Overview of First Non-Clerkship Job Choices

Given that so many of our graduates clerk after graduation, it is also relevant to describe our graduates' first non-clerkship job choices.

Employment Type

 Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018
Law Firm 63% 65% 68% 56% 51%
Public Interest 23% 26% 24% 36% 42%
Fellowships 13% 15% 19% 24% 28%
Government 7% 7% 4% 5% 9%
PI Organization/
Legal Services		 3% 4% 1.5% 7% 5%
Academic Employment 4% 4% 3% 3% 5%
Business 10% 5% 4% 5% 2%
Other 0% 0% 1% 0% 0%

Typically 35-40% of YLS graduates clerk immediately after graduation. This chart combines the first non-clerkship job choices of graduates who clerked immediately after graduation along with the entry-level job choices of graduates who did not clerk immediately after graduation. On average 3-5% of each class pursue advanced degrees immediately upon graduation. These graduates are not reflected in this chart. Percentages are based on the total number of graduates reporting their employment plans to CDO or found through independent research. Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding.