RA vs. In-House GC Forum

[Anonymous User]

I was offered a in-house position at a hospital GC in a different state, although am having great difficulty finding affordable housing for only three months. I was also offered an RA position here at LS and would likely make 4,000 for the summer as I could remain in my current housing which I had already budgeted for and is substantially less. I love the GC position and city, however feel I'd be passing up 4000 which I could really use next year.

[Anonymous User]

Quite certain industry standard is that GC interns are paid at market, so ~ $1200-1700 a week. I do not see how you could not find affordable housing for 3 months on that type of salary and still pocket some $$ for school next year. Even in the most expensive cities your first month's salary could cover rent and food for 3 months, and you can pocket 2 months.

Take the GC.

[Anonymous User]

Quite certain industry standard is that GC interns are paid at market, so ~ $1200-1700 a week. I do not see how you could not find affordable housing for 3 months on that type of salary and still pocket some $$ for school next year. Even in the most expensive cities your first month's salary could cover rent and food for 3 months, and you can pocket 2 months.

Take the GC.

Where on earth did u hear that? I was under the impression that many/most GC intern positions were unpaid, and I would think that OP would know if the position paid or not...

[Esc]

Quite certain industry standard is that GC interns are paid at market, so ~ $1200-1700 a week. I do not see how you could not find affordable housing for 3 months on that type of salary and still pocket some $$ for school next year. Even in the most expensive cities your first month's salary could cover rent and food for 3 months, and you can pocket 2 months.

Take the GC.

Where on earth did u hear that? I was under the impression that many/most GC intern positions were unpaid, and I would think that OP would know if the position paid or not...

dammit, hit anonymous quote by mistake

[the fledgling]

Not all in house summer positions are paid - it depends on the company. And I've never heard that you automatically get the market rate. My understanding (which is based on my research into these types of summer jobs) is that the company will pay its interns whatever it wants (and that could be $0).

That said, if you can get funding from your school (not always possible) or credit (slightly more likely than funding), then the scale weighs heavily in favor of the in house position. Legal experience trumps no legal experience, especially if you're a 1L.

I'd also like to add that you should think long term, not short term. Where will that $4,000 RA job get you at fall OCI?

[Blindmelon]

Not all in house summer positions are paid - it depends on the company. And I've never heard that you automatically get the market rate. My understanding (which is based on my research into these types of summer jobs) is that the company will pay its interns whatever it wants (and that could be $0).

That said, if you can get funding from your school (not always possible) or credit (slightly more likely than funding), then the scale weighs heavily in favor of the in house position. Legal experience trumps no legal experience, especially if you're a 1L.

I'd also like to add that you should think long term, not short term. Where will that $4,000 RA job get you at fall OCI?

Yea, I got 2 GC offers... both unpaid. Most 1Ls I know are getting 0 for in house work.