Want to work in Chicago. Will this 1L summer job hurt me?

[steubenville]

So I received a job offer to work a paid summer public interest gig working with the State of Arizona, but I ultimately would like to work in Chicago, where I am from. I go to a T-25 in the Midwest. I really liked the practical experience this job in AZ would give me, but I'm wondering if it might hurt my chances when I interview with firms from Chicago? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[CanadianWolf]

What are your other summer employment options ? Will you be seeking a public interest position in Chicago ?

[steubenville]

At this point, zilch. There are some applications for IL PI jobs pending, but AZ job was the first offer I received.

[CanadianWolf]

Jobs are scarce for 1ls, so if the Arizona job is of interest to you, then it is better to have work experience than no work experience. Chicago is not a provincially minded city so Arizona employment might pique interest in you rather than scare employers away, in my opinion. Plus it shows committment to PI type work if you wish to pursue that afterwards.

[adammac17]

what were your grades like that you got the pi gig in AZ? any connections?

[steubenville]

I had a very good connection to a friend (current law student) who works there. My grades are meager (just under the curve b/c I bombed my crim law exam), and I'm hoping to to rebound this semester.

[chadwick218]

Just an FYI - coming from a T-25 in the midwest, you will likely need to crack the top 10-15%, some ties to the city, and/or write onto law review to land a Chicago biglaw job. Given that you are already attending law school in the midwest (hopefully a feeder school into Chicago), taking a paid summer job in Arizona will not hurt your chances (assuming that you already have some strong ties to the city itself).

[adammac17]

just wondering what "ties" really mean. i, for example, am from the state of il and my father lives in the suburbs. is that a "tie"?

[chadwick218]

just wondering what "ties" really mean. i, for example, am from the state of il and my father lives in the suburbs. is that a "tie"?

i'd say that's a tie. i would just be sure that this is apparent on your resume (i.e. list you dad's address as your permanent address).

[steubenville]

Thanks, guys, for your help.

[A'nold]

Did you go to Franciscan University?

[steubenville]

Did you go to Franciscan University?

Yep. Did you?