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Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:12 pm
by Anonymous User
proleteriate wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I'm a non-trad DJ clerk (did a couple years of irrelevant stuff, then 2-year DJ clerkship, also I had terrible grades). I could only target one major market city for personal reasons and was having no luck. I gave up on big law after getting what seems like a couple dozen rejections and focused on smaller places. Got an offer a couple of weeks ago from a boutique firm that I really like. The pay is far less than I want and expected, but I think I'm going to take it because the experience seems incredible.

I'm kind of disappointed but I think my expectations were a little unrealistic.
how much lower is the salary? Below 6 figures? Also how hard was it to get the boutique offer? Did you feel like ur clerkship ensured it, or did they just need someone and didn't care about ur clerking experience?
I'm the quoted anon.

The salary was approx. $110-20 with bonuses that ranged from a few thousand to allegedly $50k for one associate last year. (I have no reason to believe they were lying, but I still took everything with a grain of salt.) The billables were bad - at least 2K min with 2,100 "strongly suggested."

I don't think a clerkship guarantees anything, but they certainly liked it. One partner asked me something to the effect of, "Why are you interviewing here and not just walking into any big law firm you want?" Everyone I interviewed with asked tons of questions about it and a few of the senior associates mentioned how badly they wanted to clerk but never got the chance.

I actually ended up getting an offer from a biglaw office through a friend so I turned down the boutique offer. So, there's a data point for you.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 4:07 pm
by Anonymous User
It's depressing how quiet this thread is.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:47 pm
by TatteredDignity
I think people aren't that likely to post when they land something.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:48 pm
by proleteriate
TatteredDignity wrote:I think people aren't that likely to post when they land something.
i pray to god that this is true

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 8:59 pm
by TatteredDignity
proleteriate wrote:
TatteredDignity wrote:I think people aren't that likely to post when they land something.
i pray to god that this is true
I did, but only because I'd been active in the thread and felt like the thread could use a little good news. But it still felt a bit insensitive, knowing that many in here are still looking.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2017 10:04 pm
by Anonymous User
TatteredDignity wrote:
proleteriate wrote:
TatteredDignity wrote:I think people aren't that likely to post when they land something.
i pray to god that this is true
I did, but only because I'd been active in the thread and felt like the thread could use a little good news. But it still felt a bit insensitive, knowing that many in here are still looking.
To give more positive data points, all five of the COA clerks in my courthouse that have applied to firms have had a pretty easy time of it. Tons of interviews and a fair amount of offers. Some standard Vault 20 firms, but also a lot of luck with the small elite shops too (Bartlit, Hueston, Williams, etc.).

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 7:39 am
by TatteredDignity
Based on the limited anecdata ITT, COA clerks seem to be having an easier time of it. I guess that's to be expected? Although firms readily acknowledge that the d. ct. experience is more relevant.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:42 am
by Anonymous User
I've just straight up stopped looking for awhile. Very discouraging, and I figure I'd rather wait till it gets closer to the end of the term. That way I can apply to any "immediate vacancy" type positions.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:50 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:I've just straight up stopped looking for awhile. Very discouraging, and I figure I'd rather wait till it gets closer to the end of the term. That way I can apply to any "immediate vacancy" type positions.
This is pretty much where I am. I assume the typical "cycle" is over for all but the slowest movers. For rough data points - Top 20 school, top 1/3rd grades, district court (NDCal/EDNY/SDNY/DDC), prior non-biglaw lit experience. Targeting DC.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 9:57 am
by MrT
This may seem silly but can someone explain the affinity for DC firms? Is everyone that interested in regulatory work? Or is it something else. I just don't get it.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:18 am
by Anonymous User
MrT wrote:This may seem silly but can someone explain the affinity for DC firms? Is everyone that interested in regulatory work? Or is it something else. I just don't get it.
Not having to take another bar is a perk.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 10:51 am
by intlsplitr
MrT wrote:This may seem silly but can someone explain the affinity for DC firms? Is everyone that interested in regulatory work? Or is it something else. I just don't get it.
Same pay as NY with cheaper COL. Ability to shift to biggov (and back) without having to move. Generally more humane hours. Plus regulatory work if that is what interests you.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:02 am
by MrT
intlsplitr wrote:
MrT wrote:This may seem silly but can someone explain the affinity for DC firms? Is everyone that interested in regulatory work? Or is it something else. I just don't get it.
Same pay as NY with cheaper COL. Ability to shift to biggov (and back) without having to move. Generally more humane hours. Plus regulatory work if that is what interests you.
But the BigGov thing is the only thing that makes sense of all of this. LA/OC are way more affordable than DC. The lifestyle and hours are more relaxed in LA/OC. The work may not be as prestigious but you're still getting great work.

The same is also true for Houston/Dallas/Austin. You can buy a house in those cities as a first-year associate. So is it really just government aspirations? If so, I think it's being put on pedestal and y'all are going to be disappointed.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:12 am
by intlsplitr
MrT wrote:
intlsplitr wrote:
MrT wrote:This may seem silly but can someone explain the affinity for DC firms? Is everyone that interested in regulatory work? Or is it something else. I just don't get it.
Same pay as NY with cheaper COL. Ability to shift to biggov (and back) without having to move. Generally more humane hours. Plus regulatory work if that is what interests you.
But the BigGov thing is the only thing that makes sense of all of this. LA/OC are way more affordable than DC. The lifestyle and hours are more relaxed in LA/OC. The work may not be as prestigious but you're still getting great work.

The same is also true for Houston/Dallas/Austin. You can buy a house in those cities as a first-year associate. So is it really just government aspirations? If so, I think it's being put on pedestal and y'all are going to be disappointed.
I won't speak for everyone, but the regulatory work is why I only looked at DC during OCI. Plus, I've accepted a biggov offer for after my clerkship, and the type of gov work isn't available outside of DC.

I agree that the same reasons I gave for DC also apply to others places, and that a lot of DC biglaw love is prestige based. My comments are essentially why DC rather than NY (which for us east coasters are the only true options :) ).

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:18 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:
MrT wrote:This may seem silly but can someone explain the affinity for DC firms? Is everyone that interested in regulatory work? Or is it something else. I just don't get it.
Not having to take another bar is a perk.
+1

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:38 am
by Anonymous User
Bankruptcy court clerk checking in. Not SDNY/Delaware, but it is a bordering district with some big chapter 11 cases.

Have gone on 2 interviews with vault firms. 1 rejection and post-callback silence so far on the second one.

Two more vault firms lined up for interviews.

Lots of interest from smaller firms, offering a salary between $90K and $140K with "better bonuses than big firms" (of course they would say that).

Spoke with a big law partner at a well-respected firm yesterday, he said you're better off waiting it out until you land a prestigious vault firm, rather than accepting an offer from a mid-tier firm. Opinions?

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:41 am
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Bankruptcy court clerk checking in. Not SDNY/Delaware, but it is a bordering district with some big chapter 11 cases.

Have gone on 2 interviews with vault firms. 1 rejection and post-callback silence so far on the second one.

Two more vault firms lined up for interviews.

Lots of interest from smaller firms, offering a salary between $90K and $140K with "better bonuses than big firms" (of course they would say that).

Spoke with a big law partner at a well-respected firm yesterday, he said you're better off waiting it out until you land a prestigious vault firm, rather than accepting an offer from a mid-tier firm. Opinions?
If you're receiving the interest from the small firms, that interest will likely maintain throughout the summer. They are also likely to move quicker than a larger firm. I would wait it out.

Out of curiosity, when did you apply and what are your general stats?

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2017 5:48 pm
by Jchance
Anonymous User wrote:Bankruptcy court clerk checking in. Not SDNY/Delaware, but it is a bordering district with some big chapter 11 cases.

Have gone on 2 interviews with vault firms. 1 rejection and post-callback silence so far on the second one.

Two more vault firms lined up for interviews.

Lots of interest from smaller firms, offering a salary between $90K and $140K with "better bonuses than big firms" (of course they would say that).

Spoke with a big law partner at a well-respected firm yesterday, he said you're better off waiting it out until you land a prestigious vault firm, rather than accepting an offer from a mid-tier firm. Opinions?
You should generally be very wary of these kind of advice, even if it came from a biglaw partner, as the hiring scene has changed much post-2008, as their advice--while with good intention--is no longer applicable. The exception to this general rule is that the person giving advice has recently (aka post-2008) served on the hiring committee or been a hiring partner. Otherwise, take the advice with a grain of salt and follow the wisdom of taking the bird in hand.

That said, it seems like you've been lining up interviews with vault-ranked firms, so something (among the vault-ranked firms) will bite soon.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 12:17 am
by Tyler_Durden
Anonymous User wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:
Out of curiosity, when did you apply and what are your general stats?
Started applying in the beginning of March. Top 10% from a mid-tier school with good local connections (USN 60-80). LR, published. Most interviews have come from networking with people, the HR/recruiters at these firms seem to be in auto-rejection mode.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 12:33 am
by Anonymous User
My god am I ready for this process to be over. Firm, please hurry up.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2017 1:10 pm
by Anonymous User
Any actual movement at Sidley?

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 1:49 pm
by Anonymous User
Current D. Ct. clerk, will be clerking for senior COA judge next term. Curious as to whether and how much my COA judge's senior status will affect post-clerkship employment prospects. Am I likely to notice any tangible difference from the other clerks within my circuit?

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 1:55 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:I've just straight up stopped looking for awhile. Very discouraging, and I figure I'd rather wait till it gets closer to the end of the term. That way I can apply to any "immediate vacancy" type positions.
Is your term flexible?

I wouldn't give up looking. I applied to probably 50+ places in a few weeks, got a few interviews, and one horrible offer that I really didn't want to accept but almost did out of anxiety. I was about to give up and wait until the end of summer when I will be forced out of here (judge says I can leave any time before a certain date because my replacement is entirely flexible). I decided to try to parlay the offer into something better and miraculously landed a job I'm thrilled about.

I'm an alumni and had pretty mediocre grades from a mediocre school. I'm confident if I can find something, anyone else can.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 2:07 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:
Anonymous User wrote:I've just straight up stopped looking for awhile. Very discouraging, and I figure I'd rather wait till it gets closer to the end of the term. That way I can apply to any "immediate vacancy" type positions.
Is your term flexible?

I wouldn't give up looking. I applied to probably 50+ places in a few weeks, got a few interviews, and one horrible offer that I really didn't want to accept but almost did out of anxiety. I was about to give up and wait until the end of summer when I will be forced out of here (judge says I can leave any time before a certain date because my replacement is entirely flexible). I decided to try to parlay the offer into something better and miraculously landed a job I'm thrilled about.

I'm an alumni and had pretty mediocre grades from a mediocre school. I'm confident if I can find something, anyone else can.
I'm the one who posted that I've just basically stopped looking. My term isn't flexible, and my replacement has already been hired. I've applied to a TON of firms already, and even opened myself up to half a dozen additional markets that I previously had no interests in. I've haven't landed a single interview. I'm an alumni also, with a year in biglaw before clerking and mediocre grades from a top school.

When I say I"ve stopped looking though, it's more that I've hit pause. There was a firm which had an opening that I was entirely perfect for, and after emailing back and forth with the recruiter, she told me that they are trying to fill the position ASAP. She suggested I wait until it is closer to the date I am available, to apply again. In speaking to friends of mine in biglaw who have previously clerked as well, they offered similar advice. So I am just going to relax and try not to stress until late May/early June.

Re: 2016-17 Post-Clerkship Hiring Thread

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2017 3:08 pm
by Anonymous User
Anonymous User wrote:Any actual movement at Sidley?
I applied months ago and have heard nothing.