Aliza Shatzman – a former law clerk, an advocate for judiciary accountability, and a frequent contributor to Above the Law – recently spoke about her work aiming to improve the experiences of those within the judicial system. As president and founder of theLegal Accountability Project, she has been highlighting deficiencies within existing structures and advocating extensively for change.
One particular focus of Shatzman’s advocacy revolves around law clerks facing hostile work environments. Her passion for this area was sparked by her own experiences of harassment, gender discrimination, and retaliation while clerking in D.C. Superior Court. In March 2022, Shatzman shared these experiences during a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on the lack of workplace protections in the federal judiciary. She used her written testimony to advocate for the implementation of the Judiciary Accountability Act, a proposed piece of legislation intended to extend Title VII protections to judiciary employees, including law clerks.
Shatzman’s dedication to this cause extends beyond testifying – she has also authored numerous articles aimed at improving the overall experiences of law clerks. Her articles tackle issues like inadequate options for law clerks needing to address wrongful conduct and ensuring law clerks have positive experiences, pressing for increased accountability within the judiciary.
Some might interpret Shatzman’s dedication to this cause as a critique of the judiciary. On the contrary, her work strikes a balance between advocating for necessary change and supporting those within the system. She concurrently acknowledges the good within her former field while discussing the various aspects of systemic reform needed. Shared across numerous platforms, her message is aimed at improving the lives of law clerks and judicial employees, enabling more positive clerkship experiences and, ultimately, fostering more supportive, responsible workplace environments.
To tackle these issues, Shatzman advocates for treating judicial clerkships like any other job, with an emphasis on fostering respect, providing necessary training and feedback, and maintaining a healthy work environment. For Aliza, a positive clerkship experience isn’t limited to a good relationship with the presiding judge; it’s also about gaining valuable writing and research experience, developing interpersonal skills, and understanding the expectations of the role.
In the end, Shatzman’s work serves as a timely reminder that, while the legal system comes with its fair share of challenges, there are individuals committed to fostering change and advocating for better protections and support systems for those within it.