Chances for D. Colo. Clerkship Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm a current district court clerk in a flyover district, and I'm considering moving to Colorado after my clerkship. The move is for personal reasons, and I have no ties to the state. My two-year term ends in 2017, so I would be applying for clerkships starting then.

Stats: 3.5 GPA, top 15%, regional law school, no journal or law review, moot court (national teams, did very well in my school's intramural tournament)

I know Colorado is a destination district, which makes it more competitive. I don't think I'd have a shot without my current clerkship, but I'm wondering if that pushes me over the edge. I'm not sure if my judge would write a letter or a make a phone call, but I have no doubt that he would go to bat for me.

Any insight on my chances of success here?

[pupshaw]

Why do you want to do a second district court clerkship?

[Anonymous User]

I figured that a clerkship in Colorado would be the best way to break into the market there, since I have no ties to the area and didn't go to a law school that is elite or well known in that state. I'd love to do a 10th Circuit COA clerkship, but I don't think I have any chance at that.

I know my current clerkship will open some doors, but a clerkship in Denver will open more.

Dream goal is USAO.

[Anonymous User]

Thought about Colorado Supreme Court?

[Jchance]

USAO often hires from local former prosecutor, so you should consider applying to City Attorney's Office in Colorado then lateral into Colorado USAO.

[Anonymous User]

Thought about Colorado Supreme Court?

I think it's a good way to get into the market; most of the Colo SC clerks I know ended up in local biglaw/desirable jobs.

[los blancos]

USAO often hires from local former prosecutor, so you should consider applying to City Attorney's Office in Colorado then lateral into Colorado USAO.

How hard are these jobs to get?

[A. Nony Mouse]

USAO often hires from local former prosecutor, so you should consider applying to City Attorney's Office in Colorado then lateral into Colorado USAO.

I think you mean the DA?

[Jchance]

How hard are these jobs to get?

Yea, DA.

Not that hard if you have a district court clerkship under your belt.

[CanadianWolf]

I suspect that your chances of getting a clerkship in the federal court in Denver is difficult to predict, but that your current judge's recommendation/evaluation would be an important factor.

[Anonymous User]

USAO often hires from local former prosecutor, so you should consider applying to City Attorney's Office in Colorado then lateral into Colorado USAO.

Sorry, I should clarify. I want to be in the civil division of the USAO. Prosecuting doesn't really interest me.

Thought about Colorado Supreme Court?

I hadn't really considered this. I feel like this would be a good option for someone who wants to practice at a private firm in CO. Since I'm aiming for USAO, wouldn't clerking in a federal court look better/be more practical?

[legalmindedfellow]

If you're considering that sort of move for personal reasons, then they're probably compelling. So give yourself a chance. There's no reason not to apply to every judge you can tolerate in D. Colo and on the 10th Circuit (at least those sitting in Denver, though arguably even outside, or other COAs...). And I'd second the Colorado Supreme Court. Also at least worth considering D. Colo magistrate judge or Colorado Court of Appeals.

Others' advice probably more useful on more local positions. State AG's office, other government positions, could be useful for Colorado DA. USAO probably a tough nut to crack but you already have a federal district clerkship, and that should help.

Good luck; feel free to PM.

[Anonymous User]

Just anecdotally, USAOs seem to hire much less frequently for civil positions than criminal ones. But for civil stuff, I would look for positions with the AG's office (assuming you can't get a USAO gig right away), and I have known lots of people to go to the AG from SSC and state COA clerkships.