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I am applying to federal district courts and appellate courts for the most part. However, given the difficulty & uncertainty of getting SDNY/EDNY plus the fact that I want to stay near the tri-state area, I am also thinking about applying to the NY CoA. Does anyone know about the prestige and experience there? What about individual judges? Thanks.

Only worth it if you plan to spend the first 10 or so years of your legal career in New York.

NYCOA has less prestige than EDNY/SDNY or even DNJ, but can be used as a stepping stone to get EDNY/SDNY down the line.

It's definitely a very valuable experience in appellate litigation, especially if you want to practice in New York. That being said, the salary is generally less than a federal clerk would make, and though most judges' chambers are downstate, you would have to commute to Albany approximately 50 days a year for sittings.

NYCOA would be helpful for NY biglaw, but not useful for AUSA or FPD positions.

I would also encourage you to look for clerkships with the Commercial Division of the NY County Supreme Court. Those jobs are in Manhattan and provide excellent exposure to complex commercial lit. Many of the judges are ex-biglaw partners and really know their stuff.

I did highest court equialent in a different state and it was worth it for me. Also helped me get a federal appellate. Really depends on what you want to do. In the abstract, yes or no. Yes it is worth it. As far as individual judges, I've heard good things about Garcia if you want to be an AUSA.

Moderator note: TLS now has an updated, source-verified guide on this topic: New York Court of Appeals and NY State Clerkships. It covers current terms, deadlines, pay and how to apply, with official court sources, and links back to this thread. For every other state, see the 50-state clerkship directory. Please keep questions and experiences coming here.