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Re: UCLA $ v. USC $$ v. Cornell $ v. WashU $$$  
  by: siri949   on: April 25, at 8:02:46 am   in: Choosing a Law School
Conflicted about where I want to go and would love to hear opinions and/or advice! All COA (Cost of attendance) amounts include cost of living and tuition based on the school's most recent budget estimates. Cornell: $25k a year -> total COA: $254k. UCLA: $10K a year -> total COA: $276k. USC: $40k a year -> total COA: $227k. WashU: $60k a year -> $126k total COA. Goals: From the west coast and wan...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=315771

Re: Firms with Long Term Counsel Program  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 24, at 11:12:51 am   in: Legal Employment
Latham does, at least in bank finance but I think also in several other practice area.s
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315774

Firms with Long Term Counsel Program  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 24, at 11:12:23 am   in: Legal Employment
Any firms that have well established long term counsel program? I.e. wouldn't have to negotiate it on a case by case basis? Especially in corporate practice.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315774

Hours in BigLaw Appellate Practices  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 22, at 6:46:42 am   in: Legal Employment
For those of you in BigLaw appellate groups, how many hours do you typically bill in a year? Does your firm count pro bono hours as billable? And do you do purely appeals or trial court briefing too?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315772

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 21, at 6:49:41 pm   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently. Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending? From the outside, it seems to be having a better financial reality than most expected durin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 21, at 12:26:22 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Post-doj career advice  
  by: AUSA3B   on: April 21, at 11:50:38 am   in: Legal Employment
What do you think OP could expect for salary as Of Counsel? Let's say major market such as NY.



Is 750 too high?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315745

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 21, at 10:45:38 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Had callback interviews for a Boston firm about three weeks ago for a late summer start, haven't heard a peep since. I sent an email about a week ago (2 weeks out from the interview) just re-expressing interest and asking if they had a general sense of timeline, and I never heard back. Any sense of what that is/if I should follow up again or just leave it? Mind saying which firm, or at least if B...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

UCLA $ v. USC $$ v. Cornell $ v. WashU $$$  
  by: RBlackLaw   on: April 21, at 6:13:26 am   in: Choosing a Law School
Conflicted about where I want to go and would love to hear opinions and/or advice! All COA (Cost of attendance) amounts include cost of living and tuition based on the school's most recent budget estimates. Cornell: $25k a year -> total COA: $254k. UCLA: $10K a year -> total COA: $276k. USC: $40k a year -> total COA: $227k. WashU: $60k a year -> $126k total COA. Goals: From the west coast and want...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=315771

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 21, at 4:36:19 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Had callback interviews for a Boston firm about three weeks ago for a late summer start, haven't heard a peep since. I sent an email about a week ago (2 weeks out from the interview) just re-expressing interest and asking if they had a general sense of timeline, and I never heard back. Any sense of what that is/if I should follow up again or just leave it? Probably a bad sign. I had a similar thi...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Executive order thread  
  by: nealric   on: April 21, at 4:28:41 am   in: Legal Employment
This is a thread topic with a high chance of devolving into a political food fight. To keep this thread open and in the legal employment section, please refrain from talking about the merits of what is happening and focus on legal employment impacts of the EOs and firm responses.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315770

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 21, at 3:57:06 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Had callback interviews for a Boston firm about three weeks ago for a late summer start, haven't heard a peep since. I sent an email about a week ago (2 weeks out from the interview) just re-expressing interest and asking if they had a general sense of timeline, and I never heard back. Any sense of what that is/if I should follow up again or just leave it?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Let's Talk 4th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 21, at 2:10:04 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Hi all, I was researching Judge Gregory and he seems highly respected in different circles. But what I've struggled to find is an assessment of his opinions. Much of the respect people have for him seems to come from his just, left-leaning opinions. I am wondering whether anyone (perhaps a CA4 clerk) has thoughts on the quality of his opinions and writing. For example, CA3's Krause is often herald...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206083

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 20, at 1:32:33 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 20, at 7:34:15 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562286 time=1742406839 user_id=45852]
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562281 time=1742391265 user_id=45852]
To clarify also, you all still have the option of going back to your prior firm right? Assuming you have one
[/quote]

A lot of honors hires who lost government offers do not have this option.
[/quote]

I am in this position and I have no idea what I will be doing in four months
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 19, at 1:53:07 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 19, at 7:01:17 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Executive order thread  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 19, at 4:58:08 am   in: Legal Employment
Genuine question — any associates at Paul Weiss, Skadden, and other firms that capitulated to Trump planning on (or at least thinking about) leaving?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315770

Executive order thread  
  by: jotarokujo   on: April 18, at 12:43:33 pm   in: Legal Employment
been surprisingly few threads regarding all the executive order stuff. Figured I'd start a thread on it to concisely collect all discussion in one thread
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315770

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 18, at 5:29:00 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 4:21:16 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Lev Fin Business Course / Certs  
  by: Chapter Eleven   on: April 17, at 4:03:52 pm   in: Legal Employment
It's all negotiation-based between borrower and lender. Not much of a secret. Capital is generally a commodity so the economic environment, lender appetite, and competition dictate what goes and whatnot in those agreements. Hypothetical discussion: L: Here is your 1L debt @ 5% quarterly payments. B: But you're competition is offering it @ 4.5%. L: Then we can offer less restrictive covenants. B: T...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315759

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 3:07:03 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 2:54:05 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 12:21:21 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 11:47:43 am   in: Legal Employment
Any info on MoFo?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: Clerkship Bonus Increase  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 6:25:25 am   in: Legal Employment
Any word on Akin Gump? That’s not the type of firm that I would expect to match in a world where DPW and S&C are refusing to budge. The more interesting segment to watch are the Hueston Hennigan / Susman types. Will they match the new Quinn bonuses? As the previous bonus comp leader, will Kellogg Hansen push bonuses even higher? Maybe not this year. But tough to see how the above-listed firms sta...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315055

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 5:32:02 am   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently. Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending? From the outside, it seems to be having a better financial reality than most expected durin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 17, at 5:13:57 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
HLS 2L here. Clerkship office told me to consider applying to PI-focused judges given my disappointing transcript (1 DS, 11 Hs, 4 Ps) and mid credentials (moot court, but no LR. On board of a major secondary journal; affinity org leadership). Does anyone have any recommendations for PI-focused judges that I should prioritize applying to? Really hoping for a circuit court clerkship, but I also wan...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Determining relative rank/percentile at Stanford?  
  by: pizzacat   on: April 16, at 9:18:40 pm   in: Forum for Law School Students
Obviously SLS doesn't rank, but curious to know if people have a general idea as to where students with a certain number of H's fall within the class. I found a post providing some general insight, but it's from over 10 years ago when there were 5 grades during the Fall quarter (now we just have 4). Ex. Where would 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 H's after Fall 1L put you relative to the class, and how might book p...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=315769

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 16, at 5:27:13 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
HLS 2L here. Clerkship office told me to consider applying to PI-focused judges given my disappointing transcript (1 DS, 11 Hs, 4 Ps) and mid credentials (moot court, but no LR. On board of a major secondary journal; affinity org leadership). Does anyone have any recommendations for PI-focused judges that I should prioritize applying to? Really hoping for a circuit court clerkship, but I also wan...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 16, at 4:57:52 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
To clarify also, you all still have the option of going back to your prior firm right? Assuming you have one I'm getting worried about this. I applied to a few firms back in late January with no luck. With that said, I wasn't too worried because I figured I could just go back to my old firm. Well, they are basically ghosting me, haven't heard anything about my offer in over a month. I'm getting w...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 16, at 2:02:04 pm   in: Legal Employment
Thanks again for all of the feedback! Goodwin is definitely off of my list, but Mintz continues to remain high on my list. I'm curious as to why one poster suggested that I not keep it high on my list. Re: Kirkland and Ellis it sounds great to have the freedom to seek out cases that interest me, but I'm wondering about the quality of mentoring I'll get in that situation. I'm also wondering if anyo...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

Re: AUSA/USAO hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 16, at 11:14:46 am   in: Public Interest & Government
Has anyone heard anything back from all these recent postings around the country? Currently sitting on 20 "referred to hiring manager," but haven't heard anything back. Some are approaching to a month since referral.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=271001

Re: Can I turn down an acceptance and reapply without burning bridges?  
  by: nealric   on: April 16, at 9:41:48 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
Is the problem timing or is something fundamentally wrong? If it's timing, most schools will allow you to defer admissions for a year. If something is fundamentally wrong with the school, why do you care if you will be admitted next year? If you are a splitter, it's probably difficult to improve your application for next year. If other T14s have you waitlisted, money is probably unlikely if you do...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315767

Re: How portable is tax specialization outside the US?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 16, at 5:37:59 am   in: Legal Employment
Follow the recruiters from Vargas partners on LinkedIn, they’ve advertised tax openings for US associates in Singapore and Milan in the past 2 months. They’re relatively rare, but international tax roles for US-trained associates do come up.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=311614

C/O 2021 considering lateraling to NYC - do I have to retake the bar?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 16, at 2:25:56 am   in: Legal Employment
Basically title. My understanding is that experienced attorneys can become licensed in New York without taking the bar if they either: -have a passing UBE score not more than 3 years old; or -have practiced for 5 of the last 7 years. I passed the UBE in a non-NY jurisdiction in July 2021 and have been practicing in that jurisdiction for 3.5 years at this point, so I guess I'm both too experienced ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315768

Re: Let's Talk 4th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 6:10:11 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562459 time=1744512900 user_id=45852]
Thoughts/reputations/competitiveness of EDVA Norfolk Judges?
[/quote]
thoughts on the Richmond judges also? Particularly Novak/Young?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206083

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 5:14:57 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[/i] This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office. I agree, OP's grades are in roughly the top 15% of the class. To be honest, outside of 5-6 judges like Srinivasan and Boasberg, there shouldn't be any judge that is completely out of reach due to grades, and for most judges those grades should put the OP in a pretty comfortable position. Assuming the OP has strong rec letters...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 1:36:33 pm   in: Legal Employment
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562471 time=1744568341 user_id=45852]
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562452 time=1744378813 user_id=45852]
DPW is stingy. Low Seamless cap, admin will come after you on reasonable use of car service, etc. Sounds like Deb might be the same in that regard.
[/quote]

Is their seamless still $25. Can that get you anything in new york?
[/quote]

$35 nowadays. But, hey, job security is the best “perk”!
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: New York Law Course/Exam (NYLC/NYLE)  
  by: siri949   on: April 15, at 10:05:48 am   in: Bar Exam Prep and Discussion Forum
Hey so I ran out of time and did not get to hit the "submit" button on question 50. Since time ran out, it just ended the exam and uploaded something. Will all of my other questions be graded? Or like will I just get an automatic 0? I have to imagine that this is super common, and since it saves and tracks which questions you complete without letting you go back. There is no reason not to assume ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=262603

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 8:14:07 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562482 time=1744660788 user_id=45852]
Stranch is very focused on PI. She requires you to state your PI commitment in your cover letter. Other lefties include Montecalvo and Rikelman on the First Circuit, but they’re not exclusively PI hirers. Someone may want to correct me here, but I thought Graves on the Fifth Circuit was PI-oriented.
[/quote]

Stranch currently has an opening on OSCAR for the 2026-2027 term btw
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Which partners at your firms are notoriously terrible to work for?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 7:52:46 am   in: Legal Employment
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10559578 time=1721060187 user_id=45852]
Avoid Sotto at Hunton.
[/quote]

why?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=309248

Re: Proskauer Firing  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 7:31:03 am   in: Legal Employment
Bump - any experience with this?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315758

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 7:26:39 am   in: Legal Employment
Damn. Proskauer makes us buy our own phones and only reimburses $40.



Free lunch in the office on Wednesdays. Seamless limit is $35 on weekdays / $60 on weekends.



Wish I was at a better firm, lol
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 7:20:56 am   in: Legal Employment
Latham has free lunch in the office. Seamless for dinner / weekend meals is unlimited as long as it's a "reasonable" amount. I usually order around $40-50 but if a client is pissing me off, I have ordered dinner for $75 and no one ever said anything. Latham also gives you a free iPhone and pays your phone bill. I have used it abroad on personal vacations (no idea how much Verizon charged Latham fo...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: siri949   on: April 15, at 5:13:57 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
District Judge, but Kovner in EDNY has a 2028–29 OSCAR posting. She's also highly-credentialed and young, so definitely a 2d cir candidate if a Dem wins in 2028. Yes, the well-known conservative feeder Trump-appointed Kovner is definitely in the running for a Dem nomination to CA2! Whoops! I was thinking of Nina Morrison, NOT Kovner. (And Morrison is not as young as I had remembered, so maybe str...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 4:33:55 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote=siri949 post_id=10562494 time=1744726888 user_id=271034]
District Judge, but Kovner in EDNY has a 2028–29 OSCAR posting. She's also highly-credentialed and young, so definitely a 2d cir candidate if a Dem wins in 2028.
[/quote]

Yes, the well-known conservative feeder Trump-appointed Kovner is definitely in the running for a Dem nomination to CA2!
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: siri949   on: April 15, at 4:26:45 am   in: Legal Employment
I agree with all the advice here except brooks brothers is highly overpriced and imo of a worse quality than j-crew which is typically a couple hundred less. Get J-crew and if you're willing to operate in the 1000 to 2000 range do canali. Very important you get them tailored though. Yeah I suggested Brooks Brothers but I haven't bought a suit from them in maybe 5 years. I have heard the quality h...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: siri949   on: April 15, at 4:21:28 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
District Judge, but Kovner in EDNY has a 2028–29 OSCAR posting. She's also highly-credentialed and young, so definitely a 2d cir candidate if a Dem wins in 2028.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 15, at 4:17:23 am   in: Legal Employment
I'd throw Spier & Mackay into the mix as well if it fits OP. They have some more modern cuts that should be avoided, but the overall quality of build/fabric is significantly above the price ($400-$600 range). Some think the lapels are too large, but I don't mind them. It's all online, so you take a risk with the first purchase.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: How portable is tax specialization outside the US?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 4:16:36 pm   in: Legal Employment
Not a practicing lawyer yet but am international 3L interested in tax, among others. I agree completely with the above poster. I was told by many that doing tax work would likely mean a dead end I plan to practice as a US lawyer in Asia/europe. I've also talked to recruiters in my overseas target markets and they've told me they've never had any tax specialist openings for US lawyers. All this to...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=311614

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 4:06:46 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Jackson-Akiwumi on CA7 seems to like PI folks, and probably Maldonado as well given her background. And Forrest (a pretty-conservative-but-not-nuts Trump appointee) on CA9 also mentions a "commitment to public service" in her OSCAR postings, though my guess is that she might be thinking more government work than civil rights/lefty PI work. Otherwise just look at the judge's backgrounds - the Biden...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 3:18:54 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
This seems like very strange advice coming from a clerkship office.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Best and worst judges to clerk for  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 1:02:55 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10526040 time=1658168848 user_id=45852]
Anyone know anything about M. Lauck? Her OSCAR posting is a little ridiculous - your recommenders have to specifically reference 2023? An online application AND a paper application? - which always makes me wary.
[/quote]

A staggering number of her clerks have quit early.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=202778

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 11:52:26 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
HLS 3L here clerking on district court after graduation. These aren't disappointing grades at all. You're out of the running for the top feeder judges and you'll have trouble breaking into certain courts like 2/9/DC (though not impossible), but your grades are solidly in the running for most judges (that is, as the above poster mentioned, assuming your transcript is filled with mostly "real" class...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 11:43:02 am   in: Legal Employment
I agree with all the advice here except brooks brothers is highly overpriced and imo of a worse quality than j-crew which is typically a couple hundred less. Get J-crew and if you're willing to operate in the 1000 to 2000 range do canali. Very important you get them tailored though.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 11:40:18 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
HLS 2L here. Clerkship office told me to consider applying to PI-focused judges given my disappointing transcript (1 DS, 11 Hs, 4 Ps) and mid credentials (moot court, but no LR. On board of a major secondary journal; affinity org leadership). Does anyone have any recommendations for PI-focused judges that I should prioritize applying to? Really hoping for a circuit court clerkship, but I also wan...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: lawchicadilly   on: April 14, at 10:50:49 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
To clarify also, you all still have the option of going back to your prior firm right? Assuming you have one I'm getting worried about this. I applied to a few firms back in late January with no luck. With that said, I wasn't too worried because I figured I could just go back to my old firm. Well, they are basically ghosting me, haven't heard anything about my offer in over a month. I'm getting w...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 10:08:08 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Stranch is very focused on PI. She requires you to state your PI commitment in your cover letter. Other lefties include Montecalvo and Rikelman on the First Circuit, but they’re not exclusively PI hirers. Someone may want to correct me here, but I thought Graves on the Fifth Circuit was PI-oriented. While maybe not as strong as Stranch, I'd assume Bloomekatz would look favorably upon PI in the Si...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Lacepiece23   on: April 14, at 10:00:39 am   in: Legal Employment
Ten years out. Can afford any suit I want. I buy H&M suits for 200 and get them tailored like a glove. I’ve had so many compliments on them. Way more than my expensive suits. So I just quit buying those.



My favorite suit that I wear for opening statement every time I try a case is H&M.



Only works though if you’re decently in shape.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 9:59:48 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Stranch is very focused on PI. She requires you to state your PI commitment in your cover letter. Other lefties include Montecalvo and Rikelman on the First Circuit, but they’re not exclusively PI hirers. Someone may want to correct me here, but I thought Graves on the Fifth Circuit was PI-oriented.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 8:33:54 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first be...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 8:19:38 am   in: Legal Employment
Agreed if you're in NYC. I also did the online order and had solid results, but it did take two tries, so def easier if you can just go to the showroom.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: AUSA3B   on: April 14, at 7:20:47 am   in: Legal Employment
If you plan to live in NYC, I'm pretty obsessed with Proper Cloth. Great quality suits for about 800-1000. And custom.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: How portable is tax specialization outside the US?  
  by: nealric   on: April 14, at 4:43:11 am   in: Legal Employment
Further down the line, there may be some in-house opportunities that would allow you to be based abroad. For example, I have a former college who is a U.S. tax advisor to a European company on a 100% remote basis, who would presumably be happy to have him local (he reports to a someone in Europe). But I agree with the above that a Biglaw expat position is likely not viable in tax. Biglaw does not ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=311614

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: nealric   on: April 14, at 4:33:54 am   in: Legal Employment
There were quite a few threads from a few years ago on this topic. My advice is to not go crazy with fancy suits. As long as it's reasonably well fitting, conservative, and not too obviously cheap, few are going to notice. You do, however, want some level of quality if you will be in court (and wearing) them regularly. Keep in mind that even most hard core "trial lawyers" are still spending the va...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 14, at 3:57:14 am   in: Legal Employment
Assuming OP is a man, I think some good options at different price points are J. Crew ($500~), Brooks Brothers (1818 line for about $1000~), and Canali (the ones they sell at Nordstrom for like $2000). I think $1000 is a good price point to shop for a suit that's going to get the job done and not feel cheap. If you can wait, I particularly recommend the sales at Brooks Brothers where they'll frequ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 2:54:04 pm   in: Legal Employment
btw it's a really bad and sad feeling when you're working 100+ hours a week, drenched in sweat, grease, and BO in your Armani suit lol ...



there's absolutely nothing wrong with an "entry level" suit that's perfectly tailored to your proportions



also, you may gain 100lbs from eating free takeout every night, so maybe start with three reasonably priced designer suits for now
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Wild Card   on: April 13, at 2:51:05 pm   in: Legal Employment
Proper tailoring is more important than price.



That said, if you visit a fancy department store and take advantage of their deals (e.g., 3 sets for $999.99/$1,499.99), they'll probably offer you complimentary or affordable tailoring.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 1:51:43 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first be...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Can I turn down an acceptance and reapply without burning bridges?  
  by: looseleaf   on: April 13, at 9:23:42 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
I got one T14 but am feeling ambivalent. The environment isn’t the best fit, and the scholarship leaves me in more debt than I am comfortable with. I don’t have much leverage to get them to budge. I’m writing LOCIs and riding waitlists but I don’t expect much movement this year. I’m considering reapplying as early as next cycle. I applied narrowly, submitted most applications between late December...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315767

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 8:19:01 am   in: Legal Employment
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562452 time=1744378813 user_id=45852]
DPW is stingy. Low Seamless cap, admin will come after you on reasonable use of car service, etc. Sounds like Deb might be the same in that regard.
[/quote]

Is their seamless still $25. Can that get you anything in new york?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: siri949   on: April 13, at 8:04:17 am   in: Legal Employment
The objectively correct answer re color is dark navy blue, followed by charcoal. Do not buy black--seen as TOO formal at law firms (assuming you are a man--if you are a woman, I would actually say black is the first one you should buy, go figure). I think $800 is the lowest price you can get a decent suit at. I recommend the Brooks Brothers 1818 line for the safest possible suit (offends nobody AN...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 7:27:50 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Guy everyone is responding too. I know that often we end up writing the whole thing with minimal edits (this happens a lot at the COA too). But there's no way to be completely sure of that and also the whole minimal edits thing leaves so much room for interpretation. Theres also this weird whole fiction that the judge wrote these and my judge sometimes gets a little upset at the insinuation that ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 5:27:30 am   in: Legal Employment
I have never had a problem with Deb being stingy about after-hours meals or the car service. They are also reasonable if you have to travel for work. Free lunch isn't very common though.



SullCrom, on the other hand, has free breakfast and lunch. You can keep a set of gym clothes at the office gym and they'll wash them for you. Never heard of that one before.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: Associate at Asian Offices of US Biglaw Firm Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 1:58:44 am   in: Legal Employment
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=8713959 time=1436609333 user_id=45852]
What's the COLA for HK offices and do they vary from firm to firm?



Are there any US tax lawyers abroad?
[/quote]

Hi were you a tax lawyer looking to move into HK?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=250754

Re: How portable is tax specialization outside the US?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 1:50:09 am   in: Legal Employment
Tax lawyer here. You should stick to M&A/cap markets if you are looking to go to London or HK. There are a handful of US tax lawyers serving US tax function in HK / London / SG / Tokyo (MoFo, Baker McKenzie, Dechert, Withers, etc.), but they are few and far between. Every Asian/European offices with deals with US tax component just flip their drafts over to the applicable US office. Sometimes the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=311614

Re: .  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 1:01:13 am   in: Legal Employment
Tru
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315762

How much should I spend on a (men's) suit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 13, at 1:00:01 am   in: Legal Employment
I'm a 3L nearing graduation and looking to invest in a good suit. (Have only one suit at the moment, which I bought in high school lol). Not looking for entry level. What price range would you recommend, and where would you recommend looking? For context, I'll be clerking (and then litigating) after graduation, so I'll need a suit for trials. Also interested in your thoughts on color (currently th...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315765

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: lavarman84   on: April 12, at 11:14:38 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first be...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: lavarman84   on: April 12, at 11:10:28 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Guy everyone is responding too. I know that often we end up writing the whole thing with minimal edits (this happens a lot at the COA too). But there's no way to be completely sure of that and also the whole minimal edits thing leaves so much room for interpretation. Theres also this weird whole fiction that the judge wrote these and my judge sometimes gets a little upset at the insinuation that ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 12, at 5:10:08 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Should I read anything into a judge saying they’d get back to me in “10 days or so” after an interview? Makes me think it’s a no but didn’t know if this is a common practice if judges want to reach out to references etc
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Let's Talk 4th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 12, at 4:55:00 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts/reputations/competitiveness of EDVA Norfolk Judges?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206083

Re: Which partners at your firms are notoriously terrible to work for?  
  by: throwawayt14   on: April 12, at 4:01:20 pm   in: Legal Employment
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562413 time=1743876118 user_id=45852]
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10559538 time=1720756070 user_id=45852]
Anyone have bad experiences with partners in Paul Hastings white collar?
[/quote]

For what it's worth I've heard Brad Bondi is horrible to work with, a tyrant, as well as being insanely pro-MAGA.
[/quote]

I for one am shocked the brother of the longtime Florida AG and now current AG is a Republican.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=309248

Clerkship bonus update  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 11, at 7:42:51 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Posting for transparency and to help with bargaining/assessing offers. 2025 L&W clerkship bonus $125k, 2 year clawback.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315764

Keker Vant Nest?  
  by: uncleswarley   on: April 11, at 6:39:13 pm   in: Legal Employment
Interested in working at KVN but not a lot of info on the basics publically.



Curious to know general basics:

1) billable hours requirement for bonus?

2) Bonus - match big law?

3) Salary - Cravath scale?

4) General culture / RTO / mentorship



Thank you in advance!
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315763

Re: Let's talk 11th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 11, at 3:51:31 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Has anyone heard anything from Judge Jordan? I interviewed with him in January for 25-26/26-27, but I have yet to hear back.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205160

Re: (Soft) IP lit exit options?  
  by: fmrez   on: April 11, at 1:43:29 pm   in: Legal Employment
They are competitive, but there are some few and far between IP Counsel roles in-house. Also you could potentially look at Product Counsel positions. Some big companies might have specific copyright or trademark counsel positions.



It is an uphill battle. Feel free to DM me.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315760

Re: Restructuring/Distressed Debt Recruiter  
  by: RX-attorney   on: April 11, at 3:48:12 am   in: Legal Employment
Bump, I’m interested in the same thing.



If anyone has any leads or recs, please PM me. Thanks!
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315746

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 11, at 3:40:13 am   in: Legal Employment
DPW is stingy. Low Seamless cap, admin will come after you on reasonable use of car service, etc. Sounds like Deb might be the same in that regard.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: New York Law Course/Exam (NYLC/NYLE)  
  by: anontaxperson   on: April 10, at 8:20:27 am   in: Bar Exam Prep and Discussion Forum
Hey so I ran out of time and did not get to hit the "submit" button on question 50. Since time ran out, it just ended the exam and uploaded something. Will all of my other questions be graded? Or like will I just get an automatic 0?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=262603

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 10, at 4:28:33 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first be...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 10, at 3:31:44 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first be...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 9, at 8:07:15 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first be...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 9, at 2:59:13 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first be...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 9, at 1:35:08 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Thoughts on my competitiveness for COA down the road? I imagine it's a long shot, but looking for an honest handicap of my odds: - 3L at a T50, Top 10% - Starting a 2-year district court clerkship this fall (different region from school/home, not a major market) - LR; Moot Court e-board, 2 interscholastic comps - TA for Appellate Advocacy, RA for a Prof Also think I might want to work BL first bef...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 9, at 9:51:41 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Does anyone know what the application timeline is like for Spring 2026 starts? Should I start applying now?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 9, at 5:37:00 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I am a current district court clerk who recently accepted an offer to join a firm (where I did not summer) after my clerkship ends in a few months. Right before I received an offer from my firm, I received and accepted an offer to clerk for a court of appeals judge in the 2026-2027 term. This will require me to leave the firm for the clerkship after about a year. I wondering when I should tell the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

.  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 9, at 5:34:09 am   in: Legal Employment
.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315762

Re: Reapplying after you’ve been rejected from?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 9, at 4:46:12 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
(I'm the poster who said our chambers would welcome reapplicants) It wouldn't make a huge difference to us whether it was mentioned or not. If the same clerks who pulled your application the first time around are still in chambers when you reapply, they'll probably remember that they pulled you. (There are two applicants we interviewed last time around who I'm really hoping reapply when we start s...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315755

Re: Bankruptcy clerkship to state clerkship? Bad idea?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 5:20:06 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Having a hard time and my bankruptcy clerkship will end this summer. Can't extend my clerkship, and I can't expand my search outside my target market due to personal reasons. I was recommended to clerk again at state level by my school (not the clerkship office). Think appellate or state trial court. However, I think this is backwards? Wouldn't it look weird to firms if I go from bankruptcy clerk...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315699

Re: Reapplying after you’ve been rejected from?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 5:09:11 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Our chambers would absolutely welcome applicants who we'd previously interviewed but not offered. We generally do twice as many interviews as we have spots, so not getting an offer post-interview is generally just 'we like you a lot, just slightly less than the person we're hiring', rather than an indictment of the interview (or of fit in chambers). Not OP but just curious. Should said applicant ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315755

Re: DOJ Prior Drug Use  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 2:32:36 pm   in: Legal Employment
Bumping this again. Any insights would be so much appreciated!!!



Side note, I miss the good old days around 2010-2015 when TLS was so active!
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315723

Re: URM Clerkship Chances?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 2:20:24 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I never understood the snobbish view that MJ clerkships aren’t worthwhile for BigLaw. It’s so much more practical for future associates because you’ll likely handle discovery for several years. And most cases resolve through settlement/mediation and guess which judges handle that in most districts? Also, the argument that MJs are somehow “lesser” because they’re not Article III/life tenure makes ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315721

Re: Let's Talk 1st Circuit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 2:13:06 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I would be very surprised if it isn’t Patrick Strawbridge, who I believe has long practiced out of Maine even though he’s formally listed with a Boston address. He would be a top Fed Soc pick in any state, let alone in a state with a small conservative bench. Though needing to keep Susan Collins on side may require some compromise.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206104

Re: Maximizing chances at Main Justice/USAO post-clerkship  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 12:11:41 pm   in: Legal Employment
If you want to live in a big city, then Manhattan DA or Los Angeles DA could be a good option. With your school, big law, and clerkships, I think you'd be competitive for AUSA after.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315722

Re: Reapplying after you’ve been rejected from?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 8:56:09 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I had 6 interviews this cycle, and 2 of those judges specifically invited me to apply again next cycle if I was still looking. One of them even said they'd keep my materials on file. Caveat being that I explicitly said during these interviews that I was looking to do multiple clerkships until the federal government decides they're hiring again. I doubt they would have said this otherwise, so I wou...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315755

Re: What's the best LSAT prep company?  
  by: mglawyersca   on: April 8, at 8:31:43 am   in: LSAT Prep and Discussion Forum
Hey Michelle, Totally get where you're coming from — self-studying with books is a solid start, but having a structured class or tutor can really level things up, especially if you’re hitting a plateau or need accountability. Here are some options depending on your style and budget: 1. _7Sage_** – Best for self-paced learners** Their video explanations and logic game strategies are top-notch. Supe...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=137016

PI-Interested Judges?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 8, at 5:55:14 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
HLS 2L here. Clerkship office told me to consider applying to PI-focused judges given my disappointing transcript (1 DS, 11 Hs, 4 Ps) and mid credentials (moot court, but no LR. On board of a major secondary journal; affinity org leadership). Does anyone have any recommendations for PI-focused judges that I should prioritize applying to? Really hoping for a circuit court clerkship, but I also want...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315761

(Soft) IP lit exit options?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 3:54:23 pm   in: Legal Employment
What are exit options for IP litigators whose practices focus primarily on copyright, trademark, and trade secrets? Are they competitive for in-house positions (and if so, which)?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315760

Re: Reapplying after you’ve been rejected from?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 3:21:40 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Our chambers would absolutely welcome applicants who we'd previously interviewed but not offered. We generally do twice as many interviews as we have spots, so not getting an offer post-interview is generally just 'we like you a lot, just slightly less than the person we're hiring', rather than an indictment of the interview (or of fit in chambers). Not OP but just curious. Should said applicant ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315755

Re: Reapplying after you’ve been rejected from?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 3:09:47 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Our chambers would absolutely welcome applicants who we'd previously interviewed but not offered. We generally do twice as many interviews as we have spots, so not getting an offer post-interview is generally just 'we like you a lot, just slightly less than the person we're hiring', rather than an indictment of the interview (or of fit in chambers).
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315755

Re: Reapplying after you’ve been rejected from?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 12:22:07 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Worst they can say is no. Probably wouldnt have a reccomender call the judge or anything as that could probably come off as annoying.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315755

Re: URM Clerkship Chances?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 12:20:29 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I never understood the snobbish view that MJ clerkships aren’t worthwhile for BigLaw. It’s so much more practical for future associates because you’ll likely handle discovery for several years. And most cases resolve through settlement/mediation and guess which judges handle that in most districts? Also, the argument that MJs are somehow “lesser” because they’re not Article III/life tenure makes ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315721

Re: Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 11:24:01 am   in: Legal Employment
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562423 time=1744037862 user_id=45852]
For litigation, I'd put Simpson below every other firm mentioned in this thread.



Kirkland is a good firm, but not as well rounded as the others. In particular, its white collar and appellate groups are basically last in the pack. Good for general lit, though.
[/quote]

Kirkland has a better appellate practice than Cravath. But otherwise agreed.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

Re: Let's Talk 7th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 11:20:04 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Kirsch is off-plan in the sense that he accepts application packets from Indiana schools before the plan opens up. Not sure if he looks at outside applicants before the plan officially starts.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206075

Re: URM Clerkship Chances?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 9:16:27 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I never understood the snobbish view that MJ clerkships aren’t worthwhile for BigLaw. It’s so much more practical for future associates because you’ll likely handle discovery for several years. And most cases resolve through settlement/mediation and guess which judges handle that in most districts? Also, the argument that MJs are somehow “lesser” because they’re not Article III/life tenure makes n...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315721

Re: Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 7, at 4:57:42 am   in: Legal Employment
For litigation, I'd put Simpson below every other firm mentioned in this thread.



Kirkland is a good firm, but not as well rounded as the others. In particular, its white collar and appellate groups are basically last in the pack. Good for general lit, though.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

Re: Please Help Me Evaluate These InHouse Offers  
  by: nealric   on: April 7, at 3:47:50 am   in: Legal Employment
Hi all, I'm lucky enough to have two in-house offers (after a year of applying aggressively and getting rejected), and I would love input on which offer folks thing is better in terms of training, growth, future marketability, prestige, etc. Offer 1: Associate GC role at small- to mid-cap NYSE company (telcom industry - so steady but somewhat in decline) Smaller team - I'd be doing mostly transac...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315752

Lev Fin Business Course / Certs  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 6, at 2:46:08 pm   in: Legal Employment
I'm a midlevel associate in lev fin and just don't get credit agreements. I'm ok with the legal side but I don't understand why a certain activity is considered a restricted payment or why a certain line item is included in the indebtedness definition. I'm thinking of taking some business classes or sth along those lines to better understand the business side and how clients look at this stuff but...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315759

Re: Bankruptcy clerkship to state clerkship? Bad idea?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 6, at 1:51:16 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Having a hard time and my bankruptcy clerkship will end this summer. Can't extend my clerkship, and I can't expand my search outside my target market due to personal reasons. I was recommended to clerk again at state level by my school (not the clerkship office). Think appellate or state trial court. However, I think this is backwards? Wouldn't it look weird to firms if I go from bankruptcy clerk...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315699

Re: URM Clerkship Chances?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 6, at 12:23:58 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
As a former clerk who reviewed apps for judges who valued diversity a good amount, I see the grades as the biggest issue. You’d definitely have a better shot if you work at a firm for a year or two and then apply - there’s no need to clerk right out of school! And assuming that you are Black, I do think Black judges (especially outside of major cities or areas) will give your app more of a look -...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315721

Re: Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: siri949   on: April 6, at 8:10:20 am   in: Legal Employment
Seems like there's no consensus pick out of the originally listed firms, just that PW, Cravath, and S&C are all in the mix. Curious whether the answer changes if you include K&E or Simpson Thacher? Or are they in the same ballpark for general lit.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 6, at 7:22:31 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Yeah, how to handle a writing sample without destroying the fiction of the judge writing everything can ruffle feathers. I never encountered judges who cared about this (in this specific context, I mean - not saying a clerk should start posting on social media about the orders they wrote or anything), but obviously some do. I sometimes wonder if there’s a COA/DCt divide on this, though it’s probab...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 6, at 5:59:07 am   in: Legal Employment
I think Kirkland is well known as being near the top on perks.



FWIW I think perks are overrated. I love working at Debevoise but there's no free cafeteria, no gym, etc. Well worth it to me in exchange for the respectful, nice office culture and reasonable hours/RTO expectations.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 6, at 4:25:20 am   in: Legal Employment
As an anecdote: a few months ago I met two former BSF associates while I was doing the interviewing rounds at various NYC lit boutiques (the non Susman ones). Each of them left BSF in 2020-2022 on the advice of partners exiting BSF, and I got slightly regretful vibes from each of them. It sounds like something about the culture at the firm was/is excellent for litigators and that something has not...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Let's talk 6th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 5, at 2:57:15 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I know he is still new, but any intel on Ritz yet as a boss/judge? Anon for obvious reasons. I am familiar with the Sixth Circuit, having clerked there and also my judge talked a lot about the other judges and their clerks. Here is what I know about Tennessee. From Ritz's time as a USA he was well liked and a nice person Likely will be more moderate and pro government on defendant cases. Mathis i...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205435

Re: Which partners at your firms are notoriously terrible to work for?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 5, at 8:01:58 am   in: Legal Employment
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10559538 time=1720756070 user_id=45852]
Anyone have bad experiences with partners in Paul Hastings white collar?
[/quote]

For what it's worth I've heard Brad Bondi is horrible to work with, a tyrant, as well as being insanely pro-MAGA.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=309248

Re: Post-doj career advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 5, at 6:24:44 am   in: Legal Employment
Op here. Really helpful replies/considerations. Thank you!
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315745

Re: Let's talk 6th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 5, at 6:21:52 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I know he is still new, but any intel on Ritz yet as a boss/judge? Anon for obvious reasons. I am familiar with the Sixth Circuit, having clerked there and also my judge talked a lot about the other judges and their clerks. Here is what I know about Tennessee. From Ritz's time as a USA he was well liked and a nice person Likely will be more moderate and pro government on defendant cases. Mathis i...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205435

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 5, at 6:01:23 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Don't know who this is to in particular but just echoing a frustration and wondering also if anyone disagrees with me. District court clerks applying for appellate court clerkships. Don't just attach an opinion that you wrote for your district court judge as your writing sample. This is fundamentally useless to us as it is a reflection of back and forth editing and even if you say "minimal edits"...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 5, at 2:16:05 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Don't know who this is to in particular but just echoing a frustration and wondering also if anyone disagrees with me. District court clerks applying for appellate court clerkships. Don't just attach an opinion that you wrote for your district court judge as your writing sample. This is fundamentally useless to us as it is a reflection of back and forth editing and even if you say "minimal edits"...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: lavarman84   on: April 4, at 4:29:50 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Don't know who this is to in particular but just echoing a frustration and wondering also if anyone disagrees with me. District court clerks applying for appellate court clerkships. Don't just attach an opinion that you wrote for your district court judge as your writing sample. This is fundamentally useless to us as it is a reflection of back and forth editing and even if you say "minimal edits"...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 4:09:51 pm   in: Legal Employment
I work at BSF and enjoy it. I've done three trials in the past 6 months and I don't think I would have gotten that opportunity at basically any other market paying firm. I like the fact that first years and second years can argue at pretrial conferences and at summary judgment hearings. Junior associates also get full ownership of briefs, complaints, motions to dismiss; rather than only researchi...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Proskauer Firing  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 3:56:39 pm   in: Legal Employment
Any experience with how Proskauer handles letting people go? How much advance notice do they give? How much leverage? How long do they keep your name on the website etc? (Assuming a work / performance / hours related firing, not some scandal with immediate repetitional risk to the firm or anything like that.)
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315758

Re: Which partners at your firms are notoriously terrible to work for?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 3:48:15 pm   in: Legal Employment
Matt Levy at Proskauer. Pretends to be nice but is a total ass.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=309248

Re: Lateraling from US to Singapore  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 3:36:10 pm   in: Legal Employment
I worked in a biglaw finance practice in Singapore for a bit before coming back to NY. It was a while back while I was more junior so don't have insight on all of your questions but a few thoughts: 1) Asian clients are much more cost sensitive than US clients so at my firm, the SG office was much more sensitive re spending (dinner in the office $ limit, phone plan etc.) Taxes and cost of living ar...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315681

Generous NY Firms in terms of perks  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 3:28:22 pm   in: Legal Employment
Which firms in NY are not stingy? Recently lateraled from Kirkland to Proskauer. Culture is better in many ways but was shocked at how stingy Proskauer is. Is Kirkland an outlier in spending freely on dinners / transportation / office amenities?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315757

NY Lev Fin Firms  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 3:26:51 pm   in: Legal Employment
Which firms with a strong leveraged finance practice in NY have good work life balance and/or culture? As far as I can tell:



1) Kirkland: Terrible work life balance, terrible culture

2) Latham: Terrible work life balance, great culture

3) Proskauer: Great work life balance, ok culture



Others?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315756

Re: Let's Talk 7th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 3:18:12 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote=ithinkuracontra13 post_id=10562370 time=1743451096 user_id=272329]
I (1L) was told by a prof that most appellate judges (even FedSoc-y ones) on the 7th Circuit follow the Plan, and won't be taking applications until summer after 2L - is this generally true?
[/quote]
This is generally true, but I am pretty sure Brennan and maybe Kirsch (both FedSoc-y) are off-plan
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206075

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 2:20:50 pm   in: Legal Employment
I work at BSF and enjoy it. I've done three trials in the past 6 months and I don't think I would have gotten that opportunity at basically any other market paying firm. I like the fact that first years and second years can argue at pretrial conferences and at summary judgment hearings. Junior associates also get full ownership of briefs, complaints, motions to dismiss; rather than only researchi...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 10:59:15 am   in: Legal Employment
I work at BSF and enjoy it. I've done three trials in the past 6 months and I don't think I would have gotten that opportunity at basically any other market paying firm. I like the fact that first years and second years can argue at pretrial conferences and at summary judgment hearings. Junior associates also get full ownership of briefs, complaints, motions to dismiss; rather than only researchi...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 9:19:30 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Don't know who this is to in particular but just echoing a frustration and wondering also if anyone disagrees with me. District court clerks applying for appellate court clerkships. Don't just attach an opinion that you wrote for your district court judge as your writing sample. This is fundamentally useless to us as it is a reflection of back and forth editing and even if you say "minimal edits"...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Let's Talk 1st Circuit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 9:11:05 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562381 time=1743650596 user_id=45852]
Who do y’all think Trump nominates for the open Maine seat?
[/quote]

Patrick Strawbridge or Judge Lance Walker would be more traditional, solid picks. I honestly can’t think of anyone MAGA enough with a connection to Maine that Trump would nominate.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206104

Reapplying after you’ve been rejected from?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 8:27:56 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I know it’s common for applicants to re-apply for clerkships across numerous cycles, especially if you’ve gotten no interview bites. But what if you were rejected *after* interviewing? Does it still make sense to re-apply for the judge for a later term? Do applicants even get hired that way?



And when judges tell you to re-apply in their rejection email, is that genuine or just boilerplate language?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315755

Re: Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 7:50:28 am   in: Legal Employment
There is probably no single person in the world who can answer this question fully. Still very few have insider knowledge of litigation at even two of these firms. The short answer is they're all very similar. You will find securities litigation at all of these firms. Chambers can tell you which have the best/most active restructuring and antitrust departments. The best way for you to find out mo...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

TLS is looking for new Moderators!  
  by: AdminMod   on: April 4, at 6:34:46 am   in: Legal Employment
TLS is looking for new Moderators!



✅ Help guide future attorneys with insight and integrity

✅ Get insider access and recognition in one of the largest legal communities online

✅ Build your personal brand and network in the legal world



Whether you're a 1L, seasoned attorney, or just someone who loves helping others succeed — we want you on the team.



🔗 Apply now or DM us to learn more.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315754

V10 vs Other V10s vs Lit Boutique Post-Clerkship  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 4, at 6:28:29 am   in: Big Law/Private Practice Jobs
Doing two clerkships (one is COA) post-grad. Summered at V10 in NY litigation group, intending to return after the clerkships. Enjoyed the experience and liked my peers and superiors. Notwithstanding that, is it a smart move to apply, despite return offer, to better V10 lit firms or to litigation boutiques? I'm not sure if there's a clear choice here, or if there's upsides/downsides to each. Any a...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=315753

Re: Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: amenablecontract   on: April 4, at 1:10:20 am   in: Legal Employment
There is probably no single person in the world who can answer this question fully. Still very few have insider knowledge of litigation at even two of these firms. The short answer is they're all very similar. You will find securities litigation at all of these firms. Chambers can tell you which have the best/most active restructuring and antitrust departments. The best way for you to find out mo...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

Re: Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 3, at 3:11:02 pm   in: Legal Employment
There is probably no single person in the world who can answer this question fully. Still very few have insider knowledge of litigation at even two of these firms. The short answer is they're all very similar. You will find securities litigation at all of these firms. Chambers can tell you which have the best/most active restructuring and antitrust departments. The best way for you to find out mo...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 3, at 1:29:41 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Don't know who this is to in particular but just echoing a frustration and wondering also if anyone disagrees with me. District court clerks applying for appellate court clerkships. Don't just attach an opinion that you wrote for your district court judge as your writing sample. This is fundamentally useless to us as it is a reflection of back and forth editing and even if you say "minimal edits" ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Please Help Me Evaluate These InHouse Offers  
  by: jhett   on: April 3, at 1:10:30 pm   in: Legal Employment
I would value the ability to learn new things and grow your role over time. In-house positions generally value breadth of experience over depth. So given the culture and structure of both legal teams, which one do you think will allow you the freedom to sculpt your career the way you want? Also, just note that a company in decline will usually mean less opportunities to get new experiences.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315752

Re: Berkeley Class Rank?  
  by: Yman   on: April 3, at 11:14:16 am   in: Forum for Law School Students
Just completed my 1L year at Berkeley. I know Berkeley does not do class ranks (at least publicly) but is there a general rule of thumb for figuring out where you fall in the class based on your grades? For reference, I finished with 4 HHs (15 units) and 3 Hs (12 units). Bumping-- current Berkeley 1L here. Did you get the ranking email/find out where you stand? Wondering where I stand with simila...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=314396

Re: Texas Class of 2017  
  by: Bluebird17   on: April 3, at 10:53:18 am   in: TLS Class of 2017 Forum
This is the class that could become known for allowing an illegal federal government to brainwash and torture an innocent US citizen in broad daylight.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=221505

Re: How common is it for clerks to need a security clearance?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 3, at 10:42:17 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562324 time=1742691635 user_id=45852]
I needed one for my EDNY clerkship and my friend needed one for her DDC clerkship. FWIW, I was the only clerk in our chambers who needed a clearance. It's a very small minority of clerks in the EDNY courthouse who need a clearance at any given point in time.
[/quote]

Was this something you were told about when you were offered the job, or did it come up later?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315029

Re: Let's talk 6th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 3, at 8:23:41 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Does anyone have any info on what working for Siler is like/what to expect during the interview? He seems very active for having been senior status for so long. This is very unhelpful and quite possibly bullshit, but I heard that he likes to hunt. You can see evidence of that (taxidermy) in chambers. What I do know is that he sits by designation a lot. My impression is that the clerks drive the i...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205435

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 3, at 6:06:33 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Which ND Cal judges tend to produce the highest quality work?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 1st Circuit  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 2, at 5:23:16 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Who do y’all think Trump nominates for the open Maine seat?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206104

Re: Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 2, at 4:55:46 pm   in: Legal Employment
There is probably no single person in the world who can answer this question fully. Still very few have insider knowledge of litigation at even two of these firms. The short answer is they're all very similar. You will find securities litigation at all of these firms. Chambers can tell you which have the best/most active restructuring and antitrust departments. The best way for you to find out mor...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

Please Help Me Evaluate These InHouse Offers  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 2, at 12:42:14 pm   in: Legal Employment
Hi all, I'm lucky enough to have two in-house offers (after a year of applying aggressively and getting rejected), and I would love input on which offer folks thing is better in terms of training, growth, future marketability, prestige, etc. Offer 1: Associate GC role at small- to mid-cap NYSE company (telcom industry - so steady but somewhat in decline) Smaller team - I'd be doing mostly transact...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315752

Doc Review Slowdown?  
  by: Redaction Jackson   on: April 2, at 8:52:12 am   in: Legal Employment
After a nifty run for Tik Tok during which I actually was making more $ than I ever was as a litigator, the agencies have gone dead silent. Wasn't expecting this to last but now even the bottom feeders aren't a-calling with new projects. Literally not one invite to apply in over two weeks and counting (after for once I was thanking my lucky stars doing what I was doing as the parasitic Epiq and Ha...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315751

Re: 3.6 177 URM/Black male with some history  
  by: aussiegonewest   on: April 2, at 8:51:51 am   in: What are my chances?
I think you'd be very competitive for HYS with those stats. Some advice: -Call your school and see if they can change your first year grades to pass/fail so that your first year GPA isn't counted towards your overall grade -If your family household income and assets are below average, then HYS offer needs based financial aid which could make them a cheaper option than NYU. Law school isn't worth i...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=315642

Re: Paths forward after BigFed job cancelled?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 2, at 8:43:33 am   in: Legal Employment
OP, what did you end up pursuing?



The job market has been brutal for me. I’m not getting a lot of responses from big law firms
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315685

Re: soft rejection?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 1, at 3:58:03 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I think the likeliest outcome is that you don't get the clerkship, but it's not all that unusual for a few weeks to pass in between interview and offer - especially in times outside of June where there's no Plan-driven rush. Our chambers was hiring in the fall and one of the people we interviewed had to wait 3+ weeks for an offer because we had a few very busy weeks of court and clerk hiring slipp...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315748

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 1, at 8:56:13 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I'm a district court clerk in a competitive non-SDNY/DDC district and screen clerkship apps for my judge. A few pieces of advice for applicants: 1) For a district court clerkship, I strongly recommend providing a litigation-focused writing sample (like a bench memo or moot court brief) rather than a note/case comment. A couple of reasons. The first is obvious - since you'll be writing bench memos ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: soft rejection?  
  by: Wild Card   on: April 1, at 8:52:10 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
No, you might be a second choice or even third choice. Or some sort of backup.



The judge might be interviewing more, or extending offers to preferred candidates.



The same thing happened to me. Anyway, there's no point in worrying.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315748

Re: Let's talk 6th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: April 1, at 7:23:11 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I know he is still new, but any intel on Ritz yet as a boss/judge?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205435

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 31, at 12:05:07 pm   in: Legal Employment
I work at BSF and enjoy it. I've done three trials in the past 6 months and I don't think I would have gotten that opportunity at basically any other market paying firm. I like the fact that first years and second years can argue at pretrial conferences and at summary judgment hearings. Junior associates also get full ownership of briefs, complaints, motions to dismiss; rather than only researchin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Let's Talk 7th Circuit!  
  by: ithinkuracontra13   on: March 31, at 9:58:16 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I (1L) was told by a prof that most appellate judges (even FedSoc-y ones) on the 7th Circuit follow the Plan, and won't be taking applications until summer after 2L - is this generally true?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206075

Re: Military Law - Navy Jag Student Program  
  by: 7Steps   on: March 31, at 7:36:29 am   in: Forum for Law School Students
Anyone apply for the spring Student Program board? Would love to revive the thread and hear when folks are getting updates/results.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=242114

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 30, at 6:58:25 am   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently. Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending? From the outside, it seems to be having a better financial reality than most expected durin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Skadden NY vs. Latham NY vs. Gibson NY vs. S&C NY vs. Cravath NY vs. PW NY vs. DPW NY for litigation?  
  by: amenablecontract   on: March 30, at 4:23:30 am   in: Legal Employment
Interested in white collar and securities litigation, my career office told me not to rely on white collar though with Trump in office so also possibly interested into restructuring and antitrust. Definitely want to get into securities though. These firms seem indistinguishable and have very similar Chambers bands. Would love to get any helpful insight on intangible differences between these firms...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315750

Re: soft rejection?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 30, at 3:40:39 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Generally it's not a good sign but especially with clerkships there are always exceptions. My judge got back to someone after four months. We only did one round of interviews though.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315748

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 29, at 4:25:06 pm   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently. Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending? From the outside, it seems to be having a better financial reality than most expected durin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 29, at 4:19:19 pm   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently. Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending? From the outside, it seems to be having a better financial reality than most expected durin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 29, at 6:20:03 am   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently. Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending? From the outside, it seems to be having a better financial reality than most expected durin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Value of security clearance as attorney? Keep it?  
  by: fedlawyer234   on: March 29, at 5:08:31 am   in: Legal Employment
I practice security clearance law. I have held security clearances in the past on and off again. It would be unusual for an attorney to need a security clearance to start or really to hold one for a long period of time. You would generally pick that up after selection and it might be limited. It is also unlikely that newer attorneys working on contract issues that would be classified would be newe...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=271334

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 28, at 3:42:44 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
This probably isn't the right thread to put this in since it relates to post-clerkship hiring, but since there's currently no thread for hiring in 2026 and I'd really appreciate some input, I figured I'd ask here. I was fortunate enough to secure a COA clerkship for 2025-2026 with a judge in my home state that prefers local ties over raw stats. I consider myself very lucky considering I'm graduat...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: AUWCL -> GULC Chances?  
  by: CanadianWolf   on: March 28, at 6:27:23 am   in: Transfers
Hopefully you have good news to share.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=315690

Re: Post-doj career advice  
  by: CanadianWolf   on: March 28, at 4:46:35 am   in: Legal Employment
Of Counsel may be your best option if concerned about work/life balance. Of Counsel agreements can be tailored to one's situation.



Partnership option is unlikely anywhere except for a small firm.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315745

Security Clearances and Trump's EOs  
  by: dietcigs   on: March 27, at 5:37:32 pm   in: Veteran Lawyers and Law Students
Currently a 3L going into one of the firms that Trump EO'd. I'm still in the National Guard, and hoped to stay in while doing BL, but I'm wondering if my security clearance will be affected. Anybody have insights on this? How are the attorneys who are in the Guard and currently at these firms doing?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=315749

Re: Let's talk 11th Circuit!  
  by: tdub427   on: March 27, at 4:10:29 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Any thoughts on NDAL and MDAL judges? Specifically the judges in Birmingham and Montgomery?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205160

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Antiherotrust   on: March 27, at 8:26:11 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10559642 time=1721334163 user_id=45852]
Anyone know if R. Nelson tends to reach out when rejecting after a screener? I.e., is not hearing any updates a soft reject, or can that mean you are still under consideration, even if for a future year?
[/quote]

Curious about this.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Post-doj career advice  
  by: crazywafflez   on: March 27, at 8:22:48 am   in: Legal Employment
You'll likely clench Of Counsel to be honest. They'll test run you for a year or two. I don't work in NYC, so can't tell you much. My market wouldn't have you come in as a partner, unless there was a really random and special circumstance - and I'm not sure you want to come in as one either depending on overhead buyin.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315745

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 5:09:26 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 2:05:03 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
CA9 clerk here. I had two published opinions, half of another, and a high-profile dissent during my term. Those seemed like average numbers. CA9 doesn't publish very much, a judge might get only 1-2 publication assignments per sitting.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 1:47:51 pm   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently. Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending? From the outside, it seems to be having a better financial reality than most expected durin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 1:34:38 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
This probably isn't the right thread to put this in since it relates to post-clerkship hiring, but since there's currently no thread for hiring in 2026 and I'd really appreciate some input, I figured I'd ask here. I was fortunate enough to secure a COA clerkship for 2025-2026 with a judge in my home state that prefers local ties over raw stats. I consider myself very lucky considering I'm graduati...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Let's Talk 7th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 12:54:15 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Sykes is taking senior status effective 10/1.

Have any clerks on the 7th Circuit heard if Easterbrook will take senior status this year?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206075

Re: Let’s Talk Federal Circuit!  
  by: RM_1292_99   on: March 26, at 11:33:41 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Re-upping this if anyone has heard anything. Saw that Cunningham posted a few more for 27 and beyond. Wallach filled his 26 spot
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=312311

soft rejection?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 10:41:57 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Is no follow-up after an initial interview a soft rejection? It has been two weeks since my initial interview.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315748

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 10:11:01 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10559642 time=1721334163 user_id=45852]
Anyone know if R. Nelson tends to reach out when rejecting after a screener? I.e., is not hearing any updates a soft reject, or can that mean you are still under consideration, even if for a future year?
[/quote]

Bumping this, curious as well.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Boies Schiller?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 9:50:23 am   in: Legal Employment
I'm a clerk interested in plaintiff's side work and they pay a nice bonus. Thinking about submitting an application but some research tells me they had a rocky couple years recently.



Anyone currently there or know anyone currently there who has a take on what it's like to work at BSF and how it's trending?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315747

Restructuring/Distressed Debt Recruiter  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 26, at 8:10:42 am   in: Legal Employment
Looking for a recommendation for a recruiter in the restructuring/distressed debt space. Particularly interested in any that have ins with hedge funds or other in house distressed debt roles.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315746

Re: Post-doj career advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 25, at 1:15:33 pm   in: Legal Employment
Op here- thanks, I should have mentioned that. Focus has been white collar work throughout.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315745

Re: Post-doj career advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 25, at 1:04:02 pm   in: Legal Employment
What type of AUSA or DOJ work? That can make a big difference on your marketability.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315745

Re: How common is it for clerks to need a security clearance?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 25, at 10:24:46 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
A friend lost a CADC clerkship because they were unable to obtain a security clearance. I don't think it's common, but some judges do require them, and it's worth asking about at the time you accept if you're concerned at all about your ability to get one.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315029

Re: Some Admissions Consultants ain't so good  
  by: nealric   on: March 25, at 10:10:00 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
This thread has just become a forum for personal attacks and will be locked.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315645

Re: Some Admissions Consultants ain't so good  
  by: Lifesonalex   on: March 25, at 5:11:05 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
Below, from KissMyAxe, my comments in bold No, to every one of your questions. It is not useful. It is not logical. And it doesn't make any sense because it's poorly written and seems to be stream of consciousness. You'll get stream of consciousness since I'm doing this for free and don't have 5 hours to spend on it. You seem to randomly hate this random guy (I've never heard of him). I knew him d...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315645

Re: Let's Talk 3rd Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 24, at 3:28:25 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Reupping that he is obviously putting Habba on the Circuit to fill Greenaway's seat. The acting USA gig is just a stepping stone.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206977

Re: Kellogg Hansen Non-DC reach  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 24, at 3:18:12 pm   in: Legal Employment
What is the reach of Kellogg Hansen outside of DC? What does it mean to have Kellogg on the resume if one needs to leave DC eventually, including on the west coast? Every elite litigator in the US knows Kellogg and the kind of work the firm does. Same goes for Bartlit Beck. Same goes for Wilkinson Stekloff. Same goes for Keker. Same goes for [insert any geographically limited national boutique]. ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315741

Re: How common is it for clerks to need a security clearance?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 24, at 2:55:00 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
:idea:
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315029

Re: Bondurant Mixson Elmore  
  by: LawBurner1   on: March 24, at 5:17:46 am   in: Legal Employment
Would love any updated impressions on BME - esp. on whether they do clerkship bonuses.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=124191

Post-doj career advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 24, at 3:08:29 am   in: Legal Employment
I graduated law school (hys) 12 years ago; clerked; worked as an associate at a large firm; and then spent the last handful of years in doj- first as an ausa and then in main justice. I’m starting to think about next career steps. I’m wondering if folks have any insights on the below questions. As the questions suggest, I’m trying to balance the potential for higher earning with a desire to still ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315745

Re: Let's Talk 4th Circuit!  
  by: Updog1234   on: March 23, at 11:04:23 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Any thoughts on clerkship experience/reputation of Judge Cullen (WDVA)?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206083

Re: Kellogg Hansen Non-DC reach  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 23, at 4:15:05 pm   in: Legal Employment
What is the reach of Kellogg Hansen outside of DC? What does it mean to have Kellogg on the resume if one needs to leave DC eventually, including on the west coast? Every elite litigator in the US knows Kellogg and the kind of work the firm does. Same goes for Bartlit Beck. Same goes for Wilkinson Stekloff. Same goes for Keker. Same goes for [insert any geographically limited national boutique]. ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315741

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 23, at 3:38:29 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
There must be a miscommunication here. Maybe you all are including unpublsihed opinions with published opinions because technically they end up on the federal appendix (and now just westlaw, since F. App'x is gone) and the unpublished stuff is something else? Circuit courts do not publish many opinions. In fact, the Ninth Circuit in 2023 published only 349 opinions. Split among what 29 active jud...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 23, at 2:39:29 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Only 2-3? I think I drafted close to 11-13 my term. I assume that includes unpublished though? I don't even think there are many judges who have 12 published opinions a term let alone have one clerk write 12 of them. I looked up my records and I had 10 published and 2 unpublished that I made note of. There were also other orders and misc things. Including concurrences and dissents? That could mak...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: State Supreme Court to Federal District/COA?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 23, at 12:14:31 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I think the answer changes for District Court (USDC) vs Federal Circuit Court (COA). I am doing SSC->COA. For COA, given that you started out at a trial-level clerkship (I assume not Del. Chancery), it sounds like this would be a big "get" for you; I think a COA clerkship is seldom a bad idea. But if clerking for three years, be prepared to take a class cut. Most firms have a cap on clerkship cred...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315716

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 23, at 4:52:29 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
It’s not going to matter to anyone but you as the clerk working on it. If you want to draft a bunch of published opinions, go work for Milan Smith. Personally, I’d prefer to draft 2-3 opinions over the course of the year. Opinions are a lot of work. Only 2-3? I think I drafted close to 11-13 my term. I assume that includes unpublished though? I don't even think there are many judges who have 12 p...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Maximizing chances at Main Justice/USAO post-clerkship  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 23, at 3:38:27 am   in: Legal Employment
Edit: Alternatively, are there any good white collar shops in DC or NYC that (a) place a lot of people into the DOJ and (b) aren't awful to work at? I've heard bad things about S&C (and the five days in-office is a bit much), but other than that I don't have the lay of the land. might be somewhat obvious, but in DC, w&c places a good number of attorneys into USAOs/main justice components and, i h...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315722

Re: Highest-paying plaintiff firms for associates?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 23, at 2:56:40 am   in: Legal Employment
Any other reasonably high-paying class action shops?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315028

Re: Advice and Steps to Take for D.C. Placement?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 3:45:03 pm   in: Legal Employment
Congrats and go blue! The most helpful thing you could do now while you're still in DC is try to grab coffee with any attorneys you might be connected to and find out what they do all day. DC has a lot of regulatory and enforcement work and there are many different kinds (think straight up white-collar criminal defense vs antitrust vs complying with FDA regs vs defending against SEC enforcement ac...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315730

Re: Advice and Steps to Take for D.C. Placement?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 3:07:09 pm   in: Legal Employment
Grades are very important for DC biglaw, both because firm summer class sizes are smaller there and because gunners are disproportionately attracted to DC offices. I wouldn't worry about anything else until a year from now. The firms you'll target will depend on what kind of government work you'd like to eventually do, what you'd like to do in the meantime, and obviously what doors your grades open.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315730

Re: How common is it for clerks to need a security clearance?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 3:00:35 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I needed one for my EDNY clerkship and my friend needed one for her DDC clerkship. FWIW, I was the only clerk in our chambers who needed a clearance. It's a very small minority of clerks in the EDNY courthouse who need a clearance at any given point in time.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315029

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 12:56:28 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
No. It’s not going to matter to anyone but you as the clerk working on it. If you want to draft a bunch of published opinions, go work for Milan Smith. Personally, I’d prefer to draft 2-3 opinions over the course of the year. Opinions are a lot of work. Only 2-3? I think I drafted close to 11-13 my term. I assume that includes unpublished though? I don't even think there are many judges who have ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 12:19:06 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
No. It’s not going to matter to anyone but you as the clerk working on it. If you want to draft a bunch of published opinions, go work for Milan Smith. Personally, I’d prefer to draft 2-3 opinions over the course of the year. Opinions are a lot of work. Only 2-3? I think I drafted close to 11-13 my term. I assume that includes unpublished though? I don't even think there are many judges who have ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 11:19:33 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
When thinking about clerkships, how much could/should one read into the volume of a judge’s published decisions relative to other judges? For example, all else being equal, does it matter that judge A has historically issued more published opinions than judge B? No. It’s not going to matter to anyone but you as the clerk working on it. If you want to draft a bunch of published opinions, go work f...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 9:38:51 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Further, the choice regarding whether an opinion is published or unpublished is often influenced by whoever the preliminary assignment is. There are always some clear decisions calls (new issues vs obviously pointless cases), but preliminary assignment judge has greater say on the close calls. So some judges just make more of their preliminary assignments into published decisions When thinking ab...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 4:28:01 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the opinion. This almost always goes to the judge who had the preliminary assignment unless, of course, they're dissenting, in which case the more senior of the two in the majority...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Paul Weiss Confirms BigLaw Attorneys Are Cowards  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 22, at 1:31:14 am   in: Legal Employment
Paul Weiss backed down, like BigLaw lawyers always do.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315744

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 21, at 4:38:24 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: How common is it for clerks to need a security clearance?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 21, at 12:35:19 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10557311 time=1712287625 user_id=45852]
If you're not in one of DDC/EDVA/SDNY/EDNY my impression is that it is exceedingly unlikely you will need one.
[/quote]

I've clerked in DDC and know lots of people who have clerked in those four districts and I nor anyone I know ever needed one. We did have to pass a background check though. But I didn't need a security clearance or anything.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315029

Re: AUSA/USAO hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 21, at 12:29:10 pm   in: Public Interest & Government
Ah, I must have mixed it up with another EO.



Also, fwiw, apparently SDCA got authority to hire 28 new AUSAs.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=271001

Re: Paul Weiss Confirms BigLaw Attorneys Are Cowards  
  by: jdkale   on: March 21, at 9:34:43 am   in: Legal Employment
Not like those that will post a link to a TLS message board, humble brag about their regular job, and fearlessly brave the consequences!
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315744

Re: Maximizing chances at Main Justice/USAO post-clerkship  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 21, at 9:32:34 am   in: Legal Employment
Edit: Alternatively, are there any good white collar shops in DC or NYC that (a) place a lot of people into the DOJ and (b) aren't awful to work at? I've heard bad things about S&C (and the five days in-office is a bit much), but other than that I don't have the lay of the land. might be somewhat obvious, but in DC, w&c places a good number of attorneys into USAOs/main justice components and, i h...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315722

Re: Straight P's at H/S Pre OCI  
  by: SomedyEstopMe   on: March 21, at 7:29:06 am   in: Legal Employment
All corporate practices in NY other than WLRK, S&C, GDC, and maybe Covington are in play
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315742

Re: AUSA/USAO hiring  
  by: m27   on: March 21, at 6:47:08 am   in: Public Interest & Government
I have heard that everyone who was slated to start in after this month or so is cut. Correct. What’s not clear is what happens if and when DOJ get additional guidance on exemptions—i.e., do rescinded offers get re-offered, or do candidates need to reapply? I don’t think even the offices know. Bumping this—has anyone heard anything re: exemptions from hiring freeze being granted/denied? My underst...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=271001

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Greenbabushka   on: March 21, at 6:37:48 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Paul Weiss Confirms BigLaw Attorneys Are Cowards  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 21, at 3:27:36 am   in: Legal Employment
It's not Brad Karp's job to blow up the business over something clients don't care very much about. As it stands, he basically has a tax write off for telling associates to work pro bono on Veteran's Appeals.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315744

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 21, at 3:26:05 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 20, at 8:17:12 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: How common is it for clerks to need a security clearance?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 20, at 8:13:49 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
I clerked on a CA district court and the 9th Circuit and never even came close to needing a security clearance.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315029

Paul Weiss Confirms BigLaw Attorneys Are Cowards  
  by: ninthcircuitattorney   on: March 20, at 5:03:40 pm   in: Legal Employment
I litigate against V10 firms all the time and I've often wondered why their clients don't recognize this. But now it's confirmed.



https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/20/trump-rescinds-executive-order-paul-weiss
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315744

Re: How common is it for clerks to need a security clearance?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 20, at 12:55:34 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
[]
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315029

Character & Fitness Question  
  by: diamondseas   on: March 20, at 7:13:26 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
Hi, I have a question about a past interaction with an academic institution that I am not sure would qualify under potential C&F disclosures. I haven't been able to find any equivalent situations similar so I wanted to ask, as I recently remembered that it happened and am now concerned. Basically, 12 years ago, when I was a senior in high school, I received a waitlist notification for a school I h...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315743

Re: Kellogg Hansen Non-DC reach  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 20, at 7:01:15 am   in: Legal Employment
You mean arguably the most selective and prestigous litigation boutique in the country? Yeah, it's portable.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315741

Re: Employment Advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 20, at 5:38:44 am   in: Legal Employment
This is OP. Thank you all very much for the thoughtful response, I really do appreciate them! For the Of Counsel roles: At the remote firm 1983 firm, no. I basically get assigned cases and charge XXX on them, if we win, I take home 50% of XXX, unless it's a case I brought in, in which case I get 60%. They don't charge me anything or take anything. It's basically contract work but I get an office i...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Re: Employment Advice  
  by: nealric   on: March 20, at 5:30:35 am   in: Legal Employment
4) Of Counsel at my original big firm in Tulsa. When I first started practicing in Tulsa, I worked at a pretty big corporate firm there (our version of biglaw). I quit after a year and a half when the AUSA role opened up. They've offered me a position as Of Counsel, basically junior partner, where I'd pay about 40-50k for overhead, paralegal etc. and be able to work on CJA stuff, however, the fir...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Re: Employment Advice  
  by: ninthcircuitattorney   on: March 20, at 4:25:08 am   in: Legal Employment
4) Of Counsel at my original big firm in Tulsa. When I first started practicing in Tulsa, I worked at a pretty big corporate firm there (our version of biglaw). I quit after a year and a half when the AUSA role opened up. They've offered me a position as Of Counsel, basically junior partner, where I'd pay about 40-50k for overhead, paralegal etc. and be able to work on CJA stuff, however, the fir...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Re: Ohio State Moritz  
  by: nealric   on: March 20, at 4:19:06 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
You are referring to THE Ohio State University? :lol: :mrgreen: In seriousness, it's a solid but not elite school. Like other schools in its category, Biglaw will be a longshot in generally but possible for those close in the top 1/4 or so of their classes. Ohio is a relatively small biglaw market and most out of state firms will be focusing on T14 schools outside their local market. But if you wa...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315738

Re: Employment Advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 20, at 2:03:16 am   in: Legal Employment
Litigation is learned by doing, but you may benefit from a one year stint in a civil litigation practice (as long as you're actually litigating). CJA work is noble, but clients, judges, and the Bar doesn't see it that way. So i would expect that a whole lot of CJA experience would be a liability for those top positions - Article III, The U.S. Attorney. Good luck. This is probably what you mean, b...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Re: Berkeley Clerkship/Coif Discussion  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 4:08:09 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Yes, most definitely
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315211

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 2:54:40 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
3L - T14 URM 3.5 (mostly lit doctrinals, very heavy courseload) LR (no ed board, but yes publication) Federal Crim Clinic - Habeas win 2 named writing awards Background: USAO (SDNY/EDNY/EDVA) + V5 Lit RA for 3 Profs (Research topics: Con Law/Crim and Legal History/Fed Cts) TA for 1 Prof in 1L core class Solid letters of rec from 3 profs I'm east-coast tied, so I'm considering waiting until I'm a ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: Let's talk 6th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 2:21:34 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Does anyone have any info on what working for Siler is like/what to expect during the interview? He seems very active for having been senior status for so long. This is very unhelpful and quite possibly bullshit, but I heard that he likes to hunt. You can see evidence of that (taxidermy) in chambers. What I do know is that he sits by designation a lot. My impression is that the clerks drive the i...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205435

Re: Miami Big Law From T14  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 1:42:41 pm   in: Legal Employment
Pretty decent odds if you keep those grades up and apply broadly. Try networking with Miami/Fort Lauderdale alums from your law school.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315733

Straight P's at H/S Pre OCI  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 12:59:03 pm   in: Legal Employment
Current 1L at H/S. Finished up my first term with straight P's and currently considering whether or not I should start sending out Pre OCI applications. Any sense of what firms to target with these grades? Open to both corporate and litigation with a slight preference for the NYC market.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315742

Re: Kellogg Hansen Non-DC reach  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 12:35:20 pm   in: Legal Employment
What is the reach of Kellogg Hansen outside of DC? What does it mean to have Kellogg on the resume if one needs to leave DC eventually, including on the west coast? Every elite litigator in the US knows Kellogg and the kind of work the firm does. Same goes for Bartlit Beck. Same goes for Wilkinson Stekloff. Same goes for Keker. Same goes for [insert any geographically limited national boutique].
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315741

Re: Let's talk 6th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 9:33:13 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Does anyone have any info on what working for Siler is like/what to expect during the interview? He seems very active for having been senior status for so long.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=205435

Kellogg Hansen Non-DC reach  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 9:09:05 am   in: Legal Employment
What is the reach of Kellogg Hansen outside of DC? What does it mean to have Kellogg on the resume if one needs to leave DC eventually, including on the west coast?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315741

Re: Let's Talk 4th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 8:11:04 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Does anyone have insight on how Senior Judge Raymond Jackson is to clerk for?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206083

Re: Nevada Supreme Court  
  by: wet_tissue_paper22   on: March 19, at 8:10:03 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
I wanted to resurrect this thread to see if any current/former clerks are aware of the hiring timeline for SCONV/NCOA applications? I submitted both through the centralized application posting earlier today and wondering if there's a general timeframe to expect if selected for an interview. I will be in Reserve JAG training from April through August, so wondering if there's any flexibility for a r...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=305914

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 7:53:59 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562281 time=1742391265 user_id=45852]
To clarify also, you all still have the option of going back to your prior firm right? Assuming you have one
[/quote]

A lot of honors hires who lost government offers do not have this option.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Employment Advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 7:52:47 am   in: Legal Employment
I started in litigation as a CJA attorney in my home district plus multiple circuits and averaged about $150k per year. Then I had children (and private school tuition invoices), went on to solo plaintiff's work, and doubled that. I've always worked from home and I've always dropped off and picked up my children from school. Litigation is learned by doing, but you may benefit from a one year stint...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Re: 3.2 at Penn, how worried should I be?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 7:48:27 am   in: Legal Employment
If you wait until OCI, you run the risk that firms have already filled a lot of their spots. You might as well apply early to the firms that have announced they’re pulling out of OCI, at least. Is Penn still trying to tell students they’ll be punished for applying before/outside OCI?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315696

Re: Employment Advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 6:14:59 am   in: Legal Employment
Thank you for the response. I'm leaning towards that or option 2 atm (since I think they'd potentially let me do some employment work on my own). Only other thing is option 3 just due to the potential of expanding as a partner there and getting biz in from them. I've kinda ruled out options 1 (AUSA returning) and 4 (old big firm) unless they just offer too sweet of a deal. I appreciate you taking ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Re: Kellogg Hansen Non-DC reach  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 6:05:37 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Kellogg, like a GW or Susman, is a 'if you know, you know' type firm. All the important firms and people regardless of geography will know of Kellogg.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315740

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 3:34:25 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
To clarify also, you all still have the option of going back to your prior firm right? Assuming you have one
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: magistrate vs mid size firm --> big law?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 19, at 1:28:11 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Nothing of substance to say other than do not address a magistrate judge as a magistrate.



"Because the word “magistrate” is merely descriptive of the type of judge, to address a Magistrate Judge simply as “Magistrate” is akin to improperly addressing a Lieutenant Colonel as “Lieutenant,” or a Bankruptcy Judge as “Bankruptcy.”



[url]https://www.utd.uscourts.gov/sites/utd/files/FMJA_Brochure_2017.pdf[/url]
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315719

Re: Has anyone been rejected at the interview stage and re-applied again successfully a year or so later?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 18, at 7:05:24 pm   in: Legal Employment
I got rejected from screener during OCI - landed an offer at the same V10 during 3L.



It’s all business and if you get an interview you have a shot. Nothing to be embarrassed or awkward about, sell yourself and put your best foot forward - you can land the offer.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315727

Kellogg Hansen Non-DC reach  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 18, at 5:15:48 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Question about the reach of Kellogg outside of DC. If one needs to leave DC what does having Kellogg on the resume mean for other markets, including west coast.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315740

Re: Employment Advice  
  by: Lacepiece23   on: March 18, at 5:15:14 pm   in: Legal Employment
Long read but as a plaintiffs employment attorney, I’d just go solo. You could get employment cases pretty easy, and it goes well with criminal work. A lot of employment lawyers/crim folks out there. In fact they usually make the best employment attorneys. You could make a good living. Doing CJA work and some really good contingency side plaintiffs cases could be an effective combo to make 400k+ i...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Employment Advice  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 18, at 1:42:37 pm   in: Legal Employment
Hi all, I'm kinda just ranting in the wind, but wanted to know y'all's thoughts. Skipping a few things - I recently did a clerkship for the last year (think OKC), prior to that I was a line AUSA in my flyover home state in my home city (think Tulsa) for 2 years. I'm going back to Tulsa, but I kind of have a few options and would appreciate any insight. 1) I can return to being an AUSA. I was asked...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315739

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 18, at 9:10:39 am   in: Legal Employment
It sounds like you're willing to work hard to become a great litigator. Kirkland should definitely be on your list (and seconding Wilmer and Quinn). I wouldn't put Choate and Mintz at the top of your list. Choate especially has portability issues, NY doesn't even know how to pronounce it for example. Why Kirkland Boston? Agree it doesn't hurt to put it on the list and they generally have decent l...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

Re: 3.2 at Penn, how worried should I be?  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 18, at 4:50:43 am   in: Legal Employment
I was in a similar situation after first semester 1L and went into panic mode and ended up crushing it. I thought I'd flame out at OCI, so I researched other job fairs (there are ones for IP, minority groups, certain regions, etc.) and cold emailed alumni to get pre-OCI interviews. I did around 20, even with some firms that were at OCI. Even non-NYC cities. Even practice areas I wasn't that intere...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315696

Re: UF Tax LLM Biglaw Chances  
  by: nealric   on: March 18, at 3:53:44 am   in: Legal Employment
Nope, I didn't apply to NU. While I loved my time there, the winters were really too much for me to bear. I worked for my home government in a non-legal role related to national security. I enjoyed my tax and trusts & estates classes during law school, and kinda regretted going down my non-legal career path. I'm particularly interested in T&E or private client work as I really like the idea of de...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315726

Re: 170+ Scorer Selling LR/RC Notes For Cheap!  
  by: 18ReaderSC81   on: March 17, at 4:20:43 pm   in: LSAT Prep and Discussion Forum
Are these notes still available to purchase? or offered for free? Either is fine.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=304469

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 17, at 12:10:37 pm   in: Legal Employment
It sounds like you're willing to work hard to become a great litigator. Kirkland should definitely be on your list (and seconding Wilmer and Quinn). I wouldn't put Choate and Mintz at the top of your list. Choate especially has portability issues, NY doesn't even know how to pronounce it for example. Why Kirkland Boston? Agree it doesn't hurt to put it on the list and they generally have decent l...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 17, at 11:46:19 am   in: Legal Employment
It sounds like you're willing to work hard to become a great litigator. Kirkland should definitely be on your list (and seconding Wilmer and Quinn). I wouldn't put Choate and Mintz at the top of your list. Choate especially has portability issues, NY doesn't even know how to pronounce it for example. Why Kirkland Boston? Agree it doesn't hurt to put it on the list and they generally have decent l...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 17, at 11:08:40 am   in: Legal Employment
It sounds like you're willing to work hard to become a great litigator. Kirkland should definitely be on your list (and seconding Wilmer and Quinn). I wouldn't put Choate and Mintz at the top of your list. Choate especially has portability issues, NY doesn't even know how to pronounce it for example.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

Ohio State Moritz  
  by: mehulmalik2003   on: March 17, at 10:40:37 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
Thoughts on Ohio State? Is it a good law school for private law, contracts law, public law, Big Law? How many graduates stay in Ohio and how many get jobs in big cities, like New York or Chicago? Is it a household name in the Midwest or Northeast?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315738

University of Maryland  
  by: mehulmalik2003   on: March 17, at 10:39:37 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
Thoughts on University of Maryland? Is it a good law school for private law, contracts law, public law, Big Law? How is the campus? how many graduates stay in maryland and how many get good jobs in DC? Is it a household name in the Northeast?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315737

Northeastern University  
  by: mehulmalik2003   on: March 17, at 10:36:05 am   in: Law School Admissions Forum
How is Northeastern University? Is it good for big law, private law, etc.? Do students there usually stay in Boston or Massachusetts after graduating or is Northeastern a household name in the Northeast in general?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=315736

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 17, at 8:56:23 am   in: Legal Employment
I'm looking to join a Biglaw firm in Boston that pays top money. I want to join litigation, not corporate. I'm open to exploring different practice areas within litigation. I know my interests already include appellate, civil liberties, and environmental. The feel of the practice is more important to me. Short-term goals: Pay down my debt and work on becoming the best litigator I can be. Long-ter...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

New York Law Course: Notice of Charges, Really need help!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 17, at 7:48:03 am   in: Legal Employment
Hey everyone, I just received a Notice of Charges from the New York State Board of Law Examiners (BOLE), and I’m freaking out. They’re alleging that I sped up or advanced segments of the New York Law Course (NYLC) videos in violation of Board Rule 6000.13. As a result, I’ve been removed from the April 2025 NYLE and can’t register for future exams while the charges are pending. What happened: -I st...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315735

New York Law Course: Notice of Charges, Really need help!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 17, at 7:46:09 am   in: Bar Exam Prep and Discussion Forum
Hey everyone, I just received a Notice of Charges from the New York State Board of Law Examiners (BOLE), and I’m freaking out. They’re alleging that I sped up or advanced segments of the New York Law Course (NYLC) videos in violation of Board Rule 6000.13. As a result, I’ve been removed from the April 2025 NYLE and can’t register for future exams while the charges are pending. What happened: -I st...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=315734

Re: UF Tax LLM Biglaw Chances  
  by: VanillaSalt   on: March 15, at 11:47:05 pm   in: Legal Employment
Nope, I didn't apply to NU. While I loved my time there, the winters were really too much for me to bear. I worked for my home government in a non-legal role related to national security. I enjoyed my tax and trusts & estates classes during law school, and kinda regretted going down my non-legal career path. I'm particularly interested in T&E or private client work as I really like the idea of dev...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315726

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 15, at 8:12:57 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
anyone hear from Davis Polk, Covington, Kirkland, or Arnold & Porter in DC? Nothing from any of these places. Although I'm curious how you applied to A&P, they don't seem to have a general opening for clerks on their website? They have a few specific openings but none that fit clerks. I had the same question, I didn't see a general clerkship posting for A&P (or Wilmer). Nothing from Cov or DPW, a...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: How does 3L recruiting work  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 13, at 10:12:35 am   in: Legal Employment
Can you tell me how one can answer how one landed in this position? The honest answer is I struck out in the 2L Recruit. I had 5 OCIs, 2 CBs, none materialized and I struck out. I will be working this summer with a public office, with no intention of going back full time. I want to apply for 3L recruit and wonder what the best answer would be so I don't look undesirable. Also, did a year long clin...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=314048

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 13, at 5:36:54 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
anyone hear from Davis Polk, Covington, Kirkland, or Arnold & Porter in DC? Nothing from any of these places. Although I'm curious how you applied to A&P, they don't seem to have a general opening for clerks on their website? They have a few specific openings but none that fit clerks. I had the same question, I didn't see a general clerkship posting for A&P (or Wilmer). Nothing from Cov or DPW, a...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 12, at 6:53:44 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
anyone hear from Davis Polk, Covington, Kirkland, or Arnold & Porter in DC? Nothing from any of these places. Although I'm curious how you applied to A&P, they don't seem to have a general opening for clerks on their website? They have a few specific openings but none that fit clerks. I had the same question, I didn't see a general clerkship posting for A&P (or Wilmer). Nothing from Cov or DPW, a...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 12, at 4:56:38 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
anyone hear from Davis Polk, Covington, Kirkland, or Arnold & Porter in DC? Nothing from any of these places. Although I'm curious how you applied to A&P, they don't seem to have a general opening for clerks on their website? They have a few specific openings but none that fit clerks. I had the same question, I didn't see a general clerkship posting for A&P (or Wilmer). Nothing from Cov or DPW, a...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 12, at 12:59:41 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Miami Big Law From T14  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 12, at 10:57:59 am   in: Legal Employment
Hi,



I am a 1L and I currently attend a T14. I am really striving for Miami Big Law, but I've heard that it is super competitive. I am currently above the median in terms of grades, but not top 1/3. What would be my chances/likelihood of getting into the market?



My connection is that my current partner lives there and I have a few family members who live an hour away.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315733

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 12, at 9:43:04 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
anyone hear from Davis Polk, Covington, Kirkland, or Arnold & Porter in DC? Nothing from any of these places. Although I'm curious how you applied to A&P, they don't seem to have a general opening for clerks on their website? They have a few specific openings but none that fit clerks. I had the same question, I didn't see a general clerkship posting for A&P (or Wilmer). Nothing from Cov or DPW, a...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: MDNCU   on: March 12, at 9:12:52 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
[quote="Anonymous User" post_id=10562244 time=1741705929 user_id=45852]
anyone hear from Davis Polk, Covington, Kirkland, or Arnold & Porter in DC?
[/quote]

Nothing from any of these places. Although I'm curious how you applied to A&P, they don't seem to have a general opening for clerks on their website? They have a few specific openings but none that fit clerks.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Clerks Taking Questions  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 12, at 3:43:48 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
3L - T14 URM 3.5 (mostly lit doctrinals, very heavy courseload) LR (no ed board, but yes publication) Federal Crim Clinic - Habeas win 2 named writing awards Background: USAO (SDNY/EDNY/EDVA) + V5 Lit RA for 3 Profs (Research topics: Con Law/Crim and Legal History/Fed Cts) TA for 1 Prof in 1L core class Solid letters of rec from 3 profs I'm east-coast tied, so I'm considering waiting until I'm a y...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=146252

Re: 3.2 at Penn, how worried should I be?  
  by: jedibill   on: March 11, at 8:20:56 pm   in: Legal Employment
Biggest determinative (besides another semester of grades) will be your interviewing - do you have an interesting background? Below Penn median is still quite sufficient for offers at a majority of firms, but you'll need to stand out from the crowd a bit through networking/background/diversity to convert a high percentage of interviews into offers. As to your question on firms - if you stay just b...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315696

Re: Advice Needed: Choosing the best path for Big Law  
  by: jedibill   on: March 11, at 7:43:12 pm   in: Big Law/Private Practice Jobs
Unpacking a few items here: 1. Yes, Biglaw M&A or Cap Markets is the most common prereq for standard in-house counsel at midsize private company/large pubco, if that's your target. 2. Ask no less than 5 lawyers at your BB (or lawyers who you otherwise come into contact with at work) out to coffee and tell them you're interested in going to law school. I'd guess you'll have a high hit rate from col...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=315731

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 11, at 5:16:10 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 11, at 2:35:46 pm   in: Legal Employment
I'm looking to join a Biglaw firm in Boston that pays top money. I want to join litigation, not corporate. I'm open to exploring different practice areas within litigation. I know my interests already include appellate, civil liberties, and environmental. The feel of the practice is more important to me. Short-term goals: Pay down my debt and work on becoming the best litigator I can be. Long-term...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

Re: Let's Talk 4th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 11, at 1:48:47 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Anyone have any thoughts on clerkship experience/application preferences of Jamar Walker (EDVA - Norfolk)?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=206083

Re: Berkeley Class Rank?  
  by: retinadisplay   on: March 11, at 10:46:03 am   in: Forum for Law School Students
Just completed my 1L year at Berkeley. I know Berkeley does not do class ranks (at least publicly) but is there a general rule of thumb for figuring out where you fall in the class based on your grades? For reference, I finished with 4 HHs (15 units) and 3 Hs (12 units). Bumping-- current Berkeley 1L here. Did you get the ranking email/find out where you stand? Wondering where I stand with simila...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=314396

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 11, at 5:12:09 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
anyone hear from Davis Polk, Covington, Kirkland, or Arnold & Porter in DC?
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: 2024-2025 post clerkship hiring  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 10, at 2:00:51 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Checking in with my fellow clerks looking for jobs in DC. It seems like a few firms are finally starting to sort through the resume pile—I got rejected from Williams & Connolly today but got an interview request from a DC mid-size boutique.



Anybody heard from other places? Especially curious to know if there’s been any movement from Covington, Jenner, or Wilmer.
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=315633

Re: Boston Biglaw  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 9, at 9:23:34 am   in: Legal Employment
I think you have three main considerations between the firms you listed: 1. Home office vs. satellite office. 2. Push for rankings or push for feel in your particular practice of interest. 3. Traditional “big law” firm vs. a regional player that pays big law money or close to it (Choate, Mintz, Nutter). The latter are great choices if you want to stay in Boston; maybe less so if you want to go to ...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=315729

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 8, at 12:20:29 pm   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423

Re: Let's Talk 9th Circuit!  
  by: Anonymous User   on: March 8, at 11:15:26 am   in: Judicial Clerkships
Can someone explain how CA9 opinions are assigned? What explains the discrepancy between some judges authoring tons of opinions vs others writing far fewer published decisions? Preliminary assignments are given by the presiding judge (the most senior CA9 judge on active status of the three) over a month in advance of oral argument. After argument, the most senior judge in the majority assigns the...
https://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=226423