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Maybe I've missed it somewhere, but it seems that most questions are focused on interning with a federal judge. My question is about trial level, state court internships. Is there anything wrong with interning for a state court judge at the superior court or district court level? Would potential employers view a state court internship (district or superior court -- which is trial court for where I'm talking about) or a small/mid-level firm job as more prestigious/better for hiring purposes?

PirateCap'n wrote:Is there anything wrong with interning for a state court judge at the superior court or district court level?

No.

PirateCap'n wrote:Would potential employers view a state court internship (district or superior court -- which is trial court for where I'm talking about) or a small/mid-level firm job as more prestigious/better for hiring purposes?

Probably wouldn't matter. Unless you think you want to end up at the particular small firm, go with the judge. It's more interesting.

For a 1L summer judicial internship, what really matters more than the level of judge is the particular judge himself. What you want is a judge who gets involved with the interns, gives substantive assignments, will eat lunch with the interns, and most importantly, one who seems interested in putting in a good word for you or serving as a strong rec for the job search.

SteelReserve wrote:For a 1L summer judicial internship, what really matters more than the level of judge is the particular judge himself. What you want is a judge who gets involved with the interns, gives substantive assignments, will eat lunch with the interns, and most importantly, one who seems interested in putting in a good word for you or serving as a strong rec for the job search.

Very credited response.

Depending on what you want to do, working at a trial court might actually work out better. At the Superior Court level, you're more likely to have face-time with the judge, whereas at the appellate level you will likely be working under a clerk most of the time.

You'll also see a little more courtroom action at a trial court, which might be useful. From what I've heard about work at the appellate level, it's you and WestLaw for most of the day. And because whatever is produced by an Appeals court is actually published and precedent, you won't be allowed anywhere near an actual opinion. I've talked to a lot of 2Ls who interned with a trial court judge, and were writing responses to motions by the end of the summer.

Last point is that employers will be most concerned about your grades. The relative difference in prestige between different courts shouldn't be too big of a deal.