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Hi All,

I'm clerking on a district on the opposite coast of the USAO I'd like to eventually target. (The relevant districts are EDNY/SDNY/NDCA/CDCA). How much of a handicap will that be down the road since I assume my judge won't really be able to push me? My credentials should be at least as strong as the average candidate that gets hired by those USAOs, but I'm a bit concerned that not having the clerkship "in" will hurt. (I do have externship experience in the USAO I'd like to be in).

(If it's relevant, my circuit clerkship is in an unrelated circuit- one of 1/3/4).

Thanks for any thoughts.

Meh, I wouldn't worry. You're likely going to need to practice for a few years anyway. And you can get in through partners at your firm as well.

People get to the USAO other than through their judges, is my point.

Honestly, while I do know AUSAs who clerked in the districts/circuits where they're working, I'm pretty sure I know more who didn't. (But I also know way more former DCt clerks than I do COA.)

That's good to hear. Any idea if it will hurt at all if applying for the 1-2 spots some of these districts do for DOJ honors periodically?