I’m currently finishing up a federal clerkship and I’m starting to look at firm life again. Everyone told me a clerkship would make me highly marketable, but I’m finding that firms are hesitant to bring me in as a third-year because I haven't billed time in two years. I feel like my research and writing skills are sharper than ever, but I’m missing the practical deal experience my peers have. Should I be looking for firms that specifically value clerks, or is there a way to market my time in chambers as billable-equivalent experience?

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Target firms with strong appellate or complex litigation practices, as they’re usually the ones who will actually pay the 'clerkship bonus' and value your inside-the-courtroom perspective over a few hundred missed billable hours.

Totally agree with this advice

My experience: joined big law after federal clerkship (and state court clerkship before that). Interviews didn’t ramp up until later in the summer, which was later than I expected. I never heard anyone concerned about lack of billing over the two years that I clerked. If anything, what I’ve heard (some directly from hiring partners) is increased attraction to federal clerk hiring for 2-4 year associates. In terms of what to market, you presumably got rigorous writing and (if district court) gained practical experience with the federal rules. What civil litigation practice doesn’t cherish that? Also, if you get multiple offers, leverage the higher clerkship bonus.

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