Post-Clerkship Job Hunting (fall 2016 hiring cycle) Forum

[Anonymous User]

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[Anonymous User]

This is a complete newbie question, but have you all been mass mailing or waiting on openings to be posted on websites/passed on through the grape vine. I only ask, because my clerkship concludes in January and I'm not really sure what strategy to go with. I clerked after practicing big law in a city where I am currently clerking. At first, I really did not want to, but all of the partners kept telling me I would be crazy not to jump at this opportunity and that I would just come back in January. Well, it turns out my old firm has not had much work at all and they said they could fight to bring me back, but that it might be worth it to interview around a bit. I have tried doing this, but there are pretty much zero openings in my city or I have been told it's way too early to apply. I would look elsewhere, but my husband is an attorney here in town and moving really isn't an option.

All in all, I'm thinking this was a huge mistake and everything I feared would happen if I took this gig, has pretty much happened. I know, cool story. But, seriously, how does this hiring thing work? Just random bombing of the inboxes? Networking? Internet postings? Any and all help is appreciated, as I never really did anything beyond OCI and am a special snowflake K-JD, who never really applied for jobs (including this clerkship) outside of OCI.

How often does situation like this happen, especially in big NY firms for example?

[Anonymous User]

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[lavarman84]

I finally landed a post-clerkship job. And it's at a good firm. I'm still getting rejections. I feel the urge to respond by thanking them and informing them that it's cool because I have landed a job at an objectively better firm. Bad idea or the worst idea?

I think either one of those options sums up that idea. Rejections aren't personal.

[Anonymous User]

This is a complete newbie question, but have you all been mass mailing or waiting on openings to be posted on websites/passed on through the grape vine. I only ask, because my clerkship concludes in January and I'm not really sure what strategy to go with. I clerked after practicing big law in a city where I am currently clerking. At first, I really did not want to, but all of the partners kept telling me I would be crazy not to jump at this opportunity and that I would just come back in January. Well, it turns out my old firm has not had much work at all and they said they could fight to bring me back, but that it might be worth it to interview around a bit. I have tried doing this, but there are pretty much zero openings in my city or I have been told it's way too early to apply. I would look elsewhere, but my husband is an attorney here in town and moving really isn't an option.

All in all, I'm thinking this was a huge mistake and everything I feared would happen if I took this gig, has pretty much happened. I know, cool story. But, seriously, how does this hiring thing work? Just random bombing of the inboxes? Networking? Internet postings? Any and all help is appreciated, as I never really did anything beyond OCI and am a special snowflake K-JD, who never really applied for jobs (including this clerkship) outside of OCI.

How often does situation like this happen, especially in big NY firms for example?

I'm the individual who posted that cool story. No clue about big NY firms. My geographic location is a ton smaller. If this were NYC, I honestly wouldn't worry about the old firm pulling out. It's such a big market, that there would be openings.

TBH, if I was single, I would probably apply to NYC firms as a safety net. Given that I am tied to the area because of my soon-to-be husband, my current, smaller market is where it's at for me.

[shaopeng9]

bump

[Anonymous User]

I'm the job switch whiner two posts above. Honestly, if you're in smaller markets (maybe even if you aren't), job listings are a flame. I employed the approach of emailing people directly (not the recruiter...even if it says to do that) with my resume and a statement about looking for a job and wanting to discuss job opportunities at firm x and trends this person has seen in the Oz market. It has been effective. One person ignored it; some interviewed me, despite not having openings at the moment because they "want to stay on my radar and vice versa" while they look into whether they can take another associate; and a couple brought me in for interviews. I currently have two offers at places I would love to work. I will say, lateral/post-clerkship hiring is weird and it seems like when you don't follow the rules (or at least when I didn't), you get better results. YMMV, but I thought I would update. V excited to start new gig in January.

[Anonymous User]

Wishing it were possible to switch jobs with one of you guys. I'm at a large firm hoping to get a clerkship.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone have insight or experience in the D.C. post-clerkship market for a future D.C. Circuit clerk?

[Anonymous User]

Wishing it were possible to switch jobs with one of you guys. I'm at a large firm hoping to get a clerkship.

how about we compromise, you do my clerk work, and I'll take your pay. It's the experience that you want right?

[Anonymous User]

Wishing it were possible to switch jobs with one of you guys. I'm at a large firm hoping to get a clerkship.

how about we compromise, you do my clerk work, and I'll take your pay. It's the experience that you want right?

The pay comes with 9:30-2 AM hours, sometimes 4 AM.

[Anonymous User]

Wishing it were possible to switch jobs with one of you guys. I'm at a large firm hoping to get a clerkship.

how about we compromise, you do my clerk work, and I'll take your pay. It's the experience that you want right?

The pay comes with 9:30-2 AM hours, sometimes 4 AM.

Do you have to go back at 9:30 after being there at 4am? I'm asking for real in all seriousness.

[ArtistOfManliness]

The pay comes with 9:30-2 AM hours, sometimes 4 AM.

Do you have to go back at 9:30 after being there at 4am? I'm asking for real in all seriousness.

Also curious.

[Anonymous User]

Wishing it were possible to switch jobs with one of you guys. I'm at a large firm hoping to get a clerkship.

how about we compromise, you do my clerk work, and I'll take your pay. It's the experience that you want right?

The pay comes with 9:30-2 AM hours, sometimes 4 AM.

Do you have to go back at 9:30 after being there at 4am? I'm asking for real in all seriousness.

Yes. You stay until 4 AM because you have a filing due the next day for one of your cases; you come back at 9:30 the next day because you have more than one case on hand.

I have a friend who's been holed up in his firm for 3 days. Someone else has been walking his dog.

[Anonymous User]

Wishing it were possible to switch jobs with one of you guys. I'm at a large firm hoping to get a clerkship.

how about we compromise, you do my clerk work, and I'll take your pay. It's the experience that you want right?

The pay comes with 9:30-2 AM hours, sometimes 4 AM.

Do you have to go back at 9:30 after being there at 4am? I'm asking for real in all seriousness.

Yes. You stay until 4 AM because you have a filing due the next day for one of your cases; you come back at 9:30 the next day because you have more than one case on hand.

I have a friend who's been holed up in his firm for 3 days. Someone else has been walking his dog.

Aw, I feel like he probably shouldn't have a dog if he is working 9:30 - 2 am, regularly.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Aw, I feel like he probably shouldn't have a dog if he is working 9:30 - 2 am, regularly.

Not very helpful for someone who already had a dog before starting.

[Anonymous User]

Aw, I feel like he probably shouldn't have a dog if he is working 9:30 - 2 am, regularly.

Not very helpful for someone who already had a dog before starting.

Agreed, not to mention some people have wives or husbands.