In reality, Clement uses a similar
technique on land, setting aside large chunks of time to prepare for cases and
guarding that time "jealously," he said. Fifteen minutes here or
there will not do it.
Cooperation with colleagues is
another key, in terms of dividing work and meetings, as well as responding to
inquiries. (For more on this subject, see Tony Mauro's spotlight of Erin Murphy, an associate who works with Clement at Bancroft.)
Clement finds that his experience as Solicitor General transfers to private practice. The SG not only has heavy administrative duties, in deciding which appeals the government will take, but also a "line" function, as Clement called it, arguing cases.
Clement finds that his experience as Solicitor General transfers to private practice. The SG not only has heavy administrative duties, in deciding which appeals the government will take, but also a "line" function, as Clement called it, arguing cases.
Clement argued nine
times during the current Supreme Court term, including in the marquee health
care and Arizona immigration cases—three separate appearances on health
care alone. Reports described his presentations as
"extraordinary," "tremendous," and "superb."
In addition, Clement has cases at the circuit court level, including the First Circuit Defense of
Marriage Act case, expected to reach the Supreme Court in the coming months as
a petition for certiorari. The day I spoke with him, he was preparing for an
argument in the Second Circuit.
Clement also regularly participates in educational and other events in the legal community. For instance, in May,
he spoke at a luncheon honoring Greg Garre and later this month,
will be a panelist at the ACS Supreme Court Review.
There is no magic formula for time
management, Clement explained. But, by all accounts, he may have found it.
