Just started biglaw, wanting to transition to lit/gov - clerkship chances? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Started at a V5 last month and think I made a mistake going corporate/finance and not clerking right out of law school. I don't know anything about the clerkship process so I made an appointment with OCS, but hoping y'all might have some advice.

I graduated probably median-ish from HYS - poor 1L grades (straight Ps) and mostly Hs the rest of law school. Low-level positions in a couple of secondary journals, no moot court. Ideally would like to stay in California but flexible geographically

I have no idea what I'd be competitive for or how to find out what credentials judges typically require. Is it even worth starting the application process this late (for 2021-22)? Help.

[Anonymous User]

If you want something for 2021, you can't be picky. I think most (if not all) judges in CA are done for 2021. If I remember correctly, most of the open posts this late in the cycle will be for magistrate clerkships or for recent appointees, but take a look at what's on OSCAR and apply broadly. Reach out to your recommenders to see if anyone is willing to make calls for you. As median at HYS, your best bet might be magistrate --> district.

[Anonymous User]

You're likely out of luck for 2021. The main hiring time for 2022 will be in June but many judges will hire graduates before then, so it makes sense to start working now. How competitive you are depends in part on which HYS you're at, Yale and Stanford have a significant advantage over Harvard. My intuition is that you're likely not competitive for district courts in California but you may have luck elsewhere on the West Coast. The clerkship people at your school can give you specific advice.

[Anonymous User]

Echoing what others have said about this being too late for most 2021 postings, but it can't hurt to throw in a few applications, and I'll add that if you're flexible enough to leave CA but stay in the 9th Circuit, I've heard Mary Schroeder in Phoenix is still hiring. And then as far as district judges, there are a couple of new appointees on CD Cal who may still be looking, but you'd have to get in your application ASAP.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks, all. Since I haven't even contacted recommenders yet, I guess I should look towards 2022. I'm seeing some openings on oscar for 2021 (and superior court in LA) but no idea how up to date they are. I'll see what OCS has to say and stay flexible re: start date.

[Anonymous User]

Robinson (confirmed in September) in S.D. Cal. has a posting for 2021.

[Anonymous User]

There will be a bunch of new appointees in California in 2021 because the senators have blocked all remaining Trump D Ct picks with blue slips. WD Washington will also have a bunch for the same reason. Keep on top of them, a lot of new judges like work experience and they’ll need 2021 clerks.

[Anonymous User]

Great to know, thank you both

[Anonymous User]

Thanks, all. Since I haven't even contacted recommenders yet, I guess I should look towards 2022. I'm seeing some openings on oscar for 2021 (and superior court in LA) but no idea how up to date they are. I'll see what OCS has to say and stay flexible re: start date.

I would strongly advise you not to clerk at LASC, if you're considering it. It won't open any doors given your credentials. The hours are surprisingly long as far as clerkships go, the pay is decent but not great, and the workload is very heavy. A former colleague left biglaw to clerk there because he was burnt out and ended up working almost the same hours at LASC for less than half the pay.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks, all. Since I haven't even contacted recommenders yet, I guess I should look towards 2022. I'm seeing some openings on oscar for 2021 (and superior court in LA) but no idea how up to date they are. I'll see what OCS has to say and stay flexible re: start date.

I would strongly advise you not to clerk at LASC, if you're considering it. It won't open any doors given your credentials. The hours are surprisingly long as far as clerkships go, the pay is decent but not great, and the workload is very heavy. A former colleague left biglaw to clerk there because he was burnt out and ended up working almost the same hours at LASC for less than half the pay.

[LBJ's Hair]

Magistrate or state court would be a waste of time and $ for someone in your position, wouldn't bother.

Blanket CA district courts and you could get a few bites - think people are underestimating how many there are and conflating a district court clerkship in San Francisco with a district court clerkship in like, Fresno. Different applicant pools. Median at HYS with some BigLaw experience (admittedly not litigation experience) could be attractive.

If Y/S, apply CA9 too, might get lucky. But no honors/cum laude at H wouldn't do it, I wouldn't think, unless you have recommenders willing to make a case. And it sounds like yours are gonna be pretty vanilla.