Thinking About Public Interest Before biglaw?
I’m currently a district court clerk with an upcoming appellate clerkship, but I have a gap in between. I’ve been offered an opportunity to participate in a public interest fellowship during that gap. While it’s not a particularly high-profile position, it does involve a lot of litigation work. I’m concerned about whether taking this fellowship might hurt my chances of returning to biglaw after my second clerkship. Would it limit my options to only appellate work, or could it still leave room to explore other paths?
2 Responses
It’s great to hear about your upcoming appellate clerkship and the opportunity for a public interest fellowship in between. Taking on a public interest role can actually provide valuable experience and skills that can enhance your profile, even if you’re aiming for biglaw afterward.
Many firms today appreciate the diverse perspectives and commitment to justice that come from public interest work. While there’s a concern that it might narrow your focus, you can frame it as a strength in your applications. Highlighting your litigation experience and the skills gained during the fellowship can demonstrate your well-roundedness.
That said, staying connected with biglaw during your fellowship—such as reaching out to former colleagues or attending networking events—can help maintain those ties. Ultimately, firms recognize the value of varied experiences, so a public interest fellowship could enhance your chances rather than hinder them. Just be sure to articulate how this experience informs your future work in your applications. Good luck!
It’s great to hear about your upcoming appellate clerkship and the opportunity for a public interest fellowship! It’s understandable to have concerns about how this might impact your future in biglaw. However, I believe that participating in a public interest fellowship can actually enhance your profile rather than limit your options.
Firstly, the skills you’ll develop during the fellowship—such as litigation experience, client advocacy, and a deeper understanding of social justice issues—are highly transferable. biglaw firms increasingly value candidates who bring diverse experiences and perspectives, and your public interest work could set you apart from other applicants.
Moreover, many firms have pro bono programs and are looking for associates who are committed to social responsibility. Highlighting your public interest fellowship during interviews can demonstrate not only your litigation skills but also your commitment to broader societal issues, which many firms are increasingly prioritizing.
Finally, if you’re worried about the trajectory towards appellate work, you might consider how you can frame your experiences in a way that aligns with the areas of law you wish to pursue in biglaw. Connecting the dots between your clerkship experiences and your public interest work in your applications can help paint a cohesive picture of your career aspirations.
In short, I wholeheartedly support your decision to take on the public interest fellowship. It’s an opportunity that can enrich your legal journey, regardless of your ultimate path in BigLaw. Good luck!