USAO DC vs. Academic Fellowship (w/ Judges) Forum

[justifytheparadox]

So, I have two offers on the table for the summer and only a couple days to decide. As a bit of background, I'm a 1L at a T6 and did extremely well my first semester (somehow). I want to clerk after law school (SCOTUS might be a dream, but definitely federal appeals), and then afterwards do government, though I've given a bit of thought to academia.

The first offer is USAO DC at a yet to be determined division (I'd aim for Civil or Appellate). The second offer is at NYU's Institute of Judicial Administration, which runs an annual seminar for judges. I'd basically do open research on a topic of my choice all summer under two NYU profs with the aim of writing a note that will be published at some point down the line.

I already have a part-time gig as an RA for the summer, so I'll have at least one good faculty contact through that.

Thoughts?

[vamedic03]

So, I have two offers on the table for the summer and only a couple days to decide. As a bit of background, I'm a 1L at a T6 and did extremely well my first semester (somehow). I want to clerk after law school (SCOTUS might be a dream, but definitely federal appeals), and then afterwards do government, though I've given a bit of thought to academia.

The first offer is USAO DC at a yet to be determined division (I'd aim for Civil or Appellate). The second offer is at NYU's Institute of Judicial Administration, which runs an annual seminar for judges. I'd basically do open research on a topic of my choice all summer under two NYU profs with the aim of writing a note that will be published at some point down the line.

I already have a part-time gig as an RA for the summer, so I'll have at least one good faculty contact through that.

Thoughts?

Most important thing for clerking will be maintaining good grades. You can work on faculty relationships during the year.

I would go for USAO DC internship, unless money is an issue. The real world experience will be good and will help you identify whether or not you want to do litigation.

[justifytheparadox]

I've talked with a couple profs and they've both pushed me in that direction. The stipend is the same for both and I already am well on my way to one good contact through the RA job. Thanks!

[Anonymous User]

Do the USAO. If you rank Civil as #1, you'll probably get it (most people at the USAO-DC want to do criminal side, since in DC U.S. Attorneys prosecute federal crimes and felonies/major misdemeanors).

[democrattotheend]

Just out of curiosity, are you in Section 2? I know Estreicher has been recommending that students in the class apply for the judicial fellowship.

[justifytheparadox]

Just out of curiosity, are you in Section 2? I know Estreicher has been recommending that students in the class apply for the judicial fellowship.

Haha, nope, section 4. I really liked talking with Estreicher at the interview though, but it does seem like USAO is the way to go...