2017-2018 Post-Clerkship Hiring
Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2017 9:54 am
Thought I might as well get this thread started. It's really early to apply, but is there any movement out there?
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https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=281662
Several clerks in my district have off-cycle start/end dates, some whose clerkship is concluding this winter and some this spring. They've been applying for early 2018 start dates at firms.Most of started less than a month ago. I don't know anyone who's started applying yet.
2-year clerk here. In the past few months I have had a handful interviews in BigLaw and BigFed. My judge does allow me to use my work product but, FWIW, not once has an interviewer mentioned my writing sample. It may be different for lit boutiques but I don't think the larger employers care very much.Anonymous User wrote:(2/9/D.C. Clerk) myself and one other co clerk are likely looking to apply soonish. Word is that some litigation boutiques may have started informal conversations.
What is everyone doing re: writing samples where judge isn't allowing any written product to be used? Do firms actually look at the writing sample?
The sooner the better. A lot of people wait until January but there is no downside to starting now.Anonymous User wrote:SDNY/DE bankruptcy clerk here. When is everyone planning to begin their job search?
Also 2/9/DC and can confirm re: litigation boutiques—and not just informal conversations. For boutiques that only hire clerks, I don't think there's any downside in applying now and there can be real upside.Anonymous User wrote:(2/9/D.C. Clerk) myself and one other co clerk are likely looking to apply soonish. Word is that some litigation boutiques may have started informal conversations.
What is everyone doing re: writing samples where judge isn't allowing any written product to be used? Do firms actually look at the writing sample?
For those whose judges permit using work product as a writing sample: are you using a draft of the opinion (that includes no edits by the judge) or just submitting the published opinion (with an explanation that it includes the judge's edits)?Anonymous User wrote:2-year clerk here. In the past few months I have had a handful interviews in BigLaw and BigFed. My judge does allow me to use my work product but, FWIW, not once has an interviewer mentioned my writing sample. It may be different for lit boutiques but I don't think the larger employers care very much.Anonymous User wrote:(2/9/D.C. Clerk) myself and one other co clerk are likely looking to apply soonish. Word is that some litigation boutiques may have started informal conversations.
What is everyone doing re: writing samples where judge isn't allowing any written product to be used? Do firms actually look at the writing sample?
I use an unedited (by the judge) draft opinion.Anonymous User wrote:For those whose judges permit using work product as a writing sample: are you using a draft of the opinion (that includes no edits by the judge) or just submitting the published opinion (with an explanation that it includes the judge's edits)?Anonymous User wrote:2-year clerk here. In the past few months I have had a handful interviews in BigLaw and BigFed. My judge does allow me to use my work product but, FWIW, not once has an interviewer mentioned my writing sample. It may be different for lit boutiques but I don't think the larger employers care very much.Anonymous User wrote:(2/9/D.C. Clerk) myself and one other co clerk are likely looking to apply soonish. Word is that some litigation boutiques may have started informal conversations.
What is everyone doing re: writing samples where judge isn't allowing any written product to be used? Do firms actually look at the writing sample?
Are you talking about positions that specify a fall 2018(/otherwise post-clerkship) start date, or do you mean positions that firms are advertising as available? I've gotten some positive feedback on the former (1:1 application:CB) but I'm hesitant to apply to the latter because, well, I'm not really available to start working in the next 10 months.michaelm55 wrote: The one bit of advice I would offer is to focus on job postings for specific positions, not general emails to firm recruiters. The latter are generally less effective in my experience.
Shit, these exist??deuceindc wrote:Are you talking about positions that specify a fall 2018(/otherwise post-clerkship) start date, or do you mean positions that firms are advertising as available? I've gotten some positive feedback on the former (1:1 application:CB) but I'm hesitant to apply to the latter because, well, I'm not really available to start working in the next 10 months.michaelm55 wrote: The one bit of advice I would offer is to focus on job postings for specific positions, not general emails to firm recruiters. The latter are generally less effective in my experience.
ETA: anyone have luck applying through clerkship-specific recruiters at firms?
Oft-asked questions here, but how detailed are/were you being in your cover letter or emails? Just hey i'm a clerk, here's my resume and whatever else is requested, or a bunch of shit about what you've done and learned and what attracts you to the firm?michaelm55 wrote:I am one year through a two-year federal district clerkship, and graduated top-third from a top-14 law school. I have been applying since July 2017 to begin in the fall of 2018, and have received some offers, including a big law offer. It is never too early to start.
The one bit of advice I would offer is to focus on job postings for specific positions, not general emails to firm recruiters. The latter are generally less effective in my experience.
Can confirm, got the LA recruiting letter this morning.Anonymous User wrote:I hear Susman is starting to get going. Word is clerk receptions will be next month.
Appreciate this advice greatly. But through the v100 I’m only seeing a handful of lit positions listed. Is there another place to look rather than just the firm websites?michaelm55 wrote:I am one year through a two-year federal district clerkship, and graduated top-third from a top-14 law school. I have been applying since July 2017 to begin in the fall of 2018, and have received some offers, including a big law offer. It is never too early to start.
The one bit of advice I would offer is to focus on job postings for specific positions, not general emails to firm recruiters. The latter are generally less effective in my experience.
My impression is that a temp clerkship is a small plus on your resume. You're biglaw-eligible based on grades/school, so depends on firms' needs and your capabilities and fit.Anonymous User wrote:So, would BIGLAW be interested in someone with a temporary clerkship? Graduated top 25% from T-10, took a temporary clerkship because it was in a good market.