Judges, Clerks, and guests at the Sixth Annual Judicial Clerkship Writing Conference's opening reception

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (Catholic Law) in Washington, D.C., recently hosted its sixth annual Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference. Held from February 19-21, 2026, the event is specifically designed for individuals who have accepted federal or state appellate court clerkships for the 2026-2027 term.

This year, the conference welcomed 40 rising judicial law clerks from across the country, selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. These clerks were given a rare opportunity to engage directly with sitting judges, gaining invaluable mentorship while participating in interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions that equipped them with the tools and insights needed to excel in their upcoming roles and navigate the unique challenges of judicial clerkship.

With this year’s participants, the conference has now welcomed over 200 clerks from across the nation since its inception six years ago. The Bradley Foundation was the sponsor of the 2026 Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference.

A Distinguished Faculty of Judges

The conference featured an impressive lineup of judges from federal and state courts, including:

• Judge Robert E. Bacharach, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Judge Lisa Branch, Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
• Judge Katherine A. Crytzer, U.S. District Court for the E.D. Tennessee
• Judge Kathryn Davis, United States Court of Federal Claims
• Judge Thompson M. Dietz, United States Court of Federal Claims
• Judge Kyle Duncan, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Judge Joseph Leeson, United States District Court for E.D. Pennsylvania
• Judge Edward Meyers, United States Court of Federal Claims
• Judge Chad Readler, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
• Judge Lee Rudofsky, United States District Court for the E.D. Arkansas
• Judge Zachary N. Somers, United States Court of Federal Claims
• Judge David Tapp, United States Court of Federal Claims
• Judge Lawrence VanDyke, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

A Warm Welcome and Keynote Address

The conference began on February 19 with an opening reception where Catholic Law’s Professor A.G. Harmon, Associate Dean of Bench and Bar Programs, welcomed attendees. Dean Stephen C. Payne extended a warm welcome to the guests, highlighting the role of the conference in equipping clerks for their important responsibilities within the judiciary. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the members of the judiciary for their participation in the conference and the important role they play in supporting the clerks' development.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by former Solicitor General of the United States Noel Francisco, now a partner at Jones Day. Francisco, who served as the 47th Solicitor General, shared insights from his distinguished career, which included arguing numerous high-profile cases before the Supreme Court. He emphasized the critical role of legal writing in shaping judicial decisions and advancing the rule of law.

Day Two: Interactive Sessions with Judges

The second day of the conference featured a series of interactive sessions held in the Walter A. Slowinski courtroom. Judge Robert E. Bacharach opened the day with the first session, followed by Judge Kyle Duncan in the second session. After a lunch break in the law school's atrium, Judge Lisa Branch led the third session, Judge Chad Readler conducted the fourth, and Judge Lawrence VanDyke concluded the day with the fifth session. These discussions provided participants with practical advice and real-world insights into the clerk’s role in working closely with judges.

Day Three: Hands-On Learning and Panel Discussion

The final day of the conference provided participants with a unique opportunity to work closely with judges in small groups. Judges Katherine A. Crytzer, Kathryn Davis, Thompson M. Dietz, Joseph Leeson, Edward Meyers, Lee Rudofsky, Zachary N. Somers, and David Tapp led these sessions, offering personalized feedback on the briefs submitted by the clerks. This hands-on experience allowed attendees to gain practical insights into the nuances of judicial opinion writing and to refine their skills under the guidance of experienced jurists.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring Judges Katherine Crytzer, Edward Meyers, and Lee Rudofsky. The panel addressed common challenges clerks may face and highlighted specific writing needs for trial court-level work.

Participants left the event inspired and prepared for their upcoming roles. Kathryn Totty of the University of Arkansas School of Law shared her thoughts on LinkedIn, saying, "I am leaving this experience deeply grateful and genuinely excited. Grateful for the judges who invested their time and wisdom in us and for the friendships formed with future clerks who share the same commitment and excitement about our legal careers. Excited to carry these lessons back home to Arkansas."

Her words reflect the spirit of the conference: a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow as future leaders in the legal profession.

The Catholic Law Prize in Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing

All participants are eligible for the prestigious Catholic Law Prize in Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing. The prize, judged by the conference’s panel of judges, focuses on a previous year’s issue from Catholic Law’s Seigenthaler-Sutherland Cup National First Amendment Moot Court Competition.

A Tradition of Excellence

The Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference is a cornerstone of Catholic Law’s First Amendment Initiatives and is held each spring semester. It continues to serve as a vital resource for future clerks, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. For more information, inquiries can be directed to Professor A.G. Harmon, Associate Dean of Bench and Bar Programs, at harmon@law.edu.