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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No I didn’t use a recruiter and most don’t work with clerks. Has to do with the clerkship bonus.

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Do not use a recruiter if you are a current clerk. Just wait for the chambers mailers to come in from firms, or email the recruiting contact for the firms/offices you are interested in.

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Got it, thanks!

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I used a recruiter since my clerkship was out of state I was targeting. There are recruiters that specialize in certain markets and you save a lot of time not having to reach out yourself

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I started with a recruiter to get a sense of the local legal community because I'm relocating to a new state after my clerkship. But you'll have better luck reaching out via LinkedIn in and/or your Judge's connections. It may be tough asking to pay your full clerkship bonuse and a recruiter

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I’m about to begin the application process for big law post federal clerkship. Did you accept at a firm you summered at or apply during your clerkship? I’m curious bc I don’t want to work with the firm i summered at and have been getting conflicting insight on when to apply (my term expires in 10 months).

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My advice would be to reach out to the firms you’re interested in and meet some lawyers! Try to figure out which groups are good/busy/generally nice ahead of time.

Many firms have on their website that they won’t accept recruiter for clerks. Depending on the prestige level of your clerkship, you may find several firms trying to recruit you once you express interest. The clerkship bonus certainly doesn’t hurt.

Definitely reach out to former clerks. Most clerk reminiscence about their clerkship and willing to chat with other clerks (even for different courts) and be happy to pass on your resume.

Very much appreciated.

If I might ask—what do you mean by “express interest” other than cold emailing the recruiting contact or texting a friend at the firm? For the most part, I’ve been using connections to get interviews set up. Even still, there are a select few firms in which I’m interested but at which I have no contacts I’d be comfortable asking

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I’m about to clerk and the recruiter I like working with said I shouldn’t work with him this time bc I won’t even need him

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