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I graduated three years ago from a T50 and have been working at a boutique litigation firm in a primarily federal practice area in a secondary market since 3L. While it's a long shot, I want to apply for federal clerkships with a district/magistrate judge who require post-law school work experience. (I have no geographic preference in this search.) I have a solid application package put together except for letters of rec. I'm not sure exactly who to approach, as I haven't kept in touch with profs (and, anyways, I've been practicing - pretty independently - for two and a half years, so T50 academic references seem inconsequential) and my firm is small enough that the partners wouldn't be happy if they found out I was looking to leave. I have asked three local practitioners who are familiar with my work through co-counseling on cases and bar association involvement but I'm not sure they'll write letter in a timely fashion. Suggestions?

Judges seem to have a more "relaxed" standard for graduate applicants, as they understand that graduates have a harder time getting academic recommendation letters. Just put the local counsels as your 3 references (on cover letter), and say something like recommendation letters available upon request.