Chances for BigFed and Article III clerkships Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi all,

I'm a rising 3L at GULC with a 3.5. I've done PI both summers, PD internship last fall, clinic this upcoming spring. I'm planning on applying to honors programs-specifically DOJ, DOL, NLRB, and possibly HUD (although I don't have much experience with housing law). I also will be applying for district court clerkships (ED Pa, which is where I'm from, and DC). I assume US Court of Appeals is out and the deadlines would've passed, but let me know if you think I have any chance for those.

In general, what do you all think my chances are of realistically getting a government honors position or district court clerkship? If it helps, I genuinely want to work in government; it's not a substitute for working in a firm.

Thanks so much and I hope you're all enjoying your summers!

[zot1]

Did you do law review or moot court?

I don't get why you're only applying to selective honor programs. That's a mistake in my opinion.

[Anonymous User]

Which ones aren't as selective? And I'm on a secondary journal.

[zot1]

All four you listed are highly selective and will care about your law review experience. Nevertheless, it doesn't have to be the end of the world for you.

There are tons of agencies that have an honors programs. They are smaller and hire less people, but they are also less selective than the ones you've listed.

[84651846190]

Did you do law review or moot court?

I don't get why you're only applying to selective honor programs. That's a mistake in my opinion.

Yeah, this. Apply everywhere. It's possible to move to one of the more selective agencies after a few years in another BIGFED job. I've seen coworkers do it.

[wwwcol]

Can't evaluate your clerkship chances without knowing what rank a 3.5 translates into, but if you're looking at 2017 clerkships, DDC is basically full. Probably 2/3 of EDPA has also hired already. And for reference, both those districts are very competitive so you should expand your search if you're seriously intersted in clerking. The clerkships forum can give you more detailed information.

[WheninLaw]

Hi all,

I'm a rising 3L at GULC with a 3.5. I've done PI both summers, PD internship last fall, clinic this upcoming spring. I'm planning on applying to honors programs-specifically DOJ, DOL, NLRB, and possibly HUD (although I don't have much experience with housing law). I also will be applying for district court clerkships (ED Pa, which is where I'm from, and DC). I assume US Court of Appeals is out and the deadlines would've passed, but let me know if you think I have any chance for those.

In general, what do you all think my chances are of realistically getting a government honors position or district court clerkship? If it helps, I genuinely want to work in government; it's not a substitute for working in a firm.

Thanks so much and I hope you're all enjoying your summers!

As it stands, I think your chances for both are poor. If you open up your search a bit, then your chances markedly improve.