Firm or Clerkship? Forum

[SDviaVA]

Currently I am interning at a small firm that does international trade and investment work for science and technology companies. I will most likely be working here 2 days a week during my 3L year. I feel that in this situation I will have a pretty good chance at transitioning into a position after graduation, if I pursue it.

I also interned at the local Circuit Court (state trial level) last summer and developed a good relationship with the Judge there. I think I would have a pretty good shot getting a clerkship here after graduation as well.

Obviously nothing is guaranteed, and I be applying to other places, but my question is: would it be advantageous to clerk for the Circuit Court Judge for a year before starting at a firm? Or am I better of just trying to start at the small firm and skip the clerkship?

A little about me: I have a scientific background (5 yrs work expirence in a lab) and I originally was interested in patent law/IP but I would be happy with any position that is science and technology related (which my current internship is). I am also interested in litigation (which my current internship does not do).

[Anonymous User]

Are you referring to a Federal Court of Appeals judge or a state trial court judge? Assuming the latter, just start at the firm. If you are unsure whether they are going to give you a permanent offer (which is something that you need to explicitly ask about), then try for the state trial court clerkship.

[SDviaVA]

Sorry, it would be a state trial court judge (I realize these titles vary from state to state).

Thanks for the advice, I realize I need to ask, but I was hoping to decide what I actually want to do before I ask. That way I dont ask and then have them offer me a postion only to decide later I would prefer clerking.

[SDviaVA]

1 v 1 tie? This has not been very helpful!

[dood]

u should edit ur 1st post and survey. only reason i voted clerkship is bc i assume u meant US CoA before reading u meant state court.

[dood]

1 v 1 tie? This has not been very helpful!

bc u havent told us what u want to do/what ur goals are. also, u havent secured either offer....

[SDviaVA]

u should edit ur 1st post and survey. only reason i voted clerkship is bc i assume u meant US CoA before reading u meant state court.

Ok thanks. I fixed that.

[Anonymous User]

1 v 1 tie? This has not been very helpful!

bc u havent told us what u want to do/what ur goals are. also, u havent secured either offer....

^this. You need to pursue both.

[SDviaVA]

1 v 1 tie? This has not been very helpful!

bc u havent told us what u want to do/what ur goals are. also, u havent secured either offer....

To clarify, my ultimate goal is to be a patent litigator, but I would be happy with any position that involves science/technology and pays well.

[SDviaVA]

1 v 1 tie? This has not been very helpful!

bc u havent told us what u want to do/what ur goals are. also, u havent secured either offer....

^this. You need to pursue both.

Ok, I will be pursing both. I guess I should have phrased the question: If I were to get offers from both, which position would be the most beneficial for my career?

[SDviaVA]

Side note: here are my current thoughts on the matter – correct me if I am wrong…

Clerkship
Pros: legal experience I will probably never have another chance to get once I start working.
Cons: Lousy pay (40K-50K), not really directly related to patent or science and technology law.

Firm
Pros: Related the field I want to pursue, pay is better than a clerkship, can start getting relevant experience right away.
Cons: Some employers like to see clerkships on resume, will be missing out on the clerkship experience.

[SDviaVA]

Looks like TLS is having as hard of a time deciding as I am....

[SDviaVA]

Again with the tie.

[fatduck]

Looks like TLS is having as hard of a time deciding as I am....

probably because it doesn't really matter and it mostly comes down to personal preference.