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1L Summer w/ Fed Magistrate or something else?

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:48 pm
by pelkin000
1L Summer Employment Questions: I have an opportunity to clerk (right word?) for a federal magistrate judge in a circuit I'd eventually want to work it, but not in the same state I'd want to work in. It'd be inconvenient to move there for the summer, though I'd be willing to if it will be worth it for my resume. I'm hoping for biglaw (and all that) eventually, though I don't know my grades yet.

I'm also considering prospecting for other small/mid sized firms or even state court clerkships more directly located in areas I'd like to be.

Given that I'd eventually like big firm (not sure yet if I want to do litigation) where should I be focusing on primarily? Are judges usually open to splitting summers? Could I conceivably split summers between the two options or even between MJ and research for a prof? Thanks in advance for the feedback.

Re: 1L Summer w/ Fed Magistrate or something else?

Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:57 pm
by ben4847
pelkin000 wrote:a federal magistrate judge in a district I'd eventually want to work it, but not in the same state I'd want to work in.
A district cannot comprise more than one state. So that is impossible

Re: 1L Summer w/ Fed Magistrate or something else?

Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 10:58 am
by wiseowl
If you can find a firm job that pays, obviously that's choice 1.

Conventional wisdom would then say if you have a market you want to end up in, working there, in a state court, federal court, or otherwise is the next option.

I will say that I took a 1L job very similar to your hypo (MJ, "inconvenient" district) and it was fantastic. I was able to stay with family though, so if that isn't possible for you, I probably wouldn't do it.

Re: 1L Summer w/ Fed Magistrate or something else?

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 3:18 am
by pelkin000
Thank you guys so much for the feedback. One correction - I meant to write "circuit" - that is, I can get the job in the 9th circuit but in a state I'm not necessarily planning on moving to/living in.

All the same, I think I'll make that priority number one followed up with resumes elsewhere depending on how it all goes. Which, by the way, how late is too late when it comes to sending out resumes to different firms and state judges?