In a surprising turn for the legal community, law clerks have become pivotal figures in 2024’s Lawyer of the Year competition. Capturing more than half of the votes, Ryan Protter, a recent graduate serving as a law clerk in the New Jersey Appellate Division, emerged as the winner. This reflects an unexpected shift in how achievements in the legal field are recognized, with Protter self-identifying as a “dark horse candidate” and humorously noting his lack of qualifications for the award.
Law clerks continue to leave a remarkable imprint on the competition, with the runner-up, Aliza Shatzman, also hailing from this community. As the founder and president of the Legal Accountability Project, Shatzman made significant strides for federal law clerks. Her efforts culminated in the launch of the Centralized Clerkships Database, a valuable tool for clerkship applicants seeking transparency about judicial work environments.
The results of Above the Law’s competition reveal an evolving perspective on leadership within the legal profession, elevating non-conventional candidates such as law clerks to prominent positions. Congratulations to all the finalists and especially to Ryan Protter and Aliza Shatzman for their impactful contributions to the legal community. For more detailed insights, explore the full article on Above the Law.