Federal Judicial Clerk Check-In

How’s the job search going for Fall 2025 for you guys? Are you guys making any sort of headway in your job search? I’m struggling to even get interviews over here. What has been everyone’s experience in this market? This market is giving heavy 2008 vibes.

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For what it’s worth: T14 graduate, C/O 2019, currently clerking for a district court judge, 3+ years of lit experience prior to clerking.

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Former clerk here! Where are you licensed? My group is hiring but you need to be CA licensed.

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Associate 2 - message me!

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Current clerk for A3 Judge in a flyover district; T25 Grad. Have two offers, one from a boutique and BigLaw. Got rejected from three BigLaw and one MidLaw. I’d think you’d be competitive especially with three years of lit experience. Maybe it’s the market you’re in.

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Late January / Early February

The market initially seemed tough for me, but four offers suddenly came my way. It’s just a matter of time.

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Applied to 16 BigLaw/boutique lit firms; interviews at 4; rejected from 6; crickets from the rest. My #1 firm has been leaving me waiting for 7 weeks 🫣

At this point I’ll take a no, so I have an answer and not jumping every time my phone rings 😭

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Not to be blunt about it, but it would be helpful to know basic stats (school, grades, target market, magistrate or not, flyover vs. like EDNY), esp. for people struggling, to get a better sense of the clerk market

I’m currently clerking in the NDIL for a federal judge (not magistrate). I need to stay in the Chicago area for family reasons.

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I applied to 40 big firms and boutiques, screened at around 20, 6 callbacks, and got two offers before I pulled my other open apps. It was really slow for a while (hence the number of apps) but I picked up traction a couple months ago. Stay strong, I think things are moving slow!

Finding it slower than normal especially in Biglaw. Boutiques seem to be hiring some.

Sounds from fellow clerks like some firms aren’t even taking them back right now, despite competitive clerkship, positive performance reviews, etc. Wild.

2023 grad, top of class top 25 law school, state appellate + federal district court clerkships (district court clerkship finishing this fall), looking for big law in D.C.
Have admittedly only started applying about a month ago but also struggling to get interviews. Have made headway in a couple of my top firms in terms of connecting with attorneys in the firm and having them pass resume along, but no traction. Licensed in VA, DC, and taking FL bar this summer. Anyone in similar boat and have advice on how to improve application?

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Additional Posts in Law Clerks

Thoughts on the length of notice to give your judge that you’re leaving? Pertinent facts: I’ve been there a few years as the second clerk, and they would still have their head clerk and third clerk.

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I went to a T14 law school, got great grades and glowing recommendations, and wrote (what I thought was) a great writing sample. But I got rejected from all 70 federal clerkships I applied to. The only thing I can think of is: I took a non traditional route after law school and did a 2 year public interest fellowship in a niche field of administrative law. The rejection gave me a lot of self hatred. I still really want to clerk. Any advice? What is wrong with me? I feel like a failure.

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Got an offer to clerk for a DJ over the phone a couple of months ago. Silence since. I start in late summer, but when should I expect HR to reach out with onboarding materials? Is an offer letter usually sent?

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Hi everyone! I come from Big law and have an interview at a federal court (dream job) and will be meeting two federal judges. Any tips for a successful interview? I’ve worked previously at a lower court. Any qualities / skills I should put forward? Many thanks

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Need advice on a specific question!
Interviewed with Chicago court 2 weeks ago; they decide mid-August. Interviewed with DC judge last week; hear from him by this Friday. Chicago said if I need an answer before August, they'd try to make a decision about me sooner.
Should I ask Chicago for an answer? Or should I wait until there's an offer from DC judge? Maybe seems better to withdraw before an offer is made rather than ask for time to think about it/turn down DC? What's proper etiquette?

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Clerks, at what point in your clerkship did you start applying for jobs? I’m about halfway through a two year clerkship in my intended market and I am trying to figure out when I need to seriously start applying.

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I’ve been at my clerkship for 5 years (4 with a different judge) and one with my current judge, and I heard horrible things about him before starting, but I assumed they were exaggerated. Turns out they’re all true, and I’ve had to start therapy to deal with him and the incredibly toxic environment. I’m trying to get out ASAP b/c he also has a history of firing clerks without cause or notice, but I think I’ll only be able to give two weeks notice if i get the job I’m interviewing for. Thoughts?

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What are your hours like as a clerk? I’m sure it varies a lot based on the judge but curious to hear people’s experiences

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Ive been practicing in TX for 2-3 years at a big law firm doing mostly bankruptcy work (and some trial) and looking to clerk at a bankruptcy court in SDNY/DDE/EDVA (I am well aware of how great the SDTX judges are but I am set on leaving Texas). Anyone familiar with how many apps these judges normally get or what makes candidates stand out? Are these judges generally not interested in someone who has practiced in a different market?

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Currently applying to federal clerkships. Is there an average amount of time before you hear back (if selected)? Also, is it proper to call to confirm receipt of submitted apps outside of OSCAR?

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Former clerks that went the biglaw route: Did you use a recruiter (or, if not, do you wish you had)?

For context (not sure if this matters), I've accepted a post-clerkship biglaw offer but am interested in at least seeing what my options are/shopping other biglaw firms during my clerkship.

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I’m currently clerking in a Fed. District Court and have been applying to a bunch of Circuit courts but nothing seems to stick. Would anyone be willing to look over my materials to check for typos/errors?

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Any other 2020 grads out there? How are you handling the job search without passing the bar or having any idea when it will be held? My plan was to pass the bar, then get a job so now I’m just in limbo.

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Were you drug tested as part of your federal district court clerkship background check?

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Change my mind: A motion to “clarify” one of the court’s orders is actually just a cute, roundabout way of asking for reconsideration.

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How much should I charge or accept for a law clerk position inhouse at a Biotech company? An attorney I previously supported has asked me to assist as an independent contractor. She is the only attorney at the company and has no legal staff currently.

For context: I graduated law school in May 2021 and have not passed the Bar as of yet. I have been working in IP support roles for the past six years. What would be an appropriate rate?

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I’m a current federal clerk and I have an option to clerk again with a different federal judge or take a career clerk position with a state judge. Any insight into how each would impact my career path going forward?

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Has anyone made the move from Law Clerk/Paralegal at their firm? If so how was the process? How long did it take? Were you welcomed by the attorney's who you once assisted?

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