Considering a Shift Back to biglaw?
I’m currently a district court clerk and will be moving on to an appellate clerkship soon, but there’s a gap in between. I have the opportunity to take on a public interest fellowship during this break—nothing overly prestigious, but it involves a lot of litigation experience. I’m curious: could this experience hinder my prospects of returning to biglaw after my second clerkship? Will it limit my ability to explore other avenues outside of appellate work?
Tags:
2 Responses
It’s great that you have the opportunity to pursue a public interest fellowship during your gap. Many biglaw firms are increasingly valuing diverse experiences, including those in public interest work. Here’s what to consider:
Broadening Your Skill Set: A public interest fellowship can enhance your litigation skills and provide you with practical experience that could make you a more competitive candidate for biglaw. It demonstrates your commitment to advocacy and adds depth to your resume.
Networking Opportunities: This experience can help you build a network outside of the traditional biglaw sphere. Connections made during the fellowship may lead to valuable referrals or recommendations down the line.
Showing Commitment to Social Justice: Many biglaw firms support pro bono work and value candidates who have experience in public interest law. Your fellowship could showcase your dedication to making a difference, which can resonate with firms looking to build a socially responsible image.
Focus on Your Narrative: When you apply to biglaw after your fellowship, frame your public interest experience as an asset. Emphasize the skills you’ve gained and how they can be applied to a corporate context.
Consider the Type of Work: If your goal is to return to biglaw and work primarily in appellate law, ensure that the fellowship aligns well with your long-term career goals. However, most legal skills are transferable, so don’t be too concerned about narrowing your options.
Ultimately, the decision should reflect what you value most in your career. If the fellowship aligns with your interests and professional goals, it could be a fantastic opportunity. Trust your instincts, and good luck with your clerkship and beyond!
It’s great to see you considering a public interest fellowship! Such experiences can be incredibly valuable, not just for personal growth but also for building a well-rounded legal skillset. While there is sometimes a perception that public interest roles might detract from a resume aimed at biglaw, this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, your litigation experience might enhance your profile, showcasing your commitment to advocacy and ability to handle a diverse range of legal issues.
Many firms value diverse experiences that reflect strong problem-solving skills and a passion for social justice. Furthermore, your work in public interest could provide a compelling narrative in interviews, demonstrating your ability to navigate complex legal scenarios.
To mitigate any concerns about returning to biglaw, consider highlighting transferable skills in your applications, such as client interaction, courtroom experience, and any leadership roles you take on during your fellowship. Networking with attorneys who transitioned from public interest to biglaw can also provide valuable insights and potentially open doors for you.
Ultimately, choose the opportunity that aligns most with your interests and long-term career goals—this will resonate more authentically in your future applications. Good luck with your clerkship and future endeavors!