FAQ:
Q: Is this class for me?
A: If you have secured a judicial clerkship for after graduation, or are interested in making yourself a better candidate for clerkship applications, then this class is for you. Because this course is new and limited to 15 students, the curriculum will be tailored to the enrolled students’ plans and goals.
Q: Is the class writing-intensive?
A: No. Don’t be scared off by “Writing” in the course title. This is a 2-credit class, not a long-paper course. Although there will be a focus on writing skills, the emphasis is on the process more than the final product.
Q: What can I expect out of class each week?
A: Approximately one hour of each class period will be devoted to a guest speaker, including local judges and former clerks. The second hour of class will be for instruction and discussion, which will cover the clerk’s role throughout the life of a case (e.g., reviewing the record, reading and researching the parties’ briefs, drafting a bench memo, and writing the opinion).
Q: What are the course assignments and assessments?
Your grade will be based on a bench memo and opinion, revisions and a cite-check of that opinion, class participation, and a handful of short reflection assignments. There are no exams.
Q: Who is teaching this class?
A: This class is taught by three adjuncts, Jon Baker, Diane Galatowitsch, and Megan Odom. They bring their diverse experience at the Minnesota Court of Appeals, Minnesota Supreme Court, and U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
Q: Who can I contact if I want to learn more?
A: Adjunct Professor Megan Odom is available for questions. She can be reached at megan.odom@mitchellhamline.edu