Redefining Clerkships: A Call for Accountability (with President and Founder, Aliza Shatzman)

This episode, Megan Senese and Jennifer Ramsey are joined by Aliza Shatzman, where she talks about the long-standing issues clerks have faced and how her team at The Legal Accountability Project is working to change that. Aliza Shatzman is the President and Founder of The Legal Accountability Project, which works to ensure positive clerkship experiences and support those who face challenges. Aliza graduated from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law in 2019, aspiring to be a homicide prosecutor. She clerked in D.C. Superior Court for trial experience and insight into judicial decision-making. Law schools promote clerkships as prestigious, mentorship-driven opportunities. However, Aliza encountered the stark reality: a power imbalance that silences clerks, lack of workplace protections, and judges’ lasting influence over careers.Her experience of gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation derailed her aspirations. She later testified before Congress, exposing how federal judges are exempt from Title VII, leaving clerks without legal recourse.From this, The Legal Accountability Project was born.Learn more about our guest:Connect with Aliza Check out The Legal Accountability ProjectCheck out the clerkship databaseIf you would like to donate to The Legal Accountability ProjectAdditional support:ABA Assistance ProgramsCall or text 988 (Open 24/7/365)Psychology TodayZen CareLawyers Concerned for LawyersLove So Much To Say? Let us know! Drop a review, give us 5 stars in your favorite podcast app, and tell us what made you laugh, think, or just go “yep, that’s me.” Every review helps us reach more awesome humans who want to make legal…well, human. Want to go deeper? Curious about 1:1 coaching with Megan or Jen? Or want the inside scoop on stage? Hit us up below, we’d love to chat!Learn more about stageConnect with Megan SeneseConnect with Jennifer Ramsey