Non-Traditional to BigLaw Forum

[manyquestionz]

hello. i am looking into biglaw but not sure if possible. here's my situation: state prosecutor with 4 years exp. i went to a regional TT school, top 50%. i landed a fed clerkship with a district judge in a major market (think CACD/NDIL/EDNY) court for the next term. what are my chances of landing a biglaw job in the same market after the fact? the firms here have partners from my same law school. if not biglaw, then whats the next best option?

[JusticeJackson]

I think it’s definitely possible. At my T20 or so firm, we’ve definitely hired folks with somewhat non traditional paths, though I don’t specifically recall one like yours. If we had the need, we’d probably offer you as a second year, so you’d lose some of your seniority.

You’ll want to apply broadly and tap into your judge’s network, because without a doubt some firms will just be more comfortable hiring the same sorts of people they always have.

Also, if you interviewed with me, I’d definitely want to feel comfortable that you’ll be okay with basically zero court time and tons of research and writing time for the foreseeable future.

[1styearlateral]

You shouldn't have any problem getting something with an AIII clerkship. Your judge should be able to help you, and attorneys that appear in your court might take an interest in you.

[20181989]

Somewhat tangential, but, OP, I would push back if you're offered a haircut to second-year. Coming in w/4 years prosecution + CDCA/EDNY/NDIL clerkship = at least third-year, in my (major market lit boutique) book.

[objctnyrhnr]

Somewhat tangential, but, OP, I would push back if you're offered a haircut to second-year. Coming in w/4 years prosecution + CDCA/EDNY/NDIL clerkship = at least third-year, in my (major market lit boutique) book.

OP you sound like me. Clerked in my district before ada. Mediumish market (think Seattle size). Probably applied to junior/mid lateral lit openings at six or so amlaw100 firms. Interviewed and called back at about half. Rejected from two, pending at one. It’s doable (based on the looks I’ve gotten, I have to think) but I also think there’s a window that’s closing. I just feel like it’s tough to overcome that final hurdle to get the job when you’re competing against people who have actual experience doing what the firm will have you doing, you know? Maybe that’s just the pessimist in me, though.

[JusticeJackson]

Somewhat tangential, but, OP, I would push back if you're offered a haircut to second-year. Coming in w/4 years prosecution + CDCA/EDNY/NDIL clerkship = at least third-year, in my (major market lit boutique) book.

OP you sound like me. Clerked in my district before ada. Mediumish market (think Seattle size). Probably applied to junior/mid lateral lit openings at six or so amlaw100 firms. Interviewed and called back at about half. Rejected from two, pending at one. It’s doable (based on the looks I’ve gotten, I have to think) but I also think there’s a window that’s closing. I just feel like it’s tough to overcome that final hurdle to get the job when you’re competing against people who have actual experience doing what the firm will have you doing, you know? Maybe that’s just the pessimist in me, though.

You didn’t ask for advice, so ignore if you’d like, but I think you need to apply much more broadly, and I think you should consider calling your Judge to see if he/she will put a thumb on the scale. I went AIII COA -> 2 years at a v50 in a market I hated -> AIII d ct in a market I loved, and I got a ton of push back applying as a 5th year. I sent out several hundred applications, the Judge I clerked for called every firm he had even a tangential contact at, and finally I landed a gig (and I had to lose some seniority). If I stopped at 6 applications I’d be unemployed.

[objctnyrhnr]

Somewhat tangential, but, OP, I would push back if you're offered a haircut to second-year. Coming in w/4 years prosecution + CDCA/EDNY/NDIL clerkship = at least third-year, in my (major market lit boutique) book.

OP you sound like me. Clerked in my district before ada. Mediumish market (think Seattle size). Probably applied to junior/mid lateral lit openings at six or so amlaw100 firms. Interviewed and called back at about half. Rejected from two, pending at one. It’s doable (based on the looks I’ve gotten, I have to think) but I also think there’s a window that’s closing. I just feel like it’s tough to overcome that final hurdle to get the job when you’re competing against people who have actual experience doing what the firm will have you doing, you know? Maybe that’s just the pessimist in me, though.

You didn’t ask for advice, so ignore if you’d like, but I think you need to apply much more broadly, and I think you should consider calling your Judge to see if he/she will put a thumb on the scale. I went AIII COA -> 2 years at a v50 in a market I hated -> AIII d ct in a market I loved, and I got a ton of push back applying as a 5th year. I sent out several hundred applications, the Judge I clerked for called every firm he had even a tangential contact at, and finally I landed a gig (and I had to lose some seniority). If I stopped at 6 applications I’d be unemployed.

I mean I apply to every firm I feel is worthy of applying to in my area (one or two midlaw, biglaw, some boutiques) and I’m not geographically flexible. I appreciate the advice. I’ve only been looking for 6 months. I’m a third year and emphasize a willingness to take a haircut. Doing a ton of networking as well, which is getting me in the door at a couple places. I am interesting in getting something, but it had to be the right thing and I’m not married to the notion of going private sector (no debt).

[JusticeJackson]

Got it. I was way more geographically flexible and my clerkship had an end date so I was much more frantic.

[objctnyrhnr]

Got it. I was way more geographically flexible and my clerkship had an end date so I was much more frantic.

That makes sense. I clerked first. Im aware of a generally closing window that can be mitigated to some degree by my willingness to take a haircut, but I also acknowledge that as the seasons pass, I become less and less desirable for an epic pivot to the type of firms we are talking about. Public sector has treated me well and continues to, but I guess I’m just concerned that if I don’t experience the private sector now, I won’t be able to in 5-10 years, as I’ll be pigeon holed. Given my network, I don’t think it’d be that tough to come back if I wanted to.

[manyquestionz]

I think it’s definitely possible. At my T20 or so firm, we’ve definitely hired folks with somewhat non traditional paths, though I don’t specifically recall one like yours. If we had the need, we’d probably offer you as a second year, so you’d lose some of your seniority.

You’ll want to apply broadly and tap into your judge’s network, because without a doubt some firms will just be more comfortable hiring the same sorts of people they always have.

Also, if you interviewed with me, I’d definitely want to feel comfortable that you’ll be okay with basically zero court time and tons of research and writing time for the foreseeable future.

Would you mind sharing via PM which firm you're at?

[JusticeJackson]

I just tried for the last 10 minutes to figure out how to pm someone. Seems like it used to be easier. Maybe I’m turning into my dad. In any event. If you pm me I’ll respond.