Top-25% from a T14 and a district court clerkship is not "normal" for the larger Phoenix firms. It's probably pretty "common," but honestly, an attorney with a federal district court clerkship is above "normal" even for large firms in most non-coastal cities. I'd have to assume that a 9th Circuit clerk would have her pick of any firm she wanted, but that's true in almost any city.Anonymous User wrote:I tend to agree. I also know if I go to either place, I need to do great work and nothing will be handed to me. I just think it will be a bit easier to get good work and advance if I'm not objectively below average when compared to others in my class. As noted above, the relative cost of living is also a factor.Anonymous User wrote: The 9th Circuit clerkship is really what makes you a stellar applicant. District court clerkship + T14 top quarter is pretty normal at the good Phoenix firms.
I also shouldn't have said I would be "well" above average in AZ. But I do think I would be somewhat above average.
Of course, it depends what level T-14 we're talking about, but as long as you have identifiable connections to PHX you should be good even at Top 1/3rd from a lower T14. From higher T14s, top half will probably suffice.
