Library Blog: The Gothic Column

Statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts show that the federal courts made no progress last year in their efforts to bring more diversity to the ranks of judicial law clerks.

According to an article in The National Law Journal, the percentage of African-American and Hispanic clerks remained steady for the past fiscal year, despite a pilot internship program designed to increase the number of minority clerks.  Statistics also show an overall decline in the number of minority clerks from 5 years ago, with African-Americans filling fewer spots now than they did in 2000. 

A federal clerkship is a highly prestigious position and a key credential for future law practice.  The lack of diversity among clerks has garnered protests from minority bar and civil rights leaders, and members of Congress have questioned the justices about their hiring practices.

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