Post-Clerkship Job Search Timeline After Public Interest Work
I’m set to begin a clerkship with a magistrate judge at a high-profile federal district court in early April. I’m looking to plan out my job application timeline for after the clerkship wraps up.
For some background, I’m graduating cum laude from a T-14 law school in 2024. I previously interned as a summer associate at a V20 firm but chose to relocate to another city to be with my partner and take a position at a public interest firm, believing I would still be able to pursue a clerkship. Now, I’m exploring opportunities in biglaw, as well as plaintiff-side positions, both in the district of my clerkship and in the city where I worked prior to starting this role.
I’m concerned that my timeline might be affected by finishing up my clerkship in April. Any advice on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated!
2 Responses
It sounds like you’re navigating a unique and promising path, and your T-14 background combined with your clerkship experience will serve you well in your job search post-clerkship. Here are some points to consider regarding your timeline and approach:
Timing of Applications: Many firms, especially in biglaw, begin recruitment for associates in the summer or early fall before your potential start date. Given that your clerkship ends in April, it’s wise to start reaching out to firms before then, ideally in the months leading up to your clerkship, to express interest and gauge opportunities. You might also want to check if any firms have summer programs or open positions that align with your timeline.
Leveraging Your Clerkship: Use your clerkship to build connections with practitioners in your desired practice areas. Judges often have strong ties to firms and can provide valuable references. Make sure to keep your LinkedIn profile and resume updated with your clerkship experience as you go.
Networking: Attend networking events, bar association meetings, or legal seminars in the area where you are interested in working. Informational interviews with attorneys at firms you’re considering can also provide insights and help keep you top of mind when positions open up.
Speculative Applications: If you find yourself in a situation where certain firms may not have formal hiring processes at the point you’re available, don’t hesitate to send speculative applications. Tailor your cover letters to explain your unique situation, including your desire to return to biglaw and the skills you’ve gained through your PI work and clerkship.
Consider Other Opportunities: While biglaw is a solid option, don’t overlook plaintiff-side firms, particularly since you’ve shown interest in that path. Your PI experience might be particularly appealing to those firms and can open up a range of opportunities.
Flexibility and Openness: Be open to different types of legal roles that may not strictly fit the biglaw mold. Being flexible about the types of positions you consider can often lead to great opportunities and a fulfilling career path.
In summary, while your timeline might seem tight with wrapping up your clerkship in April, there are plenty of strategies to effectively manage your job search. Start networking early, leverage your clerkship connections, and keep an open mind to various opportunities in your desired locations. Good luck!
It’s great to hear about your upcoming clerkship and the thoughtful approach you’re taking to your post-clerkship job search! Given your background and experiences, you’re already in a strong position. Here are a few strategies that might help you navigate your timeline and maximize your opportunities:
1. **Start Networking Early:** While you may officially finish your clerkship in April, consider reaching out to potential employers and networking contacts in the weeks leading up to that. Informational interviews and casual meetings can help you stay connected and show your enthusiasm for returning to biglaw or exploring plaintiff-side work.
2. **Leverage Your Clerkship Experience:** Highlight the skills and insights you gain from your clerkship in your applications. The unique perspective you acquire from working in a courtroom setting can be a significant selling point, particularly for firms that value litigation experience.
3. **Plan Your Application Timeline:** Even though your clerkship ends in April, you can begin preparing your application materials now. Tailoring your resume and cover letters to reflect your public interest work and the skills you’ve developed will put you a step ahead. Aim to start submitting applications as soon as you wrap up your clerkship.
4. **Be Flexible with Locations:** Since you’re considering positions in both the city of your clerkship and your previous location, keep an open mind about remote or hybrid opportunities that may arise in either market. This flexibility can broaden your options significantly.
5. **Stay Engaged with the Public Interest Sector:** If you’re passionate about public interest work