Clerkship after biglaw. Post-Clerkship hiring questions. Forum

[bananabreadmuffins]

So most of the post-clerkship hiring questions seem focused on the normal clerkship route straight from law school (went to one of MVPD). I'm in a bit of a different scenario. Did 2 years of biglaw, and am doing a 1 year term AIII clerkship. Clerkship isn't anywhere impressive (non cd/nd cal. or sdny), but i'm loving it so far. I don't want to return to my biglaw firm and would like to join another one in a different market. I'm currently in the south, ATL, but would like to move markets (and firms) to the East Coast, maybe NYC, Boston, DC. I (or my husband) have ties to each city.

I guess my question is how does hiring work for someone like me? Do I wait till my clerkship is almost up then start trying to look for lateral positions? Or should I just start reaching out to law firms and see if they're interested in hiring me after my clerkship is over? Guess I'd just like a little guidance since I feel a little lost at how to approach things.

Thank you in advance!

[cheaptilts]

When does your clerkship end? If in the summer of 2019, you should be applying to NYC/BOS/DC firms today, I’d not yesterday, assuming you’d like to start somewhere in the fall.

Your path is not weird. In major districts—particular SDNY/EDNY and DDC—many judges, if not most, require post-LS work experience before coming aboard. And firms still recruit these candidates happily.

In short, you should not wait to apply. You should apply now. Your path is normal, and it would be strange to delay applying.

[bananabreadmuffins]

Thanks for the tips! I'm a bit off cycle, so I still have a good 9 months ahead of me. I wonder, do I just mass mail these firms, or wait for an opening to pop up? Guess I'm just wondering if it's strange to blind email a firm letting them know that I'm interested.

Thanks again!

[AUSAorBust]

Echoing what was said above. Most clerks got their apps in in January (including clerks with experience before their clerkship). Firms are interviewing and extending offers now. You need to start applying ASAP.

If they have spots posted, apply to them. If not, try sending an email application. They may be hiring or they may not be, but it won't hurt to apply.

Edit: Just saw your post that you are off-cycle. I'd still apply now. Better early than late.

[cheaptilts]

Thanks for the tips! I'm a bit off cycle, so I still have a good 9 months ahead of me. I wonder, do I just mass mail these firms, or wait for an opening to pop up? Guess I'm just wondering if it's strange to blind email a firm letting them know that I'm interested.

Thanks again!

This is the normal path; it's not strange at all.

[bananabreadmuffins]

Perfect, thank you very much for the timing and application advice. It's very much appreciated!