State appellate clerks: Plans after clerkingship? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I was hoping some current state appellate clerks could comment on their post-clerkship plans.

From what I understand, state appellate clerks--even though not as heavily recruited as federal clerks--remain pretty competitive when applying to law firms in the state where they clerked.

[ZyzzBrah]

cant speak from personal experience, but have spoke with the prior clerks of the ssc judge Im going to next year. Most had sa's and just went back, but one I spoke with one in particular who didnt have an sa and got into big law in DC (im in a neighboring state).

So from what I've heard of from clerks in my state, you can go to big law--but its difficult because so much of the hiring is done through summer programs

Also what region is the state clerkship, because some states are considered very competitive (i.e. VA)

[Anonymous User]

Am just starting the post-clerkship job hunt. First thing is find a list of firms that don't pay bonuses to SSC's. I know about Quinn, any others?

[Anonymous User]

Current SSC clerk.

Had a SA at a V100. Going back to it once I'm done. Honestly, if you can swing this, do it because my goodness it's a load off my mind.

Other SSC clerks that I know have either gone the career clerk route or to a firm within the state. Those that didn't have a SA with a firm are finding that the hiring season is pretty antsy: firms fill up their needed slots after the summer rush, and then laterals are there to plug the holes. A clerk is neither a summer nor practically experienced like a lateral, so they fall into a mushy middle ground. Hiring opportunities appear to open up in late Winter (post holidays)/early Spring. Don't know if that's just my state or what, I'm only hearing it second hand.

[Anonymous User]

Current clerk in intermediate appellate. Applying to mid size firms, but I don't leave the bench until August, so most are telling me to follow up later, but at least I'm getting replies and interest rather than the usual no-reply or rejection.

Will also throw out apps for government work too, I know a bunch of appellate clerks that went to the Attorney General. I wouldn't mind working there at at all, I just worry about where I get put. I can't do the minor guardian/parental rights stuff. I just can't.