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3L job search / How much does a clerkship make up for mediocre grades?
« on: October 08, 2009, 06:28:47 PM »
First of all, this is totally not a flame - so don't turn it in to one, please. During the spring semester of my 2L year, I interned for a Sr. Judge at the US Court of Federal Claims. As it became apparent that no firm was going to hire me as a summer associate, I offered to stay with the Judge through the summer. After 8 months of service, I was offered a clerkship for 1 year after I graduate. I want to practice government contract law, which is an area of law that the COFC has primary jurisdiction to hear.
My other credentials aren't super impressive. I'm in the top 40% of my class, no journal, no moot court/mock trial, but am currently participating in our school's Civil Practice Clinic. The field of law I want to practice is somewhat limited to large Vault firms, with only a handful of smaller firms in the practice area. I have tried to network my ass off with the partners in many of the larger firms. QUESTION(S): How much will this clerkship do for my resume absent other credentials? Do I have a prayer with larger firms after my clerkship?
My other credentials aren't super impressive. I'm in the top 40% of my class, no journal, no moot court/mock trial, but am currently participating in our school's Civil Practice Clinic. The field of law I want to practice is somewhat limited to large Vault firms, with only a handful of smaller firms in the practice area. I have tried to network my ass off with the partners in many of the larger firms. QUESTION(S): How much will this clerkship do for my resume absent other credentials? Do I have a prayer with larger firms after my clerkship?