Anonymous User wrote:Since I'll be going through the DC firm post-clerkship process next year and this thread is on that topic, I wanted to see if anyone had insight on my situation.
About me: Top 1% at a 20-30 non-DC school; clerking on DC Circuit; executive editor on law review.
The reason I'm asking: I've got some opportunities in a secondary market, but I prefer DC. I'm exploring the possibility of keeping my offer open in the secondary, but if that's not possible, I'm contemplating turning down that offer and going for DC market post-clerkship. Obviously, getting a handle on the market (how robust is post-clerking hiring there?) and a rough idea of my chances would be helpful.
Thanks in advance.
While I am not clerking for the DC circuit, I imagine you will be just fine. Your grades are top notch, even if your school missed the T20. There is no harm that I see in holding offer your offer in the secondary market as a backup, and then shopping elsewhere in DC. You can always accept in DC and then withdraw from the secondary market (my co-clerk is actually doing something similar now). Of course you run the risk of burning that bridge, but only if things work out for you anyway, so it won't matter.
My advice would be to make sure you network during your clerkship. We have a very active chamber of the Federal Bar Association, where I am clerking. My Judge goes to most of the events, and the clerks are always invited along. It's pretty cool being introduced to all the other judges and attorneys, by your Judge. Assuming you start in the summer, you will have a solid few months of networking potential, before you even have to start thinking and applying to firms. Anyway, just my $0.02.
