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So I graduated law school in 2015. Think like a little above median at HYS. Have been working in a corporate practice (finance/M&A) at a V10 since then.

I was interested in clerking out of law school but since I was not a citizen I was not eligible for most federal clerkships (and I didn't want to try to go to like, Alaska). Also given uncertainty that I'd be in the states long term, I went the corporate practice route as it seemed most portable if I had to go back to my home country.

Well voila, 7 years out and I'm now finally eligible from the citizenship perspective. But I'm a million years old and about to make counsel at my firm. I'm kind of bored of corporate work and would love the opportunity to pivot into "real" law, including a clerkship, but I suspect a federal clerkship is at this point impossible. You all know best though -- hit me with your thoughts?

I feel like it’s hard to chance you because there are so few people in your situation. On the one hand, I think your story makes you stand out/memorable, which is usually good. And there are some judges who really like people with work experience. The downside is that I’m not sure the corporate practice is very compelling. Plus, are you willing to relocate now? Because I think you’d have to apply fairly widely to have a shot. I think it’s really going to depend on whether a given individual judge finds your pitch for yourself compelling.

I tend to think you don’t have anything to lose so it’s worth a shot, although getting references could be a little complicated. Otherwise the application process is a little tedious but not burdensome enough to prevent you from applying, IMO.

Maybe get in touch with Rafi Melkonian on Twitter, he did something like this. In general I think you need a narrative of why you're pivoting to litigation which it sounds like you have. Or you can look in bankruptcy courts or Delaware.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Mon May 09, 2022 4:49 pm

Maybe get in touch with Rafi Melkonian on Twitter, he did something like this. In general I think you need a narrative of why you're pivoting to litigation which it sounds like you have. Or you can look in bankruptcy courts or Delaware.

Yeah reach out to Raffi. I think this is probably doable assuming you would’ve been conventionally qualified out of school but it’s an unusual situation. There are a some judges with transactional or in-house backgrounds—Milan Smith, Ambro, Komitee—who might be receptive.

Thanks all! Was helpful and the push I needed. Will revert at some future time for posterity sake’s feedback for future lurkers on this subject.