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I have exactly half and half Hs and Ps from Y/S, plus law review/journal, and strong letters (though not from especially connected faculty). I will also be coming from 1 or 2 years in a lit boutique. Is it worth even applying to 2nd Cir. or SDNY/EDNY, or is there no chance? (Am limited to clerking in the NYC area for personal reasons).

Thanks

I don’t know H/Y grades (my hunch is you’re competitive at least for EDNY and it’s worth applying everywhere) but don’t count out D CT or D NJ, also the satellite offices of ED/SDNY.

I don't think there is a meaningful difference in competitiveness between EDNY and SDNY (at least at my HYS). That being said, you might have a shot with some of the less competitive judges--and certainly DCT and DNJ.

With similar stats (and strong but not unique softs), I got three interviews and one offer on the courts OP mentions.

You are definitely not out with those grades at Y or S and you should apply broadly. But just so you know, those are significantly better grades at S than Y. You should adjust your expectations accordingly.

OP here - bumping this up in case someone has insight on COA. Will confirm that my half H/half Ps are from yls. Any shot at 2nd circuit, do you guys think?

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 23, 2021 3:34 pm

OP here - bumping this up in case someone has insight on COA. Will confirm that my half H/half Ps are from yls. Any shot at 2nd circuit, do you guys think?

I'm the above poster with similar stats. My offer was 2nd Circuit so I would highly recommend applying, and applying broadly. You have a shot but will need a little luck.

Your app wouldn’t be seriously considered by my Manhattan CA2 judge, though if you did a district court first it would be strengthened, but there’s no downside to applying.