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Pandemic aside, is there any systematic way of going about this? I would love to end up at an Amlaw 200 firm if at all possible, but I was not an SA. I was very lucky to get the clerkship that I just started, and I'm a non-traditional candidate by most metrics. Other than utilizing the judge as a resource, is there a way of applying to openings (even if currently non-existent) at these firms, or do you just have to wait until they actually post for a position?

FWIW, I usually looked on NALP or the Firm's website for a hiring personnel's contact and emailed a resume and cover letter in. I had some interest pre and during the pandemic but ultimately got nos and (hopefully) will go back to my firm. Timing-wise, I think movement starts in December for most firms, so sending in at the end of November or the first week of December is probably a solid idea, but obviously that varies from firm to firm in normal years, much less the upcoming one.

Generally, the hiring process ramps up in the winter and spring. If I were you, I'd just apply broadly to any firm that interests you. Worst that happens is you get a no. I'd start applying around November/December (assuming you end in August 2021). That'll be early for a lot of places, but some firms do start hiring around that time.

Agree with the above posts - in December/January start reaching out to hiring contacts. I would use the next few months to reach out to attorneys at firms you may be interested in for informational interviews. I felt it was very low pressure to say you're a clerk for the next year and are interested in learning more about X's practice. I took this approach and it led to my best leads, but then corona...