Hugh Theut Lands Post-Grad Federal Clerkship

Hugh Theut, ’23, accepted a post-grad federal clerkship under Judge Maloney in the Western District of Michigan.

“My whole goal coming in was to work hard and see what came of it. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be clerking for a federal judge coming out of law school. It’s really tremendous and kind of surprising even now,” said Theut, of Escanaba, Michigan.

Theut studied political science at University of Iowa, but always planned to return to Michigan. So coming to MSU Law was a natural for him.

“Education has always kind of been the expectation in my family,” said Theut who comes from a family of practicing attorneys. “My undergraduate minor is public speaking,” he said. “I gave a lot of speeches and was given an opportunity to be an advocate, and I really enjoyed that. Law school seemed like a good fit.

“I couldn’t be happier with my decision to attend MSU Law,” he said. “It’s filled with tremendous faculty and really, really great students.”

Theut has enjoyed being part of several student organizations. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Michigan State Law Review, as well a member of the Native American Law Student Association. He was on the board of the association during his second year of law school.

“The cool thing is you get to meet different pockets of people. If it had not been for these great student organizations, I’m not sure I would have met so many people,” “It’s a great way to socialize and learn about other students.”

During law school Theut clerked for Judge Allie Maldonado of the Little Traverse Band of Odawa Indians as well as for Justice Michael Cavanaugh (since retired). During fall semester of his third year, he will be an extern for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanaugh.

When it comes to his upcoming federal clerkship, he credits Judge Maldonado and Professor David Blankfein-Tabachnick. “They’re the ones who really motivated me to clerk – who pushed me in that direction,” Theut said. “Professor DBT really goes above and beyond for the Michigan State Law Review as its faculty advisor.”

Theut has one piece of advice for prospective law students: “Do your research – figure out if this is the career for you and then buy in 100%. Acknowledge that you’re investing in yourself and your future.”