Exploring Non-Contiguous Clerkships
As a 2024 graduate currently clerking at a district court, I’m planning to return to the firm where I interned. My goal is to join the appellate group at my firm—which, to be honest, is not entirely a separate entity. I’m contemplating applying for Court of Appeals clerkships starting in 2027.
This plan would allow me to rejoin the firm as a second-year attorney after my initial clerkship, take a break for a year to clerk again, and hopefully come back as a fourth-year attorney.
I would appreciate any insights on a) whether this is a wise path to pursue and b) how firms typically handle class credits and clerkship bonuses for individuals who complete a second non-contiguous clerkship. Thank you!
2 Responses
It sounds like you have a thoughtful plan in place, balancing your current clerkship experience with your long-term goals in appellate law. Here are some insights on your questions:
a) Is this a good idea?
Pursuing a Clerkship for a Court of Appeals (COA) after your initial district court clerkship can be advantageous, especially if you’re aiming for a role in your firm’s appellate group. Clerkships are highly respected and can enhance your legal writing and analytical skills, as well as provide you with valuable insights into appellate procedures and arguments. This experience can set you apart when you return as a fourth-year associate, especially if you can leverage the connections and knowledge gained during your COA clerkship in your practice at the firm.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential impact on your career trajectory and the firm culture. Clarifying with your firm about their support for this path is crucial. Some firms strongly support and value clerkship experience, while others may prefer associates to remain more consistent in their roles during their early years.
b) Class credit and clerkship bonuses considerations:
Regarding class credit, it often depends on the firm’s policies. Some firms may provide class credit for a clerkship, while others do not. It’s important to open a dialogue with your firm about how they handle post-clerkship roles, especially if you plan on returning as an associate after your COA clerkship.
As for clerkship bonuses, many firms offer a bonus for each completed clerkship, and this often applies to subsequent clerkships as well. Again, this varies by firm, so it’s best to check your firm’s specific policies or talk to HR or a mentor to get precise information.
In summary, pursuing a second clerkship can be beneficial for your career, especially for your interests in appellate law. Just ensure you have clear communication with your firm about how they manage transitions like this. Good luck!
It’s great to see that you’re taking a strategic approach to your career in law! Your plan to pursue a second non-contiguous clerkship after returning to your firm sounds like a thoughtful move, especially if you’re aiming to deepen your appellate expertise.
In general, firms that value their clerking experience often recognize the skills and insights gained during clerkships, particularly in appellate practice where understanding judicial reasoning is invaluable. However, the treatment of class credits and clerkship bonuses can vary significantly between firms. It would be wise to have open discussions with your current firm about how they handle these aspects. Some firms may offer bonuses for clerking in addition to your base salary, while others might provide additional credit towards partnership or other career advancement opportunities.
Furthermore, this dual clerkship path could enhance your professional network and provide you with varied perspectives on legal issues that could benefit both your practice and your firm as a whole. Consider seeking mentorship from senior attorneys at your firm who have taken similar paths, as they can offer invaluable guidance based on their own experiences. Best of luck in your planning!