Law Clerks

How does a conflicts check work when you’re moving to a firm after a clerkship? Do you submit all the matters/cases you’ve ever worked on the conflicts sheet?

Have any of you folks found it to be the case that you have literally no work but your co clerk is busy? It’s so frustrating to me because I feel like I’m not learning.

Is it too late to do a federal appellate clerkship as a 5th year if you’re looking to return to a law firm post-clerkship?

Working for a federal judge is an infinitely harder and more anxiety-inducing than at a big law firm. That’s all 🤣

Any bankruptcy clerks seeing any action? I’m in a prominent district and getting no bites

How do you find info on NON biglaw (litigation) firms and/or govt jobs?

For context, I’m going from 2.5 years in biglaw to a fed clerkship, and trying to change markets after the clerkship (planning on… more

Any tips for dealing with a co-clerk who won’t shut up about politics?

This market is horrible. I am slightly regretting choosing a clerkship (fed DJ in busy district) over a big law job in 2021/2022. I was at a midsize law firm and chose the clerkship over a potential b… more

When RSVP’ing to a clerkship reception, do you attach a resume?

How to find free CLE courses for NY as a law clerk?

Anybody know of any big firms hiring restructuring clerks? (Clerking in a prominent venue)

I'm currently clerking with a judge I absolutely love and who is supportive of my goals.

I received an attractive offer but they want me to leave my clerkship 5-6 months early, which I don't particularly want to do, … more

Searching for post-clerkship BL position for fall 2024 in NY market. Any suggestions on how to get out there? I’ve just been applying cold. Attending clerkship receptions is a little difficult for me … more

Accepted a state court clerkship with an exploding offer last week. I was just unexpectedly informed that I’m on the shortlist for a federal appellate clerkship that I applied to as a reach— what sho… more

How are your post-clerkship (especially biglaw) job searches going?

Transitioning to firm life: Do you feel like clerking held you back? I just started as a third year associate after a 2-year clerkship. I’m glad I got the class credit, but I’m worried that the expect… more

Anyone work at Williams & Connolly or interview with them post-clerkship? Any advice? Current clerk at a competitive district.

What are some common big law lateral interview questions for judicial clerk applicants?

If you get to final round of interviews for a post-clerkship job, would you have the judge call the firm or decision making partners personally after the interview? Anyone have any experience doing so… more

I'm a 3L going to fed CoA clerkship in August 24--would like to WFH in a state with no real big law for family's health reasons. I'm fine to travel to office/for cases monthly or so. Only… more

Does anyone have experience working for a super intense judge? How did you make it through? They’re completely unapproachable and only offer criticism, have their clerks work on the docket as well as … more

Hello - I’m going to be interviewing with a federal magistrate in a pretty busy district. Has anyone here clerked for both a federal judge and a magistrate judge? Would you all say the workload is the… more

I’m trying to pivot from regulatory work to litigation, hopefully by landing a clerkship. What would you recommend emphasizing in a cover letter/resume if i haven’t yet gotten much substantive litigat… more

How do people go about getting a writing sample from their clerkship? My most recent writing sample is from 2L year, and I am hoping to have something more recent when applying to firms for a post-cl… more

Tips on informing your Big Law firm that you’re leaving for a clerkship? I’m beginning my third year as a lit associate and have a clerkship lined up for Aug 2024. I’m not sure how early I should te… more

Do you know anyone who was fired from their clerkship? What did they do afterwards? Currently having a difficult time and with judge who has fired people in the past. Just want to know the next steps … more

Would anyone be willing to provide feedback for my cover letter for appellate clerkships? I’m a current clerk but have not heard back from any circuit judges.

End date of district court clerkship is April 2024 and I want to take a month or two off after (likely start date in mid-June). My co-clerk told me that I shouldn't apply until after my clerkship… more

Looking for writing advice from current and past law clerks! Hello, it’s been a month since I started my clerkship position but I am still getting A LOT of redlines when I get back my writing. What ca… more

How does the court determine salary? While the grade makes sense, how do they determine which step within the grade you should be placed in? Is it something one negotiates? (Fed Dist. Ct.) Thanks!!

How does a conflicts check when you are moving to a firm after a clerkship work? Would you just list all the cases you worked on?

Hello term clerks, when is a good time to start looking and applying jobs for the next year? My term is done September 2024 and I have nothing lined up yet. Thank you in advance for your help!

Any advice on interviewing with a federal judge who was just confirmed? So many resources help with already-sitting judges but unsure if y’all have any tips.

I had a screener last Monday with a firm I’m really interested in. I think it went well but I haven’t heard anything since. Is it too soon for me to follow up? I have callbacks scheduled this week at … more

What do you think about alternative routes to law school such as apprenticeships under a judge or lawyer that has at least 10 years of experience? I have learned that these programs cost less, you gai… more

Has anybody done the APR clerkship in WA? The Rule 6 program?

Anyone else about to end their clerkship without a formal job offer? 😔

Has anyone done a flexible MBA while clerking? I have another clerkship coming up and am thinking about it. Any ethics issues? It’s been a while since I had the 2-day “clerk school” during my last cle… more

If anyone here knows of East Coast federal appellate clerkship openings can you please dm me!

Are clerks allowed to take time off during a clerkship? I want to apply to a clerkship to start in January, but will be taking 2.5 weeks off for my honeymoon in late June/early July. Will this be a de… more