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Hi everyone,

I would like to hear your thoughts on my chances on getting any clerkship for 2021 (federal, magistrate, or state) in the NYC area. As noted in the title, my grades suck (basically all Ps, which I guess translates to a 3.0 GPA) but due to personal reasons, I have to remain in NYC. Do I have any shot at all?

I graduated 3 years ago and have been serving in the military as a JAG. I have no other substantive post-law school experience. My recommenders would be: (1) a law professor, (2) a federal magistrate judge for whom I externed while in law school, and (3) my current boss (a colonel).

Thank you all in advance for your inputs!

I think you have some chance from Y/S especially if you are willing to clerk for a conservative/have some conservative connections. I think chances are low if you are from H or don't have any connections. Regardless, apply broadly and see what happens!

Definitely have chance at state court clerkships in NYC and nearby New Jersey courts. There are tons. Assuming you want to be a bit more selective, I think you have a shot at magistrates and maybe DNJ for the judges that require experience. You would presumably put "school doesn't rank" for class rank, and so hopefully your school pulls you out of the pile. Then some judges may give you a shot, especially if they came from the military.

OP here. Thank you everyone for your comments!

Many judges go gaga for JAG, and GPA preferences are not strict when the judge takes a real liking to you (or your background).

Apply to all the SDNY/EDNY U.S. magistrate judges. If someone likes you for some reason, he will hire you, believe me.