The Vale of Tears (3L Job Hunting) (No advice for 0/1/2Ls)

[Anonymous User]

I think you need to accept that your issues with your firm are likely just your issues with firm life in general. There are other jobs out there--especially for someone who actually does have 3 years of firm experience under their belt. Good luck looking for other firm jobs but consider it.

[Anonymous User]

Sharing knowledge for position posted on usajobs.gov:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/390167900

DEADLINE to APPLY: JANUARY 16 2015

THIS COURTHOUSE IS LOCATED ON PRESTON ROAD IN PLANO ABOUT FIVE MINUTES OFF THE TOLLWAY ONCE YOU EXIT LEGACY OR HEADQUARTERS. Important to note, this courthouse is not far from downtown Dallas.

Job Title:Assistant United States Attorney
Department:Department Of Justice
Agency:Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Job Announcement Number:15-EDTX-1289533-AUSA-01
SALARY RANGE: $54,334.00 to $157,000.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, December 24, 2014 to Friday, January 16, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: AD-0905-21
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Excepted Service Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:29
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy in the following location:
Plano, TX View Map
WHO MAY APPLY: United States Citizens
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Not Applicable

[SFB222]

I think you need to accept that your issues with your firm are likely just your issues with firm life in general. There are other jobs out there--especially for someone who actually does have 3 years of firm experience under their belt. Good luck looking for other firm jobs but consider it.

Perhaps. The problem is that good firms care about grades.

[Anonymous User]

If you attended a Texas law school, regardless of tier, you may want to apply to the below. BAR LICENSURE IS NOT REQUIRED. This is an entry level position.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/390295600

Job Title:Contract Administrator
Department:Department of Defense
Agency:Defense Contract Management Agency
Hiring Organization:Defense Contract Management Agency Central Regional Command
Job Announcement Number:SWH815KS4241231284158
SALARY RANGE: $33,766.00 to $54,370.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, January 7, 2015 to Friday, January 16, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1102-05/07
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:11
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy in the following location:
Dallas, TX View Map
WHO MAY APPLY: All US Citizens & Nationals with allegiance to the United States; Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Eligible
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Secret

[sparty99]

If you attended a Texas law school, regardless of tier, you may want to apply to the below. BAR LICENSURE IS NOT REQUIRED. This is an entry level position.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/390295600

Job Title:Contract Administrator
Department:Department of Defense
Agency:Defense Contract Management Agency
Hiring Organization:Defense Contract Management Agency Central Regional Command
Job Announcement Number:SWH815KS4241231284158
SALARY RANGE: $33,766.00 to $54,370.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, January 7, 2015 to Friday, January 16, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: GS-1102-05/07
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:11
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy in the following location:
Dallas, TX View Map
WHO MAY APPLY: All US Citizens & Nationals with allegiance to the United States; Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Eligible
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Secret

x

[sparty99]

Sharing knowledge for position posted on usajobs.gov:

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/390167900

DEADLINE to APPLY: JANUARY 16 2015

THIS COURTHOUSE IS LOCATED ON PRESTON ROAD IN PLANO ABOUT FIVE MINUTES OFF THE TOLLWAY ONCE YOU EXIT LEGACY OR HEADQUARTERS. Important to note, this courthouse is not far from downtown Dallas.

Job Title:Assistant United States Attorney
Department:Department Of Justice
Agency:Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Job Announcement Number:15-EDTX-1289533-AUSA-01
SALARY RANGE: $54,334.00 to $157,000.00 / Per Year
OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, December 24, 2014 to Friday, January 16, 2015
SERIES & GRADE: AD-0905-21
POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Excepted Service Permanent
PROMOTION POTENTIAL:29
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy in the following location:
Plano, TX View Map
WHO MAY APPLY: United States Citizens
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Not Applicable

You might as well delete this. You need 3 years of experience as the posting states.

[sparty99]

I think you need to accept that your issues with your firm are likely just your issues with firm life in general. There are other jobs out there--especially for someone who actually does have 3 years of firm experience under their belt. Good luck looking for other firm jobs but consider it.

Perhaps. The problem is that good firms care about grades.

Well boo hoo. This thread is for the jobless and you have 3 years of experience and are complaining about how you can't lateral because of your grades. Boo hoo. There are plenty of lateral opportunities for people with your experience. That includes possibly in-house, the federal government, etc. That's on you if you continue to be myopic and focus on firms that will still judge you by your grades.

[Anonymous User]

I'm a 2013 grad, I was bottom 10-20% at my T10. Luckily my school had a paid fellowship program that lasted one year, which I completed a few months ago. However, I haven't had any luck finding a permanent position. Still have not gotten even an interview despite sending out 100+ applications. I'm limiting myself geographically, however I have very strong ties to my chosen market.

Having read through the last couple dozen pages in this thread it seems that my experience is pretty common and that I can't do much except keep sending out apps.

What is everyone doing in the meantime? Does anyone volunteer for a legal aid organization, or a local bar association, anything like that? Would volunteering be helpful for finding a job?

[SFB222]

I'm a 2013 grad, I was bottom 10-20% at my T10. Luckily my school had a paid fellowship program that lasted one year, which I completed a few months ago. However, I haven't had any luck finding a permanent position. Still have not gotten even an interview despite sending out 100+ applications. I'm limiting myself geographically, however I have very strong ties to my chosen market.

Having read through the last couple dozen pages in this thread it seems that my experience is pretty common and that I can't do much except keep sending out apps.

What is everyone doing in the meantime? Does anyone volunteer for a legal aid organization, or a local bar association, anything like that? Would volunteering be helpful for finding a job?

Been there. PM me if you'd like to discuss.

[Anonymous User]

I get more depressed as every day passes since I passed the bar exam.

The job search seems so hopeless. No responses. Not seeing many openings. I feel so fucked.

Seems like getting no-offered from 2L SA (through no fault of my own) ruined my career before it could even start.

I'm in the same position (no offered 2L SA). If I don't get an actual attorney position with a salary by the end of 2015, I feel my career will be over before it started.

My thoughts exactly. Hopefully we can get through this...

[SFB222]

I get more depressed as every day passes since I passed the bar exam.

The job search seems so hopeless. No responses. Not seeing many openings. I feel so fucked.

Seems like getting no-offered from 2L SA (through no fault of my own) ruined my career before it could even start.

I'm in the same position (no offered 2L SA). If I don't get an actual attorney position with a salary by the end of 2015, I feel my career will be over before it started.

My thoughts exactly. Hopefully we can get through this...

If it's any source of hope, I graduated bottom 30% of my class with no job at graduation. Sucked for a while but eventually found a decent firm job by slaving away and networking hard. Now the challenge is lateraling out and dealing with a lack of career security (since all good firms want good grades for laterals).

[crysmissmichelle]

So excited--I have one interview and one screener in the next two weeks. My interest is immigration, so I can apply all over. Neither of the interviews are in my home area, but I've branched out to applying all over, specifically targeting Virginia, Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and less so, California, New York and Illinois (because there happen to be immigration jobs there).

I have never, ever, had a screener. Can anyone tell me what I can expect?

Thank you

[BlueLotus]

Is a JD a scarlet letter for K-12 teaching positions? Or would it merit a pay bump since it is an advanced degree?

It's not a scarlet letter, but if it is long term, what would you do when you get a law-job, jump ship or stay?

Also, are you licensed to teach or willing to take the classes to get licensed if you meet the requirements for a provisional license?

I'm talking about when I give up on a legal career, which won't be for a long time as I am only a 3L.

Not yet licensed to teach, however I have previous experience as an AmeriCorps member at an education non-profit and think I'd really enjoy teaching as an alternate career if this law thing doesn't work out.

ETA: Congrats, crysmissmichelle!

[crysmissmichelle]

Is a JD a scarlet letter for K-12 teaching positions? Or would it merit a pay bump since it is an advanced degree?

It's not a scarlet letter, but if it is long term, what would you do when you get a law-job, jump ship or stay?

Also, are you licensed to teach or willing to take the classes to get licensed if you meet the requirements for a provisional license?

I'm talking about when I give up on a legal career, which won't be for a long time as I am only a 3L.

Not yet licensed to teach, however I have previous experience as an AmeriCorps member at an education non-profit and think I'd really enjoy teaching as an alternate career if this law thing doesn't work out.

ETA: Congrats, crysmissmichelle!

Thanks!

I was a teacher for several years before law school, I just see a lot of people using it as a place holder, you know? It is a really great career that takes--as you know from your experience--a lot of work and dedication. I always hated to see people come in, sign a contract and leave their students mid-year. It really messes up the experience for the students.

[BarbellDreams]

Did the BYU Job Bank shut down? I can't seem to find a link to it or the new password/username.

[BVest]

https://www.law2.byu.edu/Career_Services/jobbank/

Current username/password ITT.

[Anonymous User]

So, how is everyone mass mailing small/mid-sized firms? Do you just email one of the partners your resume with a short cover letter type email?

Thanks for the help

[Iforgotmylastone]

So, how is everyone mass mailing small/mid-sized firms? Do you just email one of the partners your resume with a short cover letter type email?

Essentially, yes, unless you know they would like other materials as well.

[thewaterlanding]

Guys and Gals, I am officially exiting the Vale. Got an offer from a firm ~35-45 attorneys in an area I like. I didn't post on here much, but have been religiously following and reading all of the advice on here. I appreciate everyone who has helped me through this thread.

[baal hadad]

Guys and Gals, I am officially exiting the Vale. Got an offer from a firm ~35-45 attorneys in an area I like. I didn't post on here much, but have been religiously following and reading all of the advice on here. I appreciate everyone who has helped me through this thread.

congrats brother savor the moment

[BlueLotus]

Is a JD a plus for social work type jobs?

[spleenworship]

Guys and Gals, I am officially exiting the Vale. Got an offer from a firm ~35-45 attorneys in an area I like. I didn't post on here much, but have been religiously following and reading all of the advice on here. I appreciate everyone who has helped me through this thread.

Congrats!

[crysmissmichelle]

I too have finished my job search. After months and months, my firm, where I've worked for nearly three years, decided to create a position for me and promoted me from law clerk to Attorney. I am over the moon.

[JJDancer]

Guys and Gals, I am officially exiting the Vale. Got an offer from a firm ~35-45 attorneys in an area I like. I didn't post on here much, but have been religiously following and reading all of the advice on here. I appreciate everyone who has helped me through this thread.

Congrats! Any advice on how you received the position?

[BlueLotus]

I too have finished my job search. After months and months, my firm, where I've worked for nearly three years, decided to create a position for me and promoted me from law clerk to Attorney. I am over the moon.

Congrats! Really happy for you.