I have one more year to go in a two year clerkship at a not competitive district (think Iowa, Mississippi, something like that). Do not have a biglaw job to go back to.
I want to do litigation in Chicago and am barred in Illinois, but am feeling a bit iffy on my chances. My credentials are pretty great until you look at my transcript: UChicago, law review board, government experience with a niche subject matter focus, etc., but my grades are dead-on median and I've been hearing some nasty things about the market for new lit associates in Chicago.
Not sure which direction I should take. I really want to avoid another clerking a second time because I kinda doubt 7th Circuit is in the cards and I really want to settle down somewhere. Can I safely count on having some market-paying options litigating in Chicago or do I need to search more broadly?
Post-clerkship opportunities in Chicago Forum
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Re: Post-clerkship opportunities in Chicago
I summered at a top Chicago biglaw firm.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Fri Jan 17, 2025 1:10 amI have one more year to go in a two year clerkship at a not competitive district (think Iowa, Mississippi, something like that). Do not have a biglaw job to go back to.
I want to do litigation in Chicago and am barred in Illinois, but am feeling a bit iffy on my chances. My credentials are pretty great until you look at my transcript: UChicago, law review board, government experience with a niche subject matter focus, etc., but my grades are dead-on median and I've been hearing some nasty things about the market for new lit associates in Chicago.
Not sure which direction I should take. I really want to avoid another clerking a second time because I kinda doubt 7th Circuit is in the cards and I really want to settle down somewhere. Can I safely count on having some market-paying options litigating in Chicago or do I need to search more broadly?
It’s gonna depend on the market and hiring needs of the firms next year. Chi is small enough as a market such that one or two larger firms having less of a need for post clerkship hires can have significant knock-on effects.
My sense is that your resume isn’t disqualifying for Kirkland/Sidley/Jenner/Latham, but nor is it compelling. In a regular market, I’d expect you to land somewhere like a Winston.
Hopefully an associate in the market can chime in with more info.
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Re: Post-clerkship opportunities in Chicago
OP here. Would be very happy with Winston I think. Some brilliant classmates are there. Other firms on that level also would work.
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Re: Post-clerkship opportunities in Chicago
OP here. Anyone have more insight?
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Re: Post-clerkship opportunities in Chicago
Your resume is quite competitive, you shouldn't have any trouble finding an offer at a decent firm.
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