I’m a private immigration attorney whose interested into transitioning into a high level federal government attorney position in the future (not in this administration). Ideally, I’d love to work in the solicitor general’s office.

I’m only a year or two into practice and am wondering if there are any tips to best position myself for this type of position? I don’t anticipate making any moves that way for at least 5 more years. No clerking experience or law review, so that’s -2 points for me

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

That is, no *judicial* clerking experience

Just checked and it looks like they do. Just sent an email to get some more info from them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and pointing me in the right direction!

Also, any thoughts on whether the professor track could potentially be a workaround the clerkship issue? I know a few professors have had success in breaking into the federal judiciary, but they were also at the zenith of their field (Scalia, Frankfurter, etc.) so they may just be outliers

I guess there’s always a unicorn but getting to a high level federal clerkship, the SG’s office, and/or a professorship without top of the class grades, law review, or lower level clerkships?!? Short of a FedSoc membership and family money being funneled to a powerful Senator for a decade, I’m not sure ANYONE can thread that needle.

And this profession being as snobby as it is, I wouldn’t be surprised if experience in admin law land (immigration) isn’t also a demerit of sorts. Appellate folks already look down their noses at litigators; I wonder what they think of the non-civil lit world.

I would second DLA1’s suggestions about other federal gigs, if your interest in federal service is wider than SCOTUS clerk and the SG’s office. Plenty of federal agencies have attorneys and hire without fancy clerkship bona fides.

If you do decide to jump on the Article III clerkship ladder though, you might have to convince the wife to move to a flyover state for a year or two, too. I know people that finished Top 10% of non T14 schools that had to go to TX, MO, CO, and NE for federal clerkships, particularly if you don’t have the conventional credentials and need to work your way up. That whole scene is an idiosyncratic trip. (They are all very happy about life and their experience now, but that wasn’t always the case.)

Related Posts

Hi Folks, I am working as a Customer Support Engineer in Ernakulam for 4 years. How can I change to Linux Admin??? Any advice?!

like

How do you prepare for the role of technical architect? What kind of preparation do we need on daily basis?

like

Currently a 2nd year A and worried I am underestimating how competitive GSAP is. What can I do to beat position myself for when I apply in 2 years? Thanks!

like

Anyone else here looking to make a switch into healthcare (physician, nurse, etc)?

like

Finally got my first role as a UX Designer! Extremely excited and wanted to thank everyone that helped me out with questions and input!

likeuplifting

I’m a free-lance video producer wanting to expand more into social media content creation. Any advice? Feel especially weak on understanding analytics. Course recommendations? I have strong journalism background. Write, shoot, direct and edit.

like

I want to start learning DevOps, what is the right path to learn DevOps? Does TCS has good projects for DevOps.. Suggest me any combination with DevOps.

like

Is there such place as non toxic ID firm? Or does any of ID attys like what they do? I moved from general practice to an ID firm six months ago. Biggest mistake of my life. I am trying hard not to just quit and walk away as I’m battling head cold but still have to bill bill bill and get criticized for not billing right and etc and cases being piled up - while everyone is looking forward to the long weekend. I seriously question my judgement. Need word of wisdom just to get through this hellhole

like

Data analytics or fullstack developer?
If I want to switch from non IT.

like

Hello, I’m about 3 and a half years as a clinical data manager. Does anyone have any advice in how I can progress my career?

like

Accepted a job in industry Senior Accountant position over 15% salary bump with 10 bonus excellent work life balance and personal workout trainer once a week gym in office😁🙌🏽 #SoLongPublic

like

Hi ME 🐠s! Would like to know a bit regarding Business Analyst roles in MBB, T2 / B4 firms in UAE. I come from a target school in India (say MBB / T2 hires from my college every year) with ~1 YOE in consulting - based in Dubai. Would the stated firms consider me for a BA role (lateral hire as an experienced BA)?

like

Advice on taking the SHRM-SCP exam? I’m taking the exam tomorrow and not feeling as prepared as I should. Who has taken the SCP exam? How difficult did you find it?

like

What’s the next move after being a CD? GCD or ECD? What’s the difference?

Facebook (Meta) Product Management (IC5) or Google Cloud Marketing S&O/ Annual Planning (L6) role if I want to eventually be working on Product Strategy for consumer tech?
Heard it hard to pivot from Google S&O to Product Strategy even with 20% projects internally…

Facebook (Meta) | Google

like

Hello! I’m currently employed at a FAANG company where things are looking like my role/team might be eliminated at the end of the year, so I’m putting out applications to get ahead of the curve. Can anyone from Amazon provide a referral? I have the job code ready and have already applied. Thank you 🙂

like

Hi Fishes,

Anyone from IBM. I need referral in IBM for below position.
Middleware - Service Delivery Specialist. Please ping me if anyone from IBM

like

Hi Fishies, Im a application support engineer with 7 years of experience. Java and dotnet, sql application. Please refer me for opening with immediate joiner

like
like

Anyone looking to hire an entry level accountant position with no experience?

It’s been difficult to get a job around here.

What I have:
- Bachelors in Accounting
- Starting Masters in Accounting in January 2023

like

More Posts

Still silly, LitG!

Post Photo
likefunny

Currently I had interview with Capgemini . All rounds were good . I think I have answered all the questions correctly . It seems hiring manager is also interested. Now it has been 4 days , I didn't get any response .
Generally How much time they take . Or should I consider that my application is rejected because of CTC issue.
My Current CTC : 24 LPA
Expacted : 35 LPA [Negotiable]

like

Incoming MBA here - am attending the Toigo Catapult virtual conference over the next few days and want to understand what to expect in the video interview component for finalists from anyone who is a current Toigo fellow

I have almost 5.5years of experience and working with TCS from almost 4years my current package is less than my experience.
I have interview for HCL for network engineer/administrator role. How much should I ask during salary discussion?

like

Hi Fishes,

Looking for a job in Oracle Fusion Functional role. YOE- 9

LWD- Nov 7

Please let me know of any opportunities

like

Seeing how the environmental problem is growing in the world and nobody is doing anything to stop the pollution of the big nations (China, USA, Russia), it makes me think as a mathematician that our days are numbered.

like

Currently looking for Tech consulting/ Implementation consultant/ privacy roles in London. I have both CIPP/E and CIPM.
Please let me know if you know any roles that are available? Or any recruitment agencies you can refer me to

Thank you

Started at my first agency 3 mo. ago. I’m doing great work on exciting clients, but I often feel uninspired and drained. Is it growing pains or is this the wrong industry for me? How will I know?

Program Manager L3 salary in HCOL?

like

I am new to United Silver and I purchase economy tickets. Is the best strategy to check in exactly 24 hours ahead and switch my seat to an open economy plus seat?

like

Does anyone else here work at a hotel front desk? How long did it take to get a promotion?

like

What are some fun ideas for projects about describing setting? I was going to have them create travel brochures about the setting of a story of their choice but I think this might be overdone.

like

I just accepted an offer in writing. The new job will start the background check next which I’ve been told it may take a while to complete. My start date at the new job isn’t until 2023 so there is some time for me to turn in my notice. I don’t anticipate any hiccups in the background check but is it wise to wait until the background check is complete before turning in my notice?

like

Hi IBMers,
Do we need to mandatorily submit the rental agreement, rental proofs and landlord's PAN to claim HRA for any amount?
Please help me with your suggestions. Thanks in advance 😊

like

Hello! How can I break into the creative branding industry with 3 years of basic marketing knowledge, a self made website, and an extensive sales background in the CPG industry

like

What is everyone’s thoughts about Hilton? Just got asked to interview

like

Good reasonably priced place in Arlington (preferably near Wilson Blvd) to get a haircut? 23F

like

Does anyone have a good example of a federal resume format that scans well by the computer and reads well for a human?

likehelpful

SO and I recently moved to the DC area. We are both new to federal consulting. They have a few interviews this week. When a job description mentions " an understanding of federal contracting vehicles and procedures".
What should they be ready to talk about? CLINs, GSAs, color team reviews etc.? Would anyone have insights on this? Much appreciated!

likehelpful

Additional Posts in Law

Is there anyway to tell if your work product isn’t measuring up? Would the partner straight up tell you that your work sucks? This is me running on the assumption that some comments are normal...

like

When negotiating a sign on bonus with a new firm based on the fact that you were anticipating a bonus for that fiscal year and are leaving before that is paid out, do you have to do anything to prove you would have actually received a bonus/the amount of bonus you would have received?

like

California 🐟 does your vacation payout when you leave your job get taxed at regular wage, or bonus, levels? Does your employer have discretion to choose?

like

When a partner sends back your doc with tracked changes, should I do anything more than accept changes and proofread again? Seems like I am constantly just volleying minor changes back to them.

like

Trying to explain billable hrs to hubs. I billed 160 this month, which he said “is only 40 hr weeks” (true) - but how many hrs do you figure you “work” or are in the office to bill 150?

like

I have a second interview tomorrow. I already spoke with the partners and now I’ll be speaking with some associates. Any tips on what I should discuss and what questions should I ask?

like

I know some of my colleagues are recording their standard fees as time so that it counts towards their billable hours. It infuriates me but am I just being naive by not doing the same?

like

You know you're finance friendly WHEN you wanna research the state crossing issues with fossil fuel emissions to argue against keeping associated torts in state so you start all the legal anal trials!

like

Does anyone know how litigation finance works on the plaintiff side? If someone wanted to bring a lawsuit against their former employer would a general contingency arrangement with a plaintiff’s firm make sense? Or would one need to find funding and then contact a plaintiff’s firm to actually handle the case? I’m a transactional lawyer, so this is out of my wheelhouse.

like

Can you share first year salary for midsize firms? I'm in NJ, but curious to hear other markets. Also billable targets? Thanks!

like

Linguistic question, should an associate say "my partner" when talking to a client about a partner? To me this comes off like implying your also a partner, but saying "our partner" sounds weird too...

like

Any entertaining stories about opposing counsel just losing their mind on you in court or over the phone? How do you respond to opposing counsel who is being rude, unreasonable, or verbally abusive?

like

Anyone work at Stoel Rives? How’s the WLB? Wondering if the grass is any greener over there coming from big law

like

We have motion sensor lights in my office and the sensor is far from my desk. Consequently, if I'm on a long WebEx, the lights go out and it's embarrassing. The building won't change the sensor. Anyone find a solution for this (aside from standing up and moving, which would be very awkward)? I can't rearrange my office.

funny

What do people think about lawyers and beards -- totally fine? questionable? inappropriate?

like

Have you been laid-off, furloughed, or fired yet? And how were you told this? Do you know anyone, personally, who was laid off?

like

If I leave big law for ADA will I get canceled?

like

Where are the big law staff attorneys at? Mind sharing what the difference in compensation/workload is compared to associates?

like

Negotiating a settlement. I’m at $10k, opposing counsel is at $20k. My client won’t go higher than $15k. OC has come down to 17.5k and says his client won’t budge from that. Do I offer 12.5k so we can hopefully meet in the middle at 15k? Is that how the settlement game is played? Seems dumb we can’t just say let’s meet in the middle now and be done with this. (I’m a first year, first time negotiating a settlement on my own and I don’t want to screw this up!)

like

Ngl this crisis just affirmed my decision about not wanting to have kids. Serious props to the parents attempting to simultaneously bill and homeschool their kids.

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