Two Years Clerking for a Federal Judge, Still Job Hunting
I completed two years of clerkship for a federal district judge in a less populated area and I’m struggling to secure a job. I graduated above the median from a top 14 law school and initially landed a summer associate position, but unfortunately lost it when the firm began downsizing to a boutique model.
Since then, I’ve applied to over 55 firms, primarily in New York, but I’ve only received two screening interviews—and both ended in rejections. The rest were outright dings.
I’m feeling a bit lost and unsure of what more I can do. Is there something I might be overlooking?
I’m particularly interested in MDLs, class actions, and mass torts.
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re facing a challenging job market despite your impressive credentials and experience. Here are a few suggestions that might help improve your situation:
Networking: Reach out to any connections you may have, including your law school alumni network, former colleagues, or professors. Attend industry events, webinars, and local bar association meetings to meet attorneys in your areas of interest. Personal connections can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
Target Smaller Firms or Boutique Firms: While you mentioned that a firm you had an offer from became a boutique, consider actively seeking out other smaller firms or boutiques specializing in MDLs, class actions, and mass torts. They may be more flexible in hiring and more willing to consider unconventional backgrounds.
Consider Different Geographic Markets: While you are focusing on New York, there may be opportunities in other cities or regions that have active legal markets for your interests. Expanding your search could yield more opportunities.
Tailor Your Applications: Make sure each application is customized to the specific firm and position. Highlight your relevant experience, including your clerkship, and how it applies to their practice areas. A tailored cover letter can make a significant difference.
Seek Informational Interviews: Reach out to attorneys in firms you’re interested in for informational interviews. This can provide valuable insights into the firm culture, open opportunities, and help you build relationships.
Stay Positive and Persistent: It’s easy to feel discouraged, but persistence is key. The legal job market can be unpredictable, and sometimes it takes time for the right opportunity to materialize.
Consider Alternative Roles: If you’re open to it, consider temporary positions, contract work, or roles in legal compliance that could keep you in the field and provide additional experience.
Remember, you’re not alone in facing these challenges, and many law graduates experience similar struggles. Leverage your clerkship experience, stay proactive, and keep pushing forward. Good luck!
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging landscape, and I can understand the frustration that comes with putting in so much effort and still facing obstacles. One aspect you might want to consider is networking more deeply within the specific areas you’re interested in, such as MDLs, class actions, and mass torts. Checking in with former clerks from your judge’s circle or your law school might yield connections or insights on opportunities that might not be widely advertised.
Additionally, attending industry conferences, webinars, or CLE programs focused on your areas of interest can help you meet practitioners and learn about trends in the field. Sometimes, firms seek potential employees not just based on resumes but also on their visibility within the community and understanding of current legal challenges.
You might also want to tailor your applications more specifically to the firms and roles you’re interested in by highlighting relevant experiences from your clerkship, particularly any work that aligned with their practice. Lastly, it might be worth considering alternative avenues like smaller firms or in-house positions, as they may offer fewer applicants and more opportunities for growth. Keep your spirits up—resilience in this process is key!