges resolve legal issues. They are exposed to both substantive law and procedure while developing their research and writing skills. They also have the opportunity to develop a mentoring relationship with an experienced judge and a professional network with fellow and former clerks that will extend well into their legal careers. Clerkships are available at all levels of the federal and state court systems. Our Judicial Clerkship Program provides personalized support throughout the process.

The National Law Journal/Law.com rated us 8th for the highest percentage of 2023 graduates placed in the nation’s 100 largest law firms. From on campus interviews to personalized career planning meetings, the Career Services team will provide comprehensive resources to help you explore top-tier corporate law career options.

Vanderbilt provides extensive resources to students as they prepare for and launch a public interest career in government service, criminal defense, nonprofit advocacy, legal aid, NGOs, or their own brand of public interest entrepreneurship. From public service pathways to loan repayment assistance, Vanderbilt is committed to supporting public interest careers.

Vanderbilt Law students can gain valuable experience through externships and summer stipend opportunities in a variety of practice settings anywhere in the world. In externships, students receive academic credit for supervised field work at faculty-approved placements, while stipends provide financial support for gaining pro bono experience. In recent years, Vanderbilt has expanded its array of externships to include work in corporate legal departments and also increased funding for summer stipends.