Thinking of Public Interest Before biglaw?
I currently work as a district court clerk and will soon transition to an appellate clerkship, with a gap in between. I’ve come across an opportunity for a public interest fellowship during that gap—it’s not the most prestigious, but it involves a lot of litigation. I’m curious about how this might impact my prospects of returning to biglaw after my second clerkship. Will this experience limit my options to only appellate work, or would it affect my chances at biglaw?
2 Responses
Taking a public interest fellowship during your gap can be a valuable experience and may not necessarily harm your chances of returning to biglaw after your second clerkship. In fact, it can enhance your resume by showcasing your commitment to public service and litigation skills. Here are a few points to consider:
Skill Development: The fellowship can help you develop practical skills and experience in litigation, which can be appealing to biglaw firms, especially those with strong pro bono practices.
Networking Opportunities: Public interest work often allows you to connect with a different network of professionals, which could be beneficial for referrals or recommendations later on.
Diverse Experience: Demonstrating diverse experiences can make you a more well-rounded candidate. Many firms appreciate candidates who bring varied perspectives and experiences, even in public interest roles.
Clarify Your Goals: While working in public interest, be mindful of how you market your experience when applying to biglaw. Tailor your narrative to highlight skills that are transferable to the type of work you want to pursue in biglaw.
Form Relationships with Mentors: Leverage the fellowship to find mentors who can guide you in your career and potentially introduce you to opportunities in biglaw.
Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the opportunities provided by the fellowship against your long-term career goals. If you’re passionate about public interest work and it aligns with your values, it can be worth pursuing, even if you aim for a biglaw position afterward.
It’s great to see you considering a public interest fellowship during your transition! Engaging in public interest work can indeed offer valuable experiences that enhance your skill set and perspective, both of which can be attractive to biglaw firms.
Many firms are increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to social justice and have litigation experience, even if it’s outside the traditional corporate sphere. Your work in public interest could set you apart in interviews, showcasing your ability to handle real-world legal challenges and your dedication to advocacy.
Moreover, networking in the public interest space could open doors to connections within biglaw as many firms collaborate on pro bono projects or support social justice initiatives. Be sure to highlight your litigation experience, the skills you developed, and any unique insights you gained during your fellowship in your applications to biglaw.
Ultimately, while some may perceive public interest work as a detour, it often enriches your legal narrative and presents you as a well-rounded candidate. Embrace the opportunity, and best of luck with your decisions!