I left a pretty verbally/mentally abusive federal clerkship about half way through my clerkship and am finding it very hard to get back into big law. Was at V50 firm before my clerkship and T-10 law school. Any pieces of advice? And would you encourage honesty with the firms around the situation with my judge?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’d say you left for family reasons and don’t provide additional detail. Say it with a look that says it’d be difficult for you to get into without tearing up. Telling a firm about verbal abuse will make them think you’re the problem because reporting harassment of federal judges isn’t handled well by the federal bench. Firms like clerks because of the skills and the relationships developed over the course of the clerkship. If you say you quit a clerkship, they’ll think you aren’t cut out for the work.

likesmart

Just a democrat out of those things you listed.

Honestly haven’t used former classmates as much but am starting to as I talk to them more about the situation.

Original firm not a possibility, kind of left on a “I’m off to bigger and better” note. In retrospect not the best idea but it wasn’t the best environment for an attorney of color.

I don’t think they are undermining my candidacies. Firms have just been asking questions about my departure and the gap in time since I left the clerkship.

likehelpful

Also, very sorry you went through this.

like

On a scale of 1 to 10, how white, female, and Democrat was your fed judge?

Many such cases.

Have your network (former classmates, fellow court clerks) submit you to firms.

Is your original firm not a possibility?

Is the fed judge undermining your candidacies or is it just the short duration of the clerkship?

likesmart

Related Posts

I’m curious what YOUR proposed 60/40 schedule looks like? Have you been given a start date for this new schedule?

helpful
like

Hello! I am a recent graduate of a medical billing and coding program and I’ m finding it really difficult to get a job because most employers are looking for someone with at least 3 years experience. How do I get my foot in the door with no real time experience?

like

For people with Non-technical backgrounds who are now Product managers in the Tech industry, what kind of resources did you use to prep for your interviews? I've had people recommend brushing up on cracking the PM code but there's SO MUCH information out there and it's hard to figure out if I'm looking at the right thing or not. Please share resources that helped you get into PM roles (bonus points if you work at companies like Amazon and Google).

like

I delete all the words before the one word or letter I want to correct. 🤦‍♂️

like

So who is this SEI and why is everybody arguing with him/her? 😂

funnylike

Are those of us on H1b/F1 allowed to enroll in community College for any courses? The one near me has a motorcycle training course that waives the skills test for 1/3rd the price of its competitors

like

BCG versus McK for digital consulting? If we are looking broadly at the digital transformation space, then what are some of the strengths of each of firm as well as any glaring drawbacks?

Looking at Forrester, they are both leaders in the space, but it would be helpful to understand the perception of each.

like

Table for one please

Post Photo
like

I need some good career-development or finance-related books, anyone got any recs?

like

Sr Business Support Admin needed for our firm in Denver. Good WLB / hybrid work offered. DM me for a possible referral 👍

helpful

When your trust fund friend asks if you want to go shopping with her on a Thursday at 2pm 🙄

Post Photo
likefunny

Hi Fishes, what is the monthly salary for this? With 1.5L in 80c and 15k monthly rent and using previous employer’s pf. Please help.

Post Photo
like

What is the average yearly hike at Informatica ? And do they retain you if you're demanding 27 LPA (current CTC is 17 LPA) because you've got a comparable offer?

I really like the culture and flexibility over here, and don't wanna leave, but I wanna earn more.

like

Hi Fishes,
Anyone needs referral in Infosys please DM me.
We have openings for Java Developer, .NET developer, DevoOps consultant, React JS developer, AWS developer, Azure developer. Feel free to contact.

like

With the huge budget my company sets aside for advertising, lots of people think that marketing execs are really well paid. I WISH!!!

like

Hi there,

I've 7 years of experience in IT working as a Java backend developer.
Not getting much call from Naukri or LinkedIn.
40 more days to serve notice.
My current CTC id 16 LPA, how much I can expect?
I've an offer letter of 20.5 LPA from TCS, is it worth to go for TCS or should wait for other interviews?

Your suggestion will be much appreciated.

like

I woke up today tired.

My work cell was buzzing and then I remembered something.

I forgot to thank the bus driver that dropped me off a few days ago.

I got up and rushed downstairs to find the bus driver.

It was raining outside but I was already running barefoot to the bus stop.

I stood there soaked in my pajamas as the bus approached.

Then, the door opened. The driver got up and shook my hand.

I sat down and started my shift.

I’m the bus driver. Reminder to love and thank yourself.

funnylike

Additional Posts in Attorneys of Color

Does anyone in this group have ADHD? Are you finding that working in a law firm setting and billing hours is just not something they can do or is it possible with the proper medication and therapy?

I don’t cut my hours, I consistently reach 7 hours a day, but it’s not enough to meet my firm’s minimum requirement. I’m usually working 9 hours/day.

like

I saw that Orrick had an Attorney's of Color retreat in New York. Does anyone work there who can speak on how it was? If not, is there a retreat/coalition/group for Attorney's of Color at your firm?

like

Roo to my bruhs. Happy founders day

Post Photo
like

What's your typical work day look like? Where do you work/what size firm do you work at?

like

Kind of a quick rant. I did a quick search through some firms websites because I am thinking of switching jobs. It is definitely clear most firms still do not embrace diversity. I know diverse applicants must be just as qualified! So what is keeping attorneys of color out?? It’s so discouraging.

like

Anyone in this bowl based in Central Florida that would like to connect?

like

Anyone feel like your job sees you as "one of the good ones?" It hasn't explicitly been said, but I'm one of the only Black attorneys at the firm and I think my white colleagues and partners see me as an example of how Black folks "should be" cause I mind my business. Basically I feel like a token, and I don't know how to shift that idea while staying professional.

like

Today is the first day of the new work week! What are your goals for this week?

like

Any one here based out in the Middle East? If so, what's your experience. Would you recommend it. I am 32F - African Descent planning to relocate to the UAE.

like

Hey all, I’m starting a new job soon (in 2 weeks to be exact), but I haven’t been contacted by the firm. Should I be concerned?

like

What is the starting Salary for entry level insurance defense attorney in NYC area?

like

Have you ever joined a firm purely based on how many POC would be in your practice area?

likefunny

Starting at a new firm, What can I do to leave a good first impression?

like

My work quality is slipping due to brain fog and mental health issues and I don’t know how to address it with my firm or who to go to. I was considered one of the best associates in our practice group, but now it can take me 3-4x the time to write an average brief. I can’t seem to think and organize my thoughts any more. This is incredibly scary bc obvi, that’s what this job is all about. I’m in IP litigation at a V50 firm and a mom. Do I raise it with partners and how?

like
like

Does anyone feel like it’s difficult to gain acceptance and find allies when you’re a POC? I have attended happy hours, social events, and lunches, but I am not getting the same amount of traction as the other new lawyers who are white. Don’t know whether I should keep trying or just give up. Also don’t know whether it’s my personality or people at the firm. 😢

like

Thinking of pivoting from insurance defense to something more meaningful and (dare I say it) with more work life balance. Currently in my 7th year of practice and am just tired of ID. Anyone make the transition? Any advice?

like

Might be a silly question but I will throw it out there. Anyone have any tips on best practices to preserve a silk press overnight? Currently have silk pillowcases but wrapping always ends up a fail.

likehelpful

How do I professionally decline a second interview? I know for sure I don’t want to work at the firm.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal