Most of his or her fellow clerks will become lifelong colleagues. Usually clerks also get to know a number of judges and court administrators who can subsequently act as references. Trial court clerks in particular meet many practicing attorneys. In terms of experience and prestige, a clerkship may well be the best job available to a recent graduate. The experience of working as a clerk is so valuable that a wide range of legal employers, including major law firms, public interest organizations, and government agencies, look with great favor on clerkship experience when making hiring decisions.
Clerkships have special value to attorneys seeking particular types of jobs.
For example, a clerkship with a respected judge is often a help in obtaining a law teaching job.