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I'm a 2L and starting to think about where I want to target apps. I want to live on the west coast so want 9th Circuit, but don't think I will be competitive enough to get it right out, so will be searching for a District clerkship first. While I ideally would try for CA districts, I know these are super competitive.

All else equal is it better to do a district in another 9th circuit state (NV, AZ, WA, OR)? Or can any district around the country work to get the experience and credentials necessary to go for 9th COA after?

A district within the 9th Circuit will probably help you getting a COA in the 9th circuit slightly more (assuming the districts are of equal prestige on not something like D. Oreg. versus SDNY). that being said as a 2L that appears to be not super competitive (based on your understanding) the "correct" strategy is to just blanket all district courts everywhere you would be comfortable living.

EDCA and SDCA are significantly less competitive than NDCA and CDCA, for what it's worth. Not saying they are not competitive, but they are probably on par with other district courts in the Ninth Circuit that are near medium-to-large cities (including D. Ariz., D. Or., W.D. Wash., and D. Nev.). If you plan to practice in California, they will also be more helpful because they will give you more exposure to California law (since a lot of your docket will consist of diversity cases).

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Sat Oct 28, 2023 11:35 am

A district within the 9th Circuit will probably help you getting a COA in the 9th circuit slightly more (assuming the districts are of equal prestige on not something like D. Oreg. versus SDNY). that being said as a 2L that appears to be not super competitive (based on your understanding) the "correct" strategy is to just blanket all district courts everywhere you would be comfortable living.

This is the correct response

Likewise, absent hard constraints, apply to COAs everywhere (no need to count yourself out)