u/SoChInO888

I am currently a federal judicial law clerk and could use some advice on how to handle a networking situation.

About four months ago, I connected with a partner via Zoom. We had a good conversation, but we didn't really keep in touch afterward. I sent a holiday greeting email later on, but never received a reply.

I recently noticed that this partner switched to a new firm. Interestingly, they are the only partner in their practice group at this new office. Because of this, I suspect they might be looking to build out their team and hire junior associates.

My question is: Should I reach out to congratulate them on the move? And if I do, should I be direct and ask if they are hiring, or is it better to take a more subtle approach given that they didn't reply to my last email?

Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated!


Hi friends, I am a graduate from a T20 school currently trying to join a firm as a first year. My background is a bit strange because I just finished my term clerkship at a bankruptcy court but I realized that transactional practice is what I love.

I would like to do debt finance work despite my bankruptcy clerkship background. I think there are some overlap between RX and debt finance but not sure if it make sense in applying to jobs. I’ve been applying to debt finance positions but got zero tractions. I’ve been networking to places but not very fruitful employment wise. It seems like no where is hiring entry level transactional associates. Is keep networking until someone really push for me the right move here? Thanks!

Hello folks, I need some advice here. I am a bankruptcy law clerk at a busy but not mega chapter 11 venue (venue like CDC, MDFL, NDGA). I am applying , networking, reached out to my judge’s former clerks, did everything I can to secure a big law job in Chicago but nothing transpiring. I’ve heard RX work is picking up but at this point not sure if that is fake news or not. I am seeking some advice and reality check. Is this my problem or is the RX or Chicago market? I’ve heard that LMEs is the trend now so firms are focusing on debt finance/ structured finance type of work to avoid Chapter 11? Is keep networking/applying the right move here? Can I really network my way into big law at this point? Should I open to NYC?

I am a lateral candidate after a clerkship and I’ve done so many screeners for big law recruiting but never get a callback. I wonder what went wrong? No substantive questions are being asked in these screeners and basically are conversations about anything.

I don’t think I behaved weird. Just having a conversation like a networking call. They never asked questions such as why firm, what interesting cases you worked on, etc… Should I proactively lead them to these topic?

Happy July 4th! I am currently a bankruptcy law clerk looking into RX and debt finance practice. I wonder how do you guys network into big law as a lateral? I have done so many cold email networking calls but nothing pan out.

I wish to maintain a relationship with them but my follow up email or questions are ghosted even though we had a great conversation on call (they voluntarily asked for my resume so I assume is a good sign)

I wonder how’s Winston Chicago’s firm culture looks like? What do you think is the best part of working at Winston?

I’ve heard good things about Winston University and how good the training at Winston is, but do you think it is truly helpful?

Hello everyone, I wonder how networking can get me a job since no body can make a decision to interview me?

I’ve been networking with partners, senior associates and most of the time they voluntarily offered to put forward my resume. But after that, no response. I wonder who I need to impress to get an interview? I felt like the fact that they are offering to forward my resume is a good sign but should I reach out if I get no response? This process is a black box and I am confused.

Hello everyone, I am currently a bankruptcy law clerk in a southeast venue that see decent amount of middle market chapter 11. My clerkship is about to end in September and I still have no post clerkship job at this time. I have been spamming lateral hub, networking with partner even there is no hiring posted and avoiding elite shops like Latham but networked with couple Kirkland folks. still, dispute these effort I get nothing. I saw some post discussing traditional AIII clerkship are on a hiring timeline similar to OCI where you apply around X month and will get an offer around X month. I wonder if this is the case for RX group? If that’s the case, am I late at this point and everywhere is full? Any info on this is appreciated, I am panic lol.

I am anxious at this point. My clerkship is about to end in 3 months and nothing bits. Is that the norm or there’s people like me hanging out there.