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3L here, w/ offer from SA firm in hand. But, not really happy with my firm. Mainly, I wish that I was in a certain practice area that my firm largely does not have (it's kind of niche; think entertainment, cannabis, etc.). It appears that 3L hiring has largely passed.

I've identified firms that are strong in the practice area I want that are hiring, but they are only hiring junior associates w/ a minimum of 2 years of experience.

This might sound crazy, but would reaching out to the firms I want that are strong in the practice area and stating that I would be willing to initially join the firm as a law clerk (as oppose to an associate) with a commensurate cut in salary for a year or two be a way to get into the firm/practice area that I want? Has anyone heard of something like this?

Before I receive this inevitable advice: yes, I know I could shoot for a judicial clerkship/stay at my firm/etc. for a year or two and then shoot for what I want. But, if I really want this practice area, I'd like to get into it now if possible.

That probably won’t work. If you’re interested in firms that are in your current city, you should reach out to those attorneys working in the practice area just to learn more about the area. You have an entire semester to just do nothing, so spend that time trying to “network.”

law clerks are simply associates who have yet to pass the bar

you make the same money as your class year and are otherwise treated as any other associate, so no, it won't work

PeanutsNJam wrote:law clerks are simply associates who have yet to pass the bar

you make the same money as your class year and are otherwise treated as any other associate, so no, it won't work

To be fair, not all firms follow this convention. Some biglaw firms are known to hire "law clerks" that work during the school year but were NOT summer associates.

I'm actually in a similar situation, and need guidance.


What about asking to be a staff attorney instead of a law clerk?

Why not just network with those firms WITHOUT offering to take a cut in title/pay? Just tell them that you're really interested in pursuing _______, and you would like to get coffee/have a 10 minute call to learn more about the practice area and talk about what they wish they had known when they were first starting out. Since you're still in school, lean heavily on any alumni that are in this area - your career services may have a list. If you're committed to the practice area long term good relationships with a bunch of people can't do anything but help you in the future, even if this doesn't lead to a direct job right now. If there's a legal industry event/conference, go to that, even if you have to skip class for it.

Anonymous User wrote:

PeanutsNJam wrote:law clerks are simply associates who have yet to pass the bar

you make the same money as your class year and are otherwise treated as any other associate, so no, it won't work

To be fair, not all firms follow this convention. Some biglaw firms are known to hire "law clerks" that work during the school year but were NOT summer associates.

Aren't those still law students, though? If the OP can get someone to hire them for school time work before they graduate, that might be an option, but I don't think it works for permanent gigs after graduation.

I agree with reaching out/networking as people have suggested. I don't think there's any point at all in lowballing yourself and asking them to come up with a lower-paying job for you; that's just a recipe to get treated like a second-class citizen. Either they want/need another person in that particular practice area (or can be convinced that they do), or they don't.

Anonymous User wrote:I'm actually in a similar situation, and need guidance.


What about asking to be a staff attorney instead of a law clerk?

The idea of asking for a pay cut is absolutely bonkers (not just in this context - elsewhere in biglaw too, like people who ask for a class year cut to change practice groups. Absolutely insane)

Class year cut is different. It can be positive-ROI if it means you get to stick around an extra year.