Over the last few years, the workplace abuse by federal judges of law clerks has been in the news (and here). This law school clinic at Emory University School of Law (and here) is seeking to safeguard the workplace for law clerks. Law clerks work with “judges exercis[ing] near total control over their hours, holidays and work culture. And there’s no clear way to complain or sue outside that system.” Unlike most workers, law clerks are not covered by civil rights protections and cannot turn to a federal agency for help if they are harassed or discriminated against on the job. The Emory Law students are trying to level the playing field.

Emory law students have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case that challenges the system that the judiciary uses to police itself. Students are getting valuable practical legal experience with the Supreme Court Advocacy Program. And trying to do good as well.