Public Interest 2015: Thoughts, Anxieties, Experiences... Forum

[BlueLotus]

This thread is a place for interns to post about all things related to their summer 2015 employment the the public sector, whether it is PD, DA, Legal Aid, Non-Profit, Gubmint, etc. The BigLawl SAs have their thread, so I thought we should have our own as well!

Also, for those who are rising 3Ls, feel free to vent about the big pain in the ass that is the fellowship application process.

[Anonymous User]

Checking in. Will be working for legal aid this summer, primarily working with veterans' issues. Really stoked to start in a month.

[krads153]

If any of you are Pro Bono Scholars (New York State program), PM me. I know of a non profit in NYC that's looking for Pro Bono Scholars for a fellowship application...

[Anonymous User]

Will be at Queens DA this summer. It's where I want to end up so going to try and do some really good work.

[Anonymous User]

Brooklyn Defenders - super excited! Also want to end up there so hoping my performance will pay off

[Anonymous User]

I will be an unpaid intern at legal aid this summer (paid by another source, though). How bad does it look if I take two half-days off during my internship for doctor's appointments? I will happily make up the time by working extra days after the internship officially ends. I know people in the BigLaw summer SA threads make taking time off seem fatal to your offer chances, so I was wonder if the same was true in public interest.

[swampman]

I will be an unpaid intern at legal aid this summer (paid by another source, though). How bad does it look if I take two half-days off during my internship for doctor's appointments? I will happily make up the time by working extra days after the internship officially ends. I know people in the BigLaw summer SA threads make taking time off seem fatal to your offer chances, so I was wonder if the same was true in public interest.

You're an unpaid intern. Go to the doctor. Nobody will even notice.

[Anonymous User]

I want my 2L summer employer to be my fellowship sponsor. When in the summer should I have this conversation with my supervisor? Should I present a cover letter, updated resume, writing sample, etc. to them? Or just do it more informally?

[Slytherpuff]

Checking in - working at a non-profit overseas this summer!

[Anonymous User]

When I apply for fellowship sponsors, am I expected to have some sort of specific project proposal? Or will the org help develop that with you once you're chosen?

[kay2016]

Checking in...

Working for a Senate Committee first half, DAs office second half.

[Anonymous User]

What's everyone's start date? Mine is June 1.

[swampman]

What's everyone's start date? Mine is June 1.

Nice. I start a couple days after exams finish... some beach time would be appreciated.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone else get accepted to the Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps JD program (for summer funding)? If so, is the intern supposed to be initiating the state background check or does EJW take care of that for you?

[Anonymous User]

Santa Clara County, Office of the County Counsel for my 2L summer Looking forward to it.

[sdancer89]

For the Americorps funding, it seems like it depends which state. There is a list here: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/post-g ... s-database that lists the protocol for each state, but I think on my SAM thing it showed that EJW would take care of it for my home state and that I needed to do something for my work state.

[Anonymous User]

For the Americorps funding, it seems like it depends which state. There is a list here: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/post-g ... s-database that lists the protocol for each state, but I think on my SAM thing it showed that EJW would take care of it for my home state and that I needed to do something for my work state.

Thanks! I just checked my SAM and it said that EJW takes care of background checks for my state. What about FBI background checks though? Does the member have to initiate that?

[sdancer89]

I did an FBI one myself, but it was before they sent that email saying they no longer were allowed to use that service. You should have gotten an email that had a form attached that you sign and say you haven't ever been convicted of felony murder

[Anonymous User]

I did an FBI one myself, but it was before they sent that email saying they no longer were allowed to use that service. You should have gotten an email that had a form attached that you sign and say you haven't ever been convicted of felony murder

Gotcha. Looks like there's no more work to be done on my end.

[BlueLotus]

Second round of fellowship apps. Hope I don't strike out again this time in finding a sponsor!

[Anonymous User]

I'm working in legal aid this summer. What is the dress code like? Should I suit up for the first day?

[Anonymous User]

What should I do if I want my summer 2015 employer to be my postgrad fellowship sponsor? When should I have this conversation with my supervisor? 5 weeks or so into the internship?

[Nebby]

Checking in, nerds.

[Nebby]

I'm working in legal aid this summer. What is the dress code like? Should I suit up for the first day?

Wear a suit, and then judge based off of the other attorneys. It's likely that they'll be in slacks and button up, so that should be good after day one.

[Nebby]

What should I do if I want my summer 2015 employer to be my postgrad fellowship sponsor? When should I have this conversation with my supervisor? 5 weeks or so into the internship?

One month in its good. By that time they've gotten to know you and your work, so they'll be more open to it. Plus, they won't have financial considerations to bear in mind.