Application Preparation

• Documents to prepare before beginning the application process:
  • Resume
  • Writing sample
  • Transcript (official or unofficial – can be submitted at a later date if not presently available)
  • Background questionnaire form.
    Please download and fill out the form from this link now. You will be required to upload the signed form later in the application process.
  • References list (required by select judges)
  • Cover letter(s) (required by select judges)
• This application process should take no more than 10 minutes with prepared documents.
• Applications cannot be saved as in progress to be completed later. However, applicants can modify applications after submission. See the instructions below.

Submitting a New Application

• Step 1: Select the term and year for which you are applying. Enter and confirm your email address. Applicants can apply for one term per submission. To apply for more than one term, submit another application.
• Step 2: Select the judges you would like to apply for. Some judges do not accept externship applications for select terms. Details below the judge's name may contain additional submission instructions and criteria. You may apply to multiple judges in one application.
• Step 3: Enter your personal information including your name, address, and educational background details.
• Step 4: Upload attachments. If selected judges require a cover letter, applicants will be prompted to upload these documents for each judge requiring this type of document.
• Step 5: Review and submit your application.

Modifying an Existing Application

1. Select the term.
2. Select the year.
3. Enter and confirm your email address.
4. Click Next | Select Judges.
5. If the system detects a previous submission associated with your email address, you will be prompted to retrieve the application by clicking Send Me a Link.
6. Go to your email and click the system-generated link to access the existing application, then follow the onscreen prompts to edit your application.

• You can also apply for a different term once you've loaded an existing application. After following the steps above, click back to Step 1 and change the term and/or year on the page. You may then proceed as if submitting a new application while keeping your existing data. You will have to upload new documents, however.
• If you want to withdraw your application, you may do so by following the above instructions to modify your application. Once you have loaded your previous application, click the "Withdraw Application" link in the Term Applying For box and follow the prompts.
  Please note: You cannot withdraw your application from individual judges. By withdrawing, you are removing your application from all judges to whom you have applied for the selected term. However, you may re-apply for this term or any other available term at any time by submitting a new application.

Need More Help?

Please email webcand@cand.uscourts.gov for further assistance.