Alumni Interview Question Forum

[Anonymous User]

If Judges ask why I chose to work between school and clerking, is it acceptable to tell them the truth?

-I have debt, and wanted to make a large dent in it before considering lower-paying jobs.
-I'm not in private practice for the long-haul, and saw clerking as a natural transition back to the public sector. The best option appeared to be to do biglaw for 2 years, pay off as much debt as I can, and then try to go work for the gov after clerking.

[Citizen Genet]

If Judges ask why I chose to work between school and clerking, is it acceptable to tell them the truth?

-I have debt, and wanted to make a large dent in it before considering lower-paying jobs.
-I'm not in private practice for the long-haul, and saw clerking as a natural transition back to the public sector. The best option appeared to be to do biglaw for 2 years, pay off as much debt as I can, and then try to go work for the gov after clerking.

Those are phenomenal answers. That they're the truth is an added bonus.

[Anonymous User]

It wouldn't be considered gauche to indicate that my career path has been primarily driven by financial considerations?

[Citizen Genet]

It wouldn't be considered gauche to indicate that my career path has been primarily driven by financial considerations?

Nope. Judges understand. Don't make it seem gaudy. Focus on inability to get by without having paid down some debt.

[emciosn]

If Judges ask why I chose to work between school and clerking, is it acceptable to tell them the truth?

-I have debt, and wanted to make a large dent in it before considering lower-paying jobs.
-I'm not in private practice for the long-haul, and saw clerking as a natural transition back to the public sector. The best option appeared to be to do biglaw for 2 years, pay off as much debt as I can, and then try to go work for the gov after clerking.

I think these are great answers as well. Judges are extremely sensitive to/able to detect bullshit. Thats what they do all day in the courtroom. Also many judges come from biglaw or otherwise lucrative law practices and they get that you take pay cut to come clerk. Your reasons for working for a bit a perfectly reasonable and the judge will appreciate your candidness and honesty. Some judge all but require work experience anyway.