Is clerking worth it for me? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Sorry if this has been overdone, but my situation as follows. I am currently a first year litigation associate at a big law firm. A few professors I keep in touch with have suggested clerking. Would it be worth it? Like most t14 graduates, I'm saddled with debt.

Also, what are the hours typically like? I understand it is variable depending on judge.

[Anonymous User]

It can depend on what kind of clerkship you can realistically get, your specialty, your geographic area, your long-term career goals, your personal life, etc. In general I think most people think federal clerkships are worth it, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all decision.

In general hours are closer to 9-5 but it depends on the court and the individual judge. Like Ikuta and Watford are two very well-regarded judges in the same courthouse and court but the former will work you much harder. Some courts, such as SDNY and places with too few judges for their dockets (due to vacancies like CDCA or too few judgeships like ND Iowa or D Idaho), are particularly known for long hours.

[Anonymous User]

Chiming in for perspective and to bump for you. I am also a first year biglaw lit associate. I’m about to double clerk. I don’t have as much debt as you. The money we’re making now is really nice, but at the end of the day I just really want to clerk, plain and simple. I’m not even clerking in any city that I would stay in. But I researched judges and feel pretty fortunate about the two I’ll clerk for.

I liked law school and clerking seems fun. That’s enough for me. I think it’ll be good for my options later on with boutiques or fed gov, but people on the other side can chime in.

[Anonymous User]

Thank you for both of the response. I really enjoyed law school as well, hoping clerking is somewhat similar.

[lavarman84]

As you said, the hours depend on the judge. I'd do research on the judges to the extent you can before accepting a job. With my two clerkships, one was a 9 to 5. The other was probably more in the 50 hours per week range (if we had a trial, greater than that). But both were laid back atmospheres, and I clerked for two judges who are great people. So I thoroughly enjoyed both clerkships.

I'd recommend clerking. The work is interesting. You learn a lot. And it seems like other lawyers assume you're competent and knowledgeable because you've done it. Your enjoyment of the job will depend a lot on your boss, your co-clerk(s), and the staff around you. So make sure you clerk for a good person in a positive environment.