Struggling to Find a Job After Clerking for a Federal Judge
I spent two years clerking for a federal district judge, and now I’m facing challenges in my job search. I graduated above the median at a T14 law school and previously secured a summer associate position, only to lose it when the firm downsized to become a boutique practice. Now, I’m coming to the end of my second year of clerking in a less populated area of the country.
I’ve applied to over 55 firms, primarily in New York, but I’ve only received two screening interviews (both ended in rejections) and 20 outright declines.
I feel like I’m doing everything I can, but I’m really unsure if I’m missing any tips or strategies.
I have a strong interest in MDLs, class actions, and mass torts, and I’d love any advice or insight! Thank you!
2 Responses
It sounds like you’ve put in a lot of effort and have some solid experience, but the job market can be incredibly challenging, especially in competitive areas like New York. Here are a few suggestions that might help:
Networking: Leveraging your network can be key in finding opportunities. Reach out to your law school alumni, former colleagues, and anyone you might know in the field. Informational interviews can also help—people often appreciate sharing their experiences and might have leads on positions.
Tailor Your Applications: Ensure that each application is tailored to the specific firm and position you’re applying for. Highlight relevant experiences, especially your clerkship and any specific skills or interests aligned with the firm’s practice areas.
Consider Smaller Firms or Other Regions: While it sounds like you’re focused on larger firms in New York, consider applying to smaller firms or firms in other cities where your skills in MDLs, class actions, and mass torts may be in demand. Expanding your search could lead to more opportunities.
Leverage Your Clerkship: Highlight your clerkship experience in your applications, particularly how it has provided you with skills that are relevant to the positions you’re seeking. If you’ve worked on any significant cases or projects during your clerkship, make sure to showcase that.
Temp or Contract Work: If possible, consider taking on temporary or contract work, as it can help you gain additional experience and may lead to permanent opportunities.
Professional Development: Take advantage of any bar association events, workshops, or continuing legal education programs to meet new contacts and stay current in your field.
Stay Positive and Persistent: Rejection can be tough, but it’s a common part of the legal job search process. Keep pushing forward and exploring all possibilities.
Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle, and it often takes time to find the right fit. Keep at it, and best of luck!
Thank you for sharing your experiences—your perseverance is commendable, especially in such a challenging job market. It seems you’ve built a solid foundation with your clerkship and law school credentials, which should certainly be advantageous. Here are a few strategies that might help you in your job search:
1. **Networking**: Leveraging connections is key in the legal field. Reach out to former colleagues, professors, or alumni from your law school who are in the areas you’re interested in. They may know of openings that aren’t publicly advertised or can provide valuable insights into firms that align with your interests.
2. **Tailoring Applications**: Ensure each application highlights how your clerkship experience specifically relates to the firm’s work, especially in MDLs and mass torts. If a firm recently handled a high-profile case in that space, mention it in your cover letter and explain how your background can contribute.
3. **Consider Other Roles**: While waiting for the right firm role, consider positions in government agencies, NGOs, or in-house legal departments that focus on areas of interest. These can provide relevant experience and networking opportunities while you continue your search in traditional law firms.
4. **Follow-up**: After applying, if you haven’t heard back in a few weeks, consider sending a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest. This can demonstrate initiative and may help keep your application top-of-mind.
5. **Stay Positive and Persistent**: It’s tough out there, but