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So I've been on the big law or bust bandwagon for quite a while, but I'm wondering if there's something to be said for the big fed line of work for pure job stability reasons.

I realize both that your average big lawyer doesn't last more than a handful of years and that, at least from a decent firm in decent economic times, there are bountiful exit opportunities. Still, the prospect of the switch would be stressful, as would the understanding that your time is likely limited from the moment you sit at your desk.

In contrast, it seems damn near impossible to get shit-canned from Federal service. Is there something to be said for going from LS -> (possibly) clerkship -> agency / executive branch / congressional office? Obviously it would be a pay cut; I'm just wondering what people's thoughts are on the trade off.

Clearly interest and the work are important factors that can't be marginalized, and who knows what offers will or will not materialize. But from a pure life/career planning perspective, does anybody have any thoughts?

I've contemplated it myself, but I think serving time at a firm still helps. I'm working at an agency this summer, and my supervising attorneys (who act in a senior advisory role) all worked in biglaw before coming to the agency. From my observations of them, the experience was pretty useful in developing contacts, which is important given the close working relationship between government agencies and the corporate world.