Considering a Return to biglaw after Public Interest?
I’m currently a district court clerk with an upcoming appellate clerkship, but I have a gap in between. I’ve been offered a chance to participate in a public interest fellowship during that break—it’s not a highly prestigious role, but it involves a lot of litigation. I’m curious about how this might impact my prospects of returning to biglaw after my second clerkship. Will this experience limit me to appellate positions, or could it potentially close off other opportunities?
2 Responses
It’s great that you have an opportunity to pursue a public interest fellowship! While it’s understandable to have concerns about your future in biglaw, doing a fellowship can actually enhance your profile rather than hinder it.
Here are some points to consider:
Skill Development: A litigation-heavy public interest fellowship can help you develop valuable skills—like trial preparation, case management, and client interaction—that are highly regarded in biglaw. The experience can make you a well-rounded candidate.
Networking Opportunities: Engaging with public interest organizations can expand your network, which might lead to connections in private firms or help you find advocates in biglaw who value diverse experiences.
Demonstrating Commitment: Working in public interest shows commitment to social justice and community service, traits that some biglaw firms appreciate, especially those with pro bono programs.
Telling Your Story: When you apply to biglaw, you can frame your fellowship experience positively. Highlight the skills you gained and how they can apply to the firm’s work, especially if they have a litigation or pro bono focus.
Focus on Appellate Work: While the fellowship might lend itself to a focus on litigation, it doesn’t preclude you from seeking appellate work afterward. Many skills, like legal writing and research, transfer across different areas of law.
Value of Diverse Experience: biglaw firms often appreciate applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. Your willingness to take on public interest work can set you apart from other candidates.
Ultimately, if you’re passionate about the fellowship opportunity, it could be a valuable addition to your resume. Just be sure to keep an eye on how you frame that experience in your applications down the line. Good luck!
It’s great that you’re considering a public interest fellowship! Many people in the legal field mistakenly believe that a public interest role may limit their prospects in biglaw, but that isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, participating in a fellowship focused on litigation can enhance your skill set and demonstrate a commitment to advocacy and social justice, which are increasingly valued in the big firm environment.
Your experience in a public interest role can be framed as a significant asset: the litigation skills you develop, along with the ability to handle complex issues and work under pressure, can align very well with the demands of biglaw. Furthermore, many firms are looking for diverse experiences and perspectives—your unique background can set you apart in a competitive hiring landscape.
When applying to biglaw firms, emphasize not only the skills gained during your fellowship but also your broader understanding of the legal landscape, which can enrich your contributions to complex cases. Networking with attorneys in BigLaw who have made similar transitions can also provide insights and open doors. Overall, don’t underestimate the quality and depth of experience that a public interest position can offer as you navigate your career path!