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I'd really appreciate some advice on what my professional focus should be over the next three semesters before I graduate (I'm a 2L now). I'm a student at a lower T14, will be clerking for a non-feeder (semi-feeder?) COA judge in 18-19, and am in the top 3-5 students in my class.

I'm just not sure what the next step is -- is it only to keep grades up? Should I apply to a CADC feeder for 19-20? Apply for SD/EDNY or DDC? I think I wanna do appellate lit for 3-5 years in DC (assuming that the whole partner thing won't work out) and have ties to a public interest niche I'd like to work in after. Eventually politics. I know this reads like a diary entry but some advice re: what I should concentrate my efforts on would be seriously appreciated.

Gun for a SCOTUS clerkship or Bristow, probably. Which is to say, keep your grades up, apply to CADC feeders, and try to make connections with former SCOTUS clerks at your school/firm.

hdivschool wrote:Gun for a SCOTUS clerkship or Bristow, probably. Which is to say, keep your grades up, apply to CADC feeders, and try to make connections with former SCOTUS clerks at your school/firm.

Different anon - is there value in multiple COA clerkships? For example, 1st cir and then DC cir? Specifically for the purpose of these more restricted outcomes.

hdivschool wrote:Gun for a SCOTUS clerkship or Bristow, probably. Which is to say, keep your grades up, apply to CADC feeders, and try to make connections with former SCOTUS clerks at your school/firm.

This is OP. Thanks. Do you think a second COA clerkship is worth it? I am connected to the heavy-hitting faculty at my school so I know recs won't be an issue, but IDK if sacrificing 12 months at, say, CADC, is worth it for the unicorn shot at SCOTUS (especially given biglaw opportunity costs). All hot takes appreciated.