How to be a Prosecution/PD Gunner? Forum

[seatown12]

Borhas, did you apply to the Eastern District CA Fed Defender?

no I didn't I applied to CDCal and NDCal, probably the toughest nuts to crack in the West

My guess is that EDCal is probably very selective, but not as selective. Though, I question the value of working for an FPD as a 2L if you are sure you want to be a PD or a DA, since the experience at a local office would be much more relevant, if less prestigious. On the other hand, if you have the grades for an Art III clerkship, than it may be the best way to maximize chances of landing those rare FPD jobs.

More Relevant, Less Prestigious is the way to go for sure

[Borhas]

How relevant is post-conviction work? I got a call back interview tomorrow w/ DC PD Services, and while I'd love to spend a summer working there, it's not with the Trial Division, it's with the Community Defender Division, specifically with the Institutional Services Program... which deals w/ how prisoners are treated, and their issues, etc.

My gut says working at local PD office would still be a better experience... though I do have personal (non-career/family) reasons for wanting to spend summer in DC.

[A'nold]

So I'm thinking about mass mailing every county in about 5 states......good or bad idea?

[Gettingstarted1928]

So I'm thinking about mass mailing every county in about 5 states......good or bad idea?

Where do you live where it's that competitive?

[A'nold]

So I'm thinking about mass mailing every county in about 5 states......good or bad idea?

Where do you live where it's that competitive?

I honestly don't know how competitive it is outside of a few larger cities that I am familiar with. However, I don't feel confident enough to be picky right now. My school enjoys a great reputation across many states in my region and I would not be opposed to moving out-of-state to secure a position.

[leobowski]

How relevant is post-conviction work? I got a call back interview tomorrow w/ DC PD Services, and while I'd love to spend a summer working there, it's not with the Trial Division, it's with the Community Defender Division, specifically with the Institutional Services Program... which deals w/ how prisoners are treated, and their issues, etc.

My gut says working at local PD office would still be a better experience... though I do have personal (non-career/family) reasons for wanting to spend summer in DC.

DC PD is insanely competitive and that would still be a great gig. Lateraling to a trial work after something like that would not be out of the question.

[seatown12]

How relevant is post-conviction work? I got a call back interview tomorrow w/ DC PD Services, and while I'd love to spend a summer working there, it's not with the Trial Division, it's with the Community Defender Division, specifically with the Institutional Services Program... which deals w/ how prisoners are treated, and their issues, etc.

My gut says working at local PD office would still be a better experience... though I do have personal (non-career/family) reasons for wanting to spend summer in DC.

I'm pretty sure PDS does a trial school for its interns, so find out if you'd still be participating in that.

[A'nold]

So I just talked with the HR attorney at my 2L summer office and she told me that they won't even look at an applicant until he/she passes the bar.......

[Anonymous User]

Miami Dade just sent me a snail mail offer to interview. I will have to cover travel expenses which stinks but isn't totally unexpected.

I also received an offer to interview at Miami. Did you respond by email or phone? I've emailed and it's been about a week and still no response. I guess I will have to call to schedule the interview.

Same boat. Left voicemail, realized that he is probably swamped so sent email. Almost 2 weeks now without a reply....

[sandiecohen47]

How relevant is post-conviction work? I got a call back interview tomorrow w/ DC PD Services, and while I'd love to spend a summer working there, it's not with the Trial Division, it's with the Community Defender Division, specifically with the Institutional Services Program... which deals w/ how prisoners are treated, and their issues, etc.

My gut says working at local PD office would still be a better experience... though I do have personal (non-career/family) reasons for wanting to spend summer in DC.

Borhas, I will be at PDS this summer in the Trial Division. What I know about the Community Defender Division is that you get to represent clients in hearings. So, it is EXTREMELY relevant (or at least more relevant than an FPD). One of my friends at Boalt did it last summer and absolutely loved it. PM me for more details.

[Anonymous User]

How relevant is post-conviction work? I got a call back interview tomorrow w/ DC PD Services, and while I'd love to spend a summer working there, it's not with the Trial Division, it's with the Community Defender Division, specifically with the Institutional Services Program... which deals w/ how prisoners are treated, and their issues, etc.

My gut says working at local PD office would still be a better experience... though I do have personal (non-career/family) reasons for wanting to spend summer in DC.

I'm pretty sure PDS does a trial school for its interns, so find out if you'd still be participating in that.

PDS does have Trial Practice Groups (TPG) for all interns, trial or not.

Working at the Community Defender Division will get you on your feet a lot, unlike in the Trial Division. Also, keep in mind that every 2L who interns there, no matter the division, are in the same "screener" interview pool that occurs near the end of the summer. Of course, presumably just like any other interview for a Trial PD position, they may question whether you are qualified and/or committed to working in their Trial Division. I'm not sure how much I'd weight that in my decision because, even if you intern there, your odds at getting a full-time job afterwards are incredibly slim even if you are in the Trial Division. But, PDS is a great office, with great people and it's a great thing to have on your resume.

[Anonymous User]

Miami Dade just sent me a snail mail offer to interview. I will have to cover travel expenses which stinks but isn't totally unexpected.

I also received an offer to interview at Miami. Did you respond by email or phone? I've emailed and it's been about a week and still no response. I guess I will have to call to schedule the interview.

Same boat. Left voicemail, realized that he is probably swamped so sent email. Almost 2 weeks now without a reply....

I'll try again next week by both email and phone. I won't be able to interview until winter break after exams anyway, but I'll still need to make travel arrangements and the earlier I do it, the cheaper it will be.

[Borhas]

Thanks guys, that's very reassuring . I just had the interview and I'm think I'll get an offer to intern at the Community Defender. It looks like there's definitely some substantial work involved so if they do offer me a spot I'll almost certainly take it. Judging from y'all's responses it seems like even though they won't hire me after graduation, they are well known enough that it will have broad appeal to other PD offices that would actually hire me.

Still waiting to hear back from Alameda County, but I know they've sent out offer letters already so it's not looking to good as far as they go.

[A'nold]

Thanks guys, that's very reassuring . I just had the interview and I'm think I'll get an offer to intern at the Community Defender. It looks like there's definitely some substantial work involved so if they do offer me a spot I'll almost certainly take it. Judging from y'all's responses it seems like even though they won't hire me after graduation, they are well known enough that it will have broad appeal to other PD offices that would actually hire me.

Still waiting to hear back from Alameda County, but I know they've sent out offer letters already so it's not looking to good as far as they go.

Sounds great. Good job!

[Gettingstarted1928]

I'm really glad the legal market has improved some, because if it didn't, I guarantee these offices would be flooded with a bunch applicants trying to land a PD/ADA gig as a fall back.

[adonai]

I'm really glad the legal market has improved some, because if it didn't, I guarantee these offices would be flooded with a bunch applicants trying to land a PD/ADA gig as a fall back.

I don't think it would matter cause these individuals would be filtered out instantly. I think it would be pretty obvious if it was fallback when you have someone who was a biglaw SA and is applying for PD/DA...

[Gettingstarted1928]

Are all of you just sending offices your resumes or are you contacting them first?

[NoleinNY]

So I just secured an interview for a DA office in a nearby county, 2L summer internship. What kinds of questions have you guys received when interviewing besides "Why do you want to work for X DA?" Any curve balls?

[Anonymous User]

Miami Dade just sent me a snail mail offer to interview. I will have to cover travel expenses which stinks but isn't totally unexpected.

I also received an offer to interview at Miami. Did you respond by email or phone? I've emailed and it's been about a week and still no response. I guess I will have to call to schedule the interview.

Same boat. Left voicemail, realized that he is probably swamped so sent email. Almost 2 weeks now without a reply....

Still nothing. I've left voicemails and emailed. I'm sure it's very busy but it's strange to not hear anything back. Other offices of a similar size have gotten back to me fairly quickly.

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have thoughts or suggestions about the final round interview with the District Attorney?

[Anonymous User]

Does anyone have thoughts or suggestions about the final round interview with the District Attorney?

I don't know which DA you're meeting but when I went in, it was more of an informal conversation where he asked about how I liked certain places I worked and my externship. It was very low stress and friendly. So relax and be normal.

[Borhas]

How relevant is post-conviction work? I got a call back interview tomorrow w/ DC PD Services, and while I'd love to spend a summer working there, it's not with the Trial Division, it's with the Community Defender Division, specifically with the Institutional Services Program... which deals w/ how prisoners are treated, and their issues, etc.

My gut says working at local PD office would still be a better experience... though I do have personal (non-career/family) reasons for wanting to spend summer in DC.

Borhas, I will be at PDS this summer in the Trial Division. What I know about the Community Defender Division is that you get to represent clients in hearings. So, it is EXTREMELY relevant (or at least more relevant than an FPD). One of my friends at Boalt did it last summer and absolutely loved it. PM me for more details.

Got an email from them yesterday, I'll be at PDS this summer as well

[leobowski]

Congrats duder!

[Gettingstarted1928]

How relevant is post-conviction work? I got a call back interview tomorrow w/ DC PD Services, and while I'd love to spend a summer working there, it's not with the Trial Division, it's with the Community Defender Division, specifically with the Institutional Services Program... which deals w/ how prisoners are treated, and their issues, etc.

My gut says working at local PD office would still be a better experience... though I do have personal (non-career/family) reasons for wanting to spend summer in DC.

Borhas, I will be at PDS this summer in the Trial Division. What I know about the Community Defender Division is that you get to represent clients in hearings. So, it is EXTREMELY relevant (or at least more relevant than an FPD). One of my friends at Boalt did it last summer and absolutely loved it. PM me for more details.

Got an email from them yesterday, I'll be at PDS this summer as well

1L?

[Borhas]

1L?

2L