In Chambers: A Guide for Judicial Clerks and Externs

by Jennifer Sheppard

In Chambers is a refreshingly brief and focused book that addresses the key concepts and basic skills clerks and externs need to have on day one. It explains rudimentary tasks, such as reading a docket sheet and working with a case file, and offers detailed instructions on drafting jury instructions. Sources of authority commonly relied upon by the courts are identified for specific topics, and a helpful note-taking system is provided. Standards of review are covered in detail, including the standard for mixed questions of fact and law. Useful checklists are provided as well for drafting documents. Exercises at the end of chapters evaluate the reader’s comprehension and application of the materials. The text of In Chambers is informed by the author's own experience as a judicial clerk as well as her involvement with the externship programs at Appalachian School of Law and Mercer University School of Law.



Addresses key concepts and basic skills that clerks and externs need to have on day oneExplains rudimentary tasksreading a docket sheetworking with a case file Offers detailed instructions on drafting jury instructions Identifies sources of authority commonly relied upon by the courts in specific areasProvides a helpful note-taking system Explains standards of review in detailincludes standard for mixed questions of fact and law Includes checklists for drafting documents Features chapter-ending exercisesevaluate the reader's comprehension apply materials to real situationsInformed by author's experienceserved as a judicial clerkinvolved in the externship programs at Appalachian School of Law and Mercer University School of Law

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2012