Law clerks will work on the same case throughout their tenure with a particular judge and first impressions do matter. Law clerks definitely remember the excellent writers. Unfortunately, those that submit poorly drafted papers are also remembered, as these are the briefs that significantly increase the clerk's work load. Law clerks are typically newly graduated law students who finished at the top of their class, were on law review, or published some type of academic work. Most will end-up in large firms with hefty salaries.
Law clerks thrive on details and readily spot errors.
Ultimately, errors in format will color the view given an attorney's papers and affect his or her credibility. For example, improper citation form, i.e., non-Blue Book format, will leap off the page. Her work will be checked very closely, and often the benefit of the doubt will go the other way. While this example may not seem fair, it is nonetheless a reality, and all attorneys should be aware of it. Thus, the attorney who pays attention to detail in federal court stands a much better chance of success.