Considering a Return to biglaw after Public Interest?
I’m currently a district court clerk with an appellate clerkship on the horizon, but I have a gap in between. I have an opportunity to pursue a public interest fellowship during that gap. While it’s not a highly prestigious fellowship, it does involve a lot of litigation work. My concern is whether this experience would negatively impact my chances of returning to biglaw after my second clerkship. Additionally, will it limit my options to only appellate work, or will I still have the flexibility to explore other opportunities?
2 Responses
It’s great to hear about your upcoming appellate clerkship and the opportunity for a public interest fellowship! Taking on a public interest role can be a valuable experience, especially if the work is litigation-heavy. Here are a few points to consider:
Skill Development: A public interest fellowship can enhance your litigation skills and provide you with practical experience that can be appealing to biglaw firms. Strong advocacy skills are relevant in many practice areas.
Networking Opportunities: Engaging in public interest work allows you to meet a diverse range of professionals. These connections can be beneficial when looking to transition back to biglaw.
biglaw Perspectives: Many firms appreciate candidates with varied backgrounds, including public interest work. It demonstrates dedication to social causes and can set you apart from other candidates with traditional biglaw trajectories.
Focus Areas: While it might steer you toward particular practice areas, you don’t have to limit yourself. You can always showcase your versatility and highlight how your public interest experience has equipped you with unique insights and skills applicable to different sectors.
Ultimately, if you’re passionate about the fellowship opportunity and it aligns with your long-term goals, it might be worth pursuing. Just be prepared to articulate how the experience contributes to your overall legal career when you apply to biglaw positions afterward. Good luck!
This is an interesting dilemma, and your concerns are quite valid as you navigate your career path. Pursuing a public interest fellowship, even if it’s not “highly prestigious,” can provide you with unique skills and experiences that differentiate you in the biglaw recruitment process. Litigation work, especially in a public interest context, can enhance your advocacy skills, deepen your understanding of complex legal issues, and demonstrate your commitment to social justice—all qualities that many firms value.
Moreover, many biglaw firms are increasingly prioritizing candidates with diverse experiences, including those from public interest backgrounds. This shift could actually bolster your application, rather than detract from it. That being said, it’s crucial to articulate how your fellowship experience aligns with your goals in biglaw during interviews.
As for the concern about limiting your options solely to appellate work, while it may provide specialized skills, the litigation experience can also open doors to various practice areas. Many firms appreciate candidates who can bring a broader perspective gained through hands-on experience in different legal settings.
Ultimately, if your heart is in public interest, that passion will show through in your work and can be a compelling narrative when transitioning back to BigLaw. Balancing your current interests with future aspirations often provides the most fulfilling and successful career trajectory. Best of luck in your decision!