this is a known short cut in consulting. Quit at your current firm, goto a competitor then come back 2 years later at a level up. Had you stayed at your current firm it may be 3-5 years to level up.
Former clerks are so valuable to firms not because they've gained some experience in their role as a clerk, but because they were that specific clerk for that judge and being a member of their staff they know how that person speaks and opines behind closed doors better than anyone.
