The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law recently announced the winners and finalists of the Fifth Annual CSL Prize in Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing competition. Held alongside the Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference (JCOW) from February 19-21, 2026, the event brought together law students from across the country. Participants, all preparing for clerkships in federal or state appellate courts, received guidance from experienced judges and submitted judicial opinions addressing a First Amendment issue. Submissions were judged anonymously, focusing on writing quality.
Kathryn Totty, a student at the University of Arkansas School of Law, earned First Place in the competition. Totty, who will graduate in May 2026, is set to begin a clerkship with the Honorable Bobby E. Shepherd of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Reflecting on her experience at JCOW, Totty highlighted the value of personalized feedback from judges, particularly during a one-on-one session with Judge Tapp. “Getting the chance to review my draft with Judge Tapp was incredibly helpful,” she said. “The advice I received strengthened my writing and gave me more confidence as I prepare for my clerkship.”
The competition also recognized Mac Dickerson, a University of California, Berkeley, School of Law student, with Second Place. Dickerson, a Cornell University graduate, appreciated the practical insights shared by judges during the conference. “The small group sessions were especially helpful in understanding how judges approach opinion writing,” he shared. Dickerson will begin his clerkship with Judge Drozd in the Eastern District of California later this year.
Honorable Mention Awards went to Travis Letellier and Rohan Yaradi. Letellier, a University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law student and former economics professor, found the conference to be a valuable learning experience. “The event helped me refine my writing and better understand how to craft effective judicial opinions,” he said. Letellier will clerk for Judge Karen Schreier in South Dakota after graduation.
Yaradi, a Georgetown University Law Center student, also earned recognition for his work. He noted the importance of the judges’ feedback in helping him simplify complex legal arguments. “The guidance I received at JCOW will be incredibly useful as I move into my clerkship,” said Yardi, who will clerk for Judge Jay S. Bybee of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Las Vegas.
This year, the conference welcomed 40 rising judicial law clerks from across the country, selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. These participants were given an opportunity to engage directly with sitting judges, gaining invaluable mentorship through interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions. The program was designed to equip attendees with the tools and insights needed to excel in their upcoming roles and navigate the unique challenges of judicial clerkship.