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I have a few questions about pursuing a firm job after a clerkship.

(1) I am in a clerkship that runs through the end of December. I understand that most firms prefer their clerks to start earlier. Should I still apply at the regular time? And when is that? How much of a disadvantage does this put me at?

(2) I am really interested in doing transactional work and my resume speaks to that. Is it hard to get into transactional work from a clerkship?

(3) I passed the bar in one state, however, I am open to working in a couple of different markets. Are firms amenable to taking someone on after a clerkship who will need to take the bar?

(1) No real disadvantage -- you would only be starting a couple months later than your peers. You should still be applying in the late winter / early spring.

(2) It really depends on the firm -- just be prepared to answer the question why did you clerk.

(3) Yes, but arranging to take the bar before you start is a good way to show commitment to a market.

FWIW, I'm also ending in December 2014 and have been sending out applications the last week or so.