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So I am a 1L slightly above the curve at a T20 and was offered a position in the USAO. This is an unpaid position but the experience is great. I requested to work in the civil section.

My other option is to work at a small boutique law firm specializing in real estate law (HOA represention) $10/hr

Which would be the better option for me if I am interested in going into transactional business law after law school in Miami?
should I take the money or the government job?

is there any prestige associated with working in the USAO as a 1L?

I would vote the $$$. My understanding is that the first summer really won't define your future, rather you only need to make sure you have a legal job. And since you don't want to go USAO, then no reason to do a summer unpaid there.

KD35 wrote:I would vote the $$$. My understanding is that the first summer really won't define your future, rather you only need to make sure you have a legal job. And since you don't want to go USAO, then no reason to do a summer unpaid there.

This is correct. Pay them bills.