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Civ Pro: B
Property: B+
Torts: A-


My ultimate goal is to become an AUSA, but I'm almost 100% sure I'm not willing to take the big firm route there. I'm interested in prosecution.

Career adviser has told me that typically people with my grades at my school (one of MVPBNDCG) can usually get good state-level clerkships (and sometimes fed district courts) and move on to state's attorney's offices. Any other advice? Seems like I'm on the right track but I was wondering if anyone here has any insights.

Location-wise, I want to work in a smaller city or college town. Think Savannah, GA or Wilmington, NC, or Charleston, SC or Charlottesville, VA. Places like that. How much can a starting ASA make in these markets? $40-50k?

FWIW I have reason to believe my grades will get better second semester and 2L year but just assume I end up at median again.

(1) I would think that a state trial court clerkship would be within reach.

(2) If you're aiming for prosecution, then DA's offices are where it happens. Couple of things to consider:

(a) Outside of a handful of large DA's offices, many won't hire you until after you pass the bar.

(b) It can be exceptionally difficult to get an ADA job in a small, desirable city. You really just have to find a job at one of the offices that takes new grads and build up your experience.

Soooooo, you are at a school ranked between 9 and 14, huh?

I work for a USAO in a larger market and of the AUSAs I know, the vast vast majority of them came from BigLaw, and a small handful had just clerking experience (District Court AND CoA). And one came from an AG's office. I really don't know about the markets you are aiming for though, it may be easier there.

Just so we're clear, in your jurisdiction, State Attorneys are prosecutors? They are in mine.