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Aside from a market-paying lit. firm gig for 1L summer, what other positions would look best on a resume for someone seeking a top lit firm down the road?

Doesn't matter (in terms of getting employment) as long as it's legal. I know people at top lit firms who did everything imaginable with their 1L summers.

For your development and exposure, look into things like US Attorney's offices, judicial internships (any level), prosecutor/PD work, etc. But being an RA would hardly sink you.

This makes sense. As far as professional development and experience then, am I right in believing a firm gig is the best option or would a Public Attorney's Office be preferable?

moxypoxy wrote:This makes sense. As far as professional development and experience then, am I right in believing a firm gig is the best option or would a public attorney's office be preferable?

A firm gig would be better inasmuch as it might have potential to translate into a potential job after graduation. A 1L internship with a federal judge can also be a great experience. If you get the right judge, you can really strengthen your legal research and writing. Experiences can really vary at a DA's office. If you're at a large one you can just as easily end up doing DUIs all summer as being in court everyday on more interesting matters. I've heard good things though from those who have interned at the U.S. Attorney's Office in my school's market. Again though, I"m sure one's experience could vary depending on the city and department they worked in.

moxypoxy wrote:Aside from a market-paying lit. firm gig for 1L summer, what other positions would look best on a resume for someone seeking a top lit firm down the road?

US Attorney Office would be good - (at least in NYC) a lot of biglaw litigators are former AUSA's.