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SCC Clerkship


Swimswam1234

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Swimswam1234
  • Law Student

I received an email from my school’s Dean suggesting I apply for a 2026-2027 SCC Clerkship. I don’t know how many others received this email but I‘m considering applying now. 
 
I’m curious about what my chances look like - I’m a 3L in the top 10% of my class (closer to top 7%-8%), I’ve won two course prizes, only ever gotten one B, have been extensively involved in mooting, and spent both 1L and 2L summers working in private practice. I’ll also be completing a “mini clerkship” program my school offers to select applicants in my last semester of school in lieu of course work. This will be a trial-level clerkship. 
 

I understand that the applicant pool is very competitive. I’m unsure whether the effort of preparing an application is worth it given my stats. I’m also concerned about what happens if I am successful in landing a clerkship - specifically how I would handle receiving an offer to return as an associate after articling at my firm. I love my firm and would not want to sacrifice the opportunity to return. Do firms typically save spots for those who clerk after articling? Would it be difficult to look for a job afterwards? I’m hoping to hear from others who have gone through this process and can offer any insight. 
 

thanks! 
 

 

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markethopper
  • Law Student

From recent trends, my law school suggests it is quite rare to secure an SCC clerkship without a prior clerkship, often at an appellate level. So it is rare one would be successful at first instance without some other outstanding factor/academic experience beyond good law school grades (these are important, but most applicants will have them). Does not hurt to try of course, but if one really wants to clerk probably best to apply at a lower court level. 
 

Anecdotally, most firms seem to view clerking positively, especially if you’re interested in litigation. Worth asking them directly though.

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SNAILS
  • Articling Student

Obviously, you would not put "all your eggs in one basket" for getting an SCC clerkship. But you have a shot. I would suggest you also try for a clerkship at your provincial court of appeal (or other provinces if you are interested). 

 

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chaboywb
  • Lawyer

I have heard anecdotes about big law lawyers getting flack from their firms for clerking after articling and even not getting return offers because of it, but not at the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court. I'm quite sure any firm will accommodate a SCC clerkship. Maybe you could ask your firm first, though, to be sure?

If I had wanted to be a litigator and had the grades, I definitely would have tried for a Court of Appeal/SCC clerkship. 

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PzabbytheLawyer
  • Lawyer

Some firms definitely see clerking (even at the SCC) as a "fine, but what's it really going to do?".

If you get a chance at an SCC clerkship, you will have options. If you're interested in appellate work, you should take it. You'll be fine in terms of employment after, unless you're dead sett on large scale commercial litigation exclusively at a big law firm, and you're worried about "falling off" that path.

Still, I wouldn't worry about the above and take that opportunity. It must be a wonderful experience.

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