Judicial clerkships provide invaluable, behind-the-scenes insight into how judges think, write, and decide cases – an experience that has proven pivotal for several recent Drake Law graduates. As some alumni reflect on how these roles have shaped their legal careers, the newest graduates are eagerly preparing to begin clerkships of their own.
Conner Greene, JD’24, and Ami Penquite, JD’24, began clerking for the Iowa Supreme Court last fall. Greene works with Justice McDonald, while Penquite serves Chief Justice Christensen.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a law clerk with the Iowa Supreme Court,” said Greene. “I feel so fortunate to have had such a great start to my legal career working with so many incredibly talented individuals. I could not have asked for a better experience.”
Penquite echoed that sentiment: “It has been amazing to learn from Chief Justice Christensen and work alongside the attorneys in her chambers. I have greatly enjoyed my time as a judicial clerk.”
Both clerks credit Drake Law for equipping them with the legal writing and research skills they rely on daily. “Drake’s strong emphasis on developing practical legal research and writing skills really prepared me for this role,” said Greene. “I felt confident that I had the skills to not only do an adequate job, but to excel and better serve the court.”
“Drake provided me with foundational legal research and writing skills,” added Penquite. “In my role, I’ve continued to develop those skills while working directly with Chief Justice Christensen.”
Recent graduate, Chloe Dinardo, JD’25, will soon follow in Greene’s footsteps in Justice McDonald’s chambers. She was drawn to clerking after hearing how formative the experience had been for practicing attorneys.
“I chose to pursue a clerkship in hopes of gaining similar perspective and growth,” Dinardo said. “I’m looking forward to observing what happens behind the bench firsthand. Gaining insight into how judges think and how cases are decided will be invaluable in my future practice.”
Dinardo began preparing during her 2L year, taking advantage of resources from Drake Law’s Career Development Office and completing a judicial externship. “No matter the class, I focused on good grades and excellent writing,” she said.
Kendra Betz, JD’25, will clerk for Judge Doug Thomson of the Missouri Court of Appeals after taking the Bar exam. Her path to a clerkship was shaped by Drake’s advocacy program.
“Drake’s appellate advocacy program was one of the most influential components of my law school education,” Betz said. “I chose to pursue a judicial clerkship to dive deeper into what makes an effective argument from a judge’s perspective, both on paper and in the courtroom.”
For these students and many more, Drake Law’s foundation in legal writing, advocacy, and real-world experience has opened doors and positioned them to make meaningful contributions within the judiciary and the broader legal profession.