Gov't or Nonprofit for 1L summer? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Ok I have to decide by tomorrow! I'm a 1L with median grades at a T20 school (...ranked 20).
Both internships are for credit only.

Department of Veterans Affairs = litigation, supporting the secretary in appeals (so mostly supporting denials for claims for disability) some of my own caseload, ct conferences, intense scary stuff
Public Citizen = forced arbitration clauses, consumer product liability, medical malpractice reform, one on one supporting atty


Personal things: PC is close to my boyfriend's work and is the floor above a chinese restaurant. My dad is a navy vet.

How much better is a government job?

[Cupidity]

Veterans affairs sounds like a better experience. Also, military often take care of their own. If you apply to enough positions, eventually someone reviewing your resume will be a vet or part of a military family, and the VA position could be a major boost.

[Anonymous User]

do military take care of their own even when you're working to uphold denial of benefits to someone? or do I just keep that part a secret in the future?

[jonas]

I would pick Public Citizen in a heartbeat. The work will be more interesting and varied -- and a lot less depressing.

[Flips88]

I'd do Public Citizen but that's just what I'm more interest in personally. Either would be pretty interesting, I suspect.

[Anonymous User]

thanks everyone! hardest decision ever, worse than choosing a law school.
I ended up going with the VA because I felt there'd be more substantial legal experience (even though PC would be more interesting, better for the soul, and VA is probably a little bit of a mill... but a mill for 10 weeks is tolerable)