Aliza Shatzman has been recognized as Above the Law’s Official 2024 Lawyer of the Year, an honor celebrated for her considerable contributions to enhancing transparency and accountability in judicial chambers. Shatzman, founder and president of the Legal Accountability Project, is renowned for her efforts to empower federal law clerks by increasing transparency in the clerkship application process.
The Legal Accountability Project recently launched the Centralized Clerkships Database, dubbed a “Glassdoor for Judges”, which serves as a critical tool for clerkship applicants. This platform offers transparency and provides insider insights from former clerks about various judicial work environments, thus equipping applicants with the necessary information to make informed decisions. Aliza Shatzman’s endeavors to develop and launch this resource marked a pivotal change for federal law clerks in the United States, addressing long-standing challenges within legal chambers.
Ryan Protter, the initial favorite in Above the Law’s 2024 Lawyer of the Year competition, endorsed Shatzman after stepping aside from the award due to eligibility requirements. Protter remarked on the immense value of Shatzman’s work through the Legal Accountability Project, further underscoring her deserving nomination. For those interested in delving deeper into Shatzman’s views and contributions, a collection of her columns can be read here.
This accolade highlights Shatzman’s unyielding dedication to improving the working conditions for law clerks across the nation, making her a particularly celebrated figure in the legal community. More details about the announcement and Shatzman’s recognition as Above the Law’s Lawyer of the Year can be accessed through this article from Above the Law.