Pepperdine Caruso Law Hosts 23rd Annual Judicial Clerkship Institute

On March 9 and 10, Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and the Federal Judicial Center hosted federal judges and incoming or current federal law clerks from across the country for the 23rd Annual Wm. Matthew Byrne, Jr., Judicial Clerkship Institute. At the Judicial Clerkship Institute, sitting federal law clerks and students who have been accepted into future federal judicial clerkships gain distinctive, comprehensive training from federal judges. The program is dedicated to promoting justice and the federal judiciary.

In the largest in-person event ever, Caruso Law hosted approximately 160 clerks, who learned from 21 judges and professor speakers this year. The federal judges and professors generously dedicated their time to provide current and future federal law clerks with invaluable wisdom and the skills they need to become effective law clerks. And for the first time in three years, Caruso Law was able to hold the institute in person this year, allowing for wonderful conversations and collaborations at breakfasts, lunches, and a dinner at Duke’s Malibu.

The clerks heard excellent presentations ranging from section 1983 to criminal sentencing to ethics. For example, Caruso Law professor Barry McDonald and UC Berkeley Law dean Erwin Chemerinsky presented an engaging review of recent United States Supreme Court opinions. Caruso Law alumnus Judge Andre Birotte, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, gave the Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Annual Lecture. Judge Birotte shared ideas on ways to better serve justice, involving the clerks in the discussion and including engaging humor. Participants raved about all of the speakers and commented on how much they enjoyed the program.

Thank you to all those who made this year's event possible. Caruso Law looks forward to Judicial Clerkship Institute 2024.