Demystifying Judicial Clerkships

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW | JANUARY 30, 2026

Texas Tech law students recently participated in a full-day program titled "Demystifying Judicial Clerkships," which brought together members of the federal and state judiciary, as well as former judicial clerks, for an inside look at clerking and why it can be a powerful launching point for a legal career.

Jointly hosted by Texas Tech Law Review, the Career Services Office, and the Federalist Society, the event featured judges from across Texas and the Fifth Circuit, including several Texas Tech law alumni currently serving on the bench. Alumni participants included Justice Stacy Trotter '84, Justice Michael Davis '08, Judge Dustin Howell '08, Judge Brad Odell '08, and Judge Amy Burch '01, along with former clerks Derek Montgomery '06 and Josh Geesling '23.

Through a series of panels, students gained valuable insights into life in judicial chambers at every level—from federal district and appellate courts to specialized bankruptcy and magistrate dockets. Discussions covered the clerkship application process, daily responsibilities, mentorship opportunities, and the professional skills that clerks carry into practice.

The program also featured a virtual keynote luncheon with Judge Andrew Oldham, who offered a circuit-level perspective on the clerkship experience and its long-term impact on legal careers.

For students, hearing directly from judges and former clerks helped dispel common misconceptions about clerkships. “Our goal was to get students and judges face-to-face and really talk about what clerking looks like from the inside,” said Jonathon Gabehart '26, Editor-in-Chief of Texas Tech Law Review and lead organizer of the event. He also expressed appreciation to the panelists for their generosity in sharing their time, experience, and insight with students.

Second-year student Rena Moreno described the event as “a peek behind the curtain,” noting that panelists shared perspectives on everything from how judges review clerkship applications to the diverse career paths Texas Tech law alumni have taken to reach the bench.

The event showcased Texas Tech Law’s strong connections to the judiciary and its commitment to preparing students for meaningful, high-impact legal careers, while highlighting alumni who continue to shape the profession from the bench.

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