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Four years of clerking, sending apps to biglaw
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 1:30 am
by Anonymous User
Hey all,
I clerked for two years, went back to the biglaw firm where I summered for a year, then clerked again for two more years. I am now applying for biglaw jobs, not looking to go back to the firm that I summered at. I know that I will only be getting two years total of class credit for clerking (and maybe one year of additional credit for my time in biglaw). Should I acknowledge in my cover letters that I understand I will be coming in at a lower class year or should I just leave that discussion for later and assume they know that I'm not expecting to come in as a sixth year?
Thanks.
Re: Four years of clerking, sending apps to biglaw
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 12:48 pm
by Npret
Anonymous User wrote:Hey all,
I clerked for two years, went back to the biglaw firm where I summered for a year, then clerked again for two more years. I am now applying for biglaw jobs, not looking to go back to the firm that I summered at. I know that I will only be getting two years total of class credit for clerking (and maybe one year of additional credit for my time in biglaw). Should I acknowledge in my cover letters that I understand I will be coming in at a lower class year or should I just leave that discussion for later and assume they know that I'm not expecting to come in as a sixth year?
Thanks.
If you expect to come in at a lower year, I would let them know. I wouldn’t assume they know your expectations.
Re: Four years of clerking, sending apps to biglaw
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 2:16 pm
by lavarman84
My advice: Don't negotiate against yourself.
Re: Four years of clerking, sending apps to biglaw
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 3:29 pm
by objctnyrhnr
I disagree. I’d include it. All other things equal, to the extent the firms would hesitate, that would be the reason. Deal with that head-on.
Re: Four years of clerking, sending apps to biglaw
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:01 pm
by Npret
objctnyrhnr wrote:I disagree. I’d include it. All other things equal, to the extent the firms would hesitate, that would be the reason. Deal with that head-on.
Yes. OP already recognizes this will be an issue. I doubt OP will get offers to come to a brand new firm as a 6th year with only 2 years of firm experience.
Even if OP simply said they were open to discussion as to their the class year it will benefit them in getting interviews.
Re: Four years of clerking, sending apps to biglaw
Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:16 pm
by objctnyrhnr
Yes. Npret makes a good point, particularly in his final statement. TITCR. Good luck op