Olivia J. Schoffstall of Baylor University School of Law has tied for second place in the Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing competition held in conjunction with the 2024 Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference (JCOW) held from February 22 to 24 at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.

Focusing on both economics and religious studies while a student at the University of Virginia, Schoffstall graduated in 2017 and quickly entered the workforce. She ultimately chose to pursue legal studies once she felt that her faith was calling her to a vocation in law. “I chose to attend law school because Micah 6:8 calls Christians to ‘do justice,’” she wrote in a statement to Catholic Law. “Lawyers are privileged to answer this call by counseling clients with diligence and compassion.

“Plus, the Bluebook sounded fun,” she added.

The verse from Micah, which Schoffstall cited, is inscribed on the western facade of the Columbus School of Law building. In full, it reads: DO JUSTICE, LOVE MERCY, AND WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.

Schoffstall will graduate from Baylor in April 2024, after which she will clerk through the 2024-2025 term for the Honorable Jeffrey V. Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Upon the completion of her clerkship, she will join the Houston office of Hogan Lovells.

In her statement, Schoffstall reflected on the importance of conferences like JCOW. “The Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference offers high-quality, practical preparation for clerking,” she wrote. “Attendees get the unique opportunity to learn from federal judges about opinion writing and receive personalized feedback on their work. The insights gained from judges and interactions with fellow law clerks are invaluable.”

On her selection as a second place finalist of the writing competition, Schoffstall expressed sincere gratitude to her law professors and the colleagues at Hogan Lovells with whom she has worked previously.

“I am grateful to my law professors and colleagues at Hogan Lovells for their great mentorship, Judge Brown for allowing me to clerk in his chambers, and Cade Palmer (CSL Conferee 2023) for encouraging me to apply to the conference,” she wrote in closing. “JCOW sharpened my writing skills, equipping me to better serve my judge and constituents as a law clerk.”

Click here to learn more about the Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference.