survival in big law if you have COA clerkship under belt Forum

[gaucholaw]

So I've heard that the average life expectancy of an associate in big law is 2 years.... what are prospects if you have COA clerkship under belt. Moreover, assuming one clerked for two years, would one start at 3rd year salary rate? Lastly, what are chances for making partner... still slim?

[TooOld4This]

Most associates last longer than two years -- though people do start leaving around then. Five years is when the mass exodus is in full swing.

A clerkship won't help you make partner. Whether you come in as a third year if you do a two year clerkship will depend on the firm, though I believe most of the top Vault firms still count both. A word of warning on that, though. A clerkship will not develop many of the skills you need in private practice ,which can really bite you during your first year at the firm. Attorneys will see that you are a third year and assign you work that assumes you have two years of actual practice under your belt. Having good relationships with people in your summer associate class can help in the transition.

[vanwinkle]

Moved to correct forum, since OP is a 0L.

[Blessedassurance]

Moved to correct forum, since OP is a 0L.

lol