Help with choice between two (lower tier?) clerkships Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have what I believe to be pretty good odds at securing two different opportunities. Both will probably arise in January. One of them has the potential to be an interview and offer on the spot. The other is a long process in which I am currently a finalist. I'm sure you'll figure out which is which.

1. 2 year Bankruptcy Court clerkship in flyover district
2. 2 year Clerkship with DOJ Executive Office for Immigration Review

My goal at the end would be hopefully a transition into mid-law firm, practicing either in bankruptcy, labor and employment, or immigration.

I know that is a strange set of practice area interests, but my interests in those particular areas, and my legal experience in thos particular areas is legitimate.

Do you see one as being "above" the other in the theoretical tier system of clerkships?

[20160810]

If you want to do bankruptcy, take the bk clerkship. If you're not in DE, SDNY, or a handful of others you won't get top shelf 11 experience and will be handling a lot of consumer cases, but it's still a great educational experience and you never know when you'll get hit with a complex case.

[micwrecka45]

I had 2 friends who did BK clerkships (don't remember which states, but not SDNY or DE), and both landed BK positions shortly thereafter, one at a big firm and one at a small firm that specializes in BK.

Good luck with the interviews.

[Anonymous User]

I had 2 friends who did BK clerkships (don't remember which states, but not SDNY or DE), and both landed BK positions shortly thereafter, one at a big firm and one at a small firm that specializes in BK.

Good luck with the interviews.

I can add anecdotally that all the bk clerks I know (in a marginal district) ended up with good firm jobs. If you like bk work it's an awesome opportunity.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks alot for the good input.

I have been instinctively leaning toward the BK clerkship, assuming I even get the offer. I wanted to get a little backup for my "gut" feeling.

I know that filings are down currently, but they are very cyclical and I'll have 2 years to see what happens with the economy, filings in general.

Now I'll focus on the interview, and I hope I have this tough decision to make.

[anonymous2012]

Bk judges are more qualified than immigration judges. Unless you want DOJ long term, go with bankruptcy.