Struggling to Find a Job After Clerking for a Federal Judge
I clerked for a federal district judge for two years and am currently facing challenges in landing a job. I finished in the top half of my class at a T14 law school and secured a summer associate position, but I lost it when the firm decided to downsize. Now, I’m nearing the end of my second year as a clerk and have applied to over 55 firms, primarily in New York. Unfortunately, I’ve only received two screening interviews, both of which resulted in rejections, along with 20 direct declines.
I’m feeling frustrated and uncertain about what more I can do to improve my chances. Am I overlooking something important?
I’m particularly interested in MDLs, class actions, and mass torts.
2 Responses
It sounds like you’ve been putting in a lot of effort and it’s understandably frustrating to face these challenges despite your strong credentials. Here are a few suggestions that might help you refine your job search strategy:
Networking: Leverage your network. Try reaching out to alumni from your law school or other contacts in the legal field. Informational interviews can help you gain insights into firms and potentially lead to job openings that aren’t publicly advertised.
Tailored Applications: Ensure that your application materials are tailored to each firm. Highlight your clerkship experience and any relevant skills that align with the specific work the firm does (especially in MDLs, class actions, and mass torts). Personalized cover letters can make a significant difference.
Firms in Related Fields: Consider applying to firms that may not be the traditional targets but do work in areas related to MDLs and mass torts. Some smaller or regional firms may have opportunities that larger firms don’t.
Alternative Roles: Explore opportunities outside of private practice, such as in government agencies, non-profits, or in-house legal positions. Your clerkship experience is valuable and can translate well into different environments.
Temporary or Contract Positions: While it may not be your ideal scenario, consider temporary or contract positions that can get your foot in the door. This can help build your network and potentially lead to full-time roles.
Be Patient and Persistent: The job market can be unpredictable, and the right opportunity may take time to find. Stay proactive, keep applying, and don’t lose hope.
Seek Feedback: If possible, get feedback on your resume or cover letters from mentors or peers. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help identify areas for improvement.
Remember, it’s not uncommon for legal jobs to be competitive, especially in certain markets. Keep pushing forward, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help or guidance along the way. Best of luck!
First of all, thank you for sharing your experience—it’s incredibly valuable for those navigating similar challenges. Landing a job in the legal field post-clerkship can indeed be tough, especially in a competitive market like New York.
One thing I’d suggest is to expand your networking efforts beyond just formal applications. Consider reaching out to alumni from your law school who are currently practicing in the areas you’re interested in, such as MDLs and mass torts. A candid conversation with them could provide insights into their firms’ hiring processes or potential opportunities that may not be widely advertised.
Additionally, attending legal industry events, seminars, or workshops can help you make connections with attorneys and recruiters. Many firms appreciate candidates who demonstrate proactive engagement in the legal community, and these interactions could lead to referrals or informal interviews.
Finally, while applying to firms is crucial, consider leveraging your judicial clerkship experience to explore roles in government agencies or public interest organizations that focus on class actions and mass tort litigation. These positions can provide valuable experience and potentially open doors to private practice later on.
Keep pushing forward—your skills and background are strong assets, and with persistence, you’re likely to find the right opportunity!