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

[Anonymous User]

I think I am the latest starting person on here (June 1). Really stoked though.

[Young Marino]

I start June 3rd at the DA's office. I have my bar clearance and this is my 1L summer. Anyone think there's a chance I try a case this summer?

[Anonymous User]

^I didn't know that 1Ls could rep clients in court! In my state you need to have taken Evidence and PR in order to do so.

[swampman]

I start June 3rd at the DA's office. I have my bar clearance and this is my 1L summer. Anyone think there's a chance I try a case this summer?

Nice. My state doesn't certify 1Ls, but my office would have me doing misdo bench trials daily if I could, maybe a couple jury trials too. Nobody wants to deal with speeding/simple possession crap. Obviously depends on office policy though.

[Anonymous User]

Orientation was today. It's going to be a good summer. Really hope I get a fellowship sponsor at the end of it.

[Anonymous User]

I get my own office. I can wear jeans in the office all summer. Loving it so far.

[Anonymous User]

I'm a little confused about the AmeriCorps funding. It says I can't start counting the 300 hours until the criminal background check goes through or something, but I've been working for like 3 weeks already. Those hours just can't count?

[Young Marino]

I get my own office. I can wear jeans in the office all summer. Loving it so far.

Nice got my own office also. Bringing a few things to make it more "homey"

[Nebby]

Raves: The clerks and I in my office had an informational interview with the head of the agency. Next week I'm going to a D.C. Circuit moot with my office and DOJ counterparts. I see newspaper articles everyday concerning agency action that I have assignments on. My summer has been amazing.

How is everyone else?

[Easy-E]

Raves: The clerks and I in my office had an informational interview with the head of the agency. Next week I'm going to a D.C. Circuit moot with my office and DOJ counterparts. I see newspaper articles everyday concerning agency action that I have assignments on. My summer has been amazing.

How is everyone else?

Preparing motions for the 3rd Circuit, which is kinda cool. Rocking jeans everyday, and enjoying the view from my office (though Prudential put up a monstrosity in most of the view). Going well so far.

[BlueLotus]

I love my job.

That is all.

[Anonymous User]

So glad I didn't take a paid retail job on the weekend. These fellowship apps are going to be a LOT of work!

[BlueLotus]

I'm a little confused about the AmeriCorps funding. It says I can't start counting the 300 hours until the criminal background check goes through or something, but I've been working for like 3 weeks already. Those hours just can't count?

Just checked the AmeriCorps JD Manual. It says:

Please be aware that members are responsible for consenting to criminal history checks prior
to their start dates, and may not count any hours worked before the initiation of these
checks.

Once you have initiated the criminal background check, you may start counting hours.

[Anonymous User]

Free K-Cup coffee at my office all summer long! This will really cut down on my cost of living this summer, as I am a coffee-holic.

[Nebby]

Free K-Cup coffee at my office all summer long! This will really cut down on my cost of living this summer, as I am a coffee-holic.

My spring internship had that, and it was amazing! I brought a french press to my current gig. They have a hot water dispenser that's hot enough to use in the french press.

[Anonymous User]

Is it kosher to TLS during your lunch break?

[Nebby]

I mean, as long as your work gets done in time and it's good product then you're free to occupy the time however you please.

*posted while in the bathroom

[Anonymous User]

Ok. I know that there is a trend of TLS megaposters being no-offered by their BigLawl firms, so I was just wondering whether that applied to the public sector as well! (I really want my summer 2015 employer) to be my fellowship sponsor).

[BlueLotus]

Quality of life in my office is ridiculously high. Meaningful work, no one leaves after 7 pm, good benefits, etc. It would be my dream to work here FTLT post-grad.

[Anonymous User]

When I submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, etc. to potential fellowship sponsors, should it be in Word or PDF? Or does it not matter?

[BlueLotus]

I am working at a non-profit civil legal services organization this summer. Dress is casual barring court appearances--I can even wear jeans in the office.

I just got an email from a Big Law partner who is a Board Member of said organization. He is inviting me out to lunch next week. Should I wear business formal for this lunch, or dress as I usually do?

[Easy-E]

I am working at a non-profit civil legal services organization this summer. Dress is casual barring court appearances--I can even wear jeans in the office.

I just got an email from a Big Law partner who is a Board Member of said organization. He is inviting me out to lunch next week. Should I wear business formal for this lunch, or dress as I usually do?

I'm thinking maybe higher end of business-casual, chinos, button-up, brown dress shoes?

[Kratos]

I am working at a non-profit civil legal services organization this summer. Dress is casual barring court appearances--I can even wear jeans in the office.

I just got an email from a Big Law partner who is a Board Member of said organization. He is inviting me out to lunch next week. Should I wear business formal for this lunch, or dress as I usually do?

probly dress a little more formal

[Anonymous User]

Am I a gunner if I ask my supervisor for more work? The workload is pretty light right now (though it is early in the internship).

ETA: accidental anon--this is BlueLotus.

[Nebby]

Am I a gunner if I ask my supervisor for more work? The workload is pretty light right now (though it is early in the internship).

No. The worst thing you can do is have a slow workload, because it makes the days fucking draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag on, and you're also not getting a full experience.