Do I need to do D. Ct. Clerkship to optimize for AUSA position? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I am a 3L headed to a COA clerkship after graduation. I am thrilled to have the opportunity--this is not flame. My question is at the intersection of legal employment and clerkships, and I felt it fit better here. My goal is to apply to become an AUSA in the circuit where I will be clerking. My question is essentially whether it would be better to (a) [COA --> D. Ct --> biglaw --> USAO]; (b) [COA --> biglaw --> D. Ct. --> USAO]; or (c) skip the D. Ct. clerkship and try to go to [COA --> biglaw --> USAO]. If the answer is a, then I need to begin applying to D. Ct. clerkships soon, which is why I am asking the question. My goal is really USAO so if the advantage of doing the D. Ct. clerkship was minimal, I would prefer not to spend the additional year clerking. I would like to begin to pay down loans sooner rather than later so I can go into USAO without LS debt.

My COA clerkship is with a non-feeder in the second circuit and I would like to be an ASUA in one of EDNY/SDNY.

I know I am incredibly lucky to have this dilemma and would appreciate any advice TLS has. I'm sure there are others out there with similar questions.

edit: 3L not 2L

[rpupkin]

It could help a bit, particularly if the district-court judge has connections to your city's USAO. It's not necessary, though.

Consider working at a lit boutique in NYC that will give you trial experience.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Any NYC lit boutiques in particular you would point me toward?

[Anonymous User]

Would a patent lit trial boutique experience like McKool/Dovel/Desmarais help for Ausa not in SDNY but still competitive district?

[rpupkin]

Would a patent lit trial boutique experience like McKool/Dovel/Desmarais help for Ausa not in SDNY but still competitive district?

Doubtful.