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I'm interested in working for the DOJ, capital case unit would be a dream, but I'm unsure of what their hiring criteria is based on. I have read a few topics on here pertaining to the DOJ honors program and hiring processes. From what I can deduce school ranking is not a "critical factor", but still considered. So my question is, how important is law school ranking in DOJ intern/job considerations. Does anyone know if the DOJ hires from, or gives honors internship offers to Teir 3 law students from schools like Southwestern or Chapman? Also, any other information you could provide regarding the DOJ honors program or hiring process would be greatly appreciated.

Just FYI, my understanding of the CCU is that it's staffed by experienced attorneys. I doubt you can get in there through Honors. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

I'm not sure, I know they offer internships there so....... Any info regarding my T3 question?

What is your class rank?

Top 10% at Southwestern 1L.

Honestly, your chances are probably incredibly low.

Anonymous User wrote:Honestly, your chances are probably incredibly low.

Was wondering how long it would take for someone to say the obvious truff

Any justification of why my chances are low? Does the DOJ not hire from T3?

harocutter wrote:Any justification of why my chances are low? Does the DOJ not hire from T3?

If they did hire from a T3 they'd hire the top of the class before you. There are kids in the top 5% at T10 schools who apply to the DOJ and get shut out.

DOJ is listed on Southwesten/Chapman, and other Tier 3 schools as past and current employer.

Even if you're top 5%+LR, you can't give a realistic estimate of DOJ chances. Don't plan on it. Period.

So DOJ is based more on a case to case basis? Anyone know if DOJ hires from southwestern or how to look that info up?

harocutter wrote:DOJ is listed on Southwesten/Chapman, and other Tier 3 schools as past and current employer.

Hiring was different then. Feel free to apply, but you are screwed.

What about internship program?

You may be able to get an internship there, since they hire more widely, but it is pretty unlikely that you will be able to get a DOJ Honors gig, which are the ones that lead to full time (paid) employment post graduation.

From my understanding of the process and based on what I have seen personally, DOJ Honors requires: (1) solid but not necessarily incredible grades from a top school; (2) top of the class type grades from a lower ranked school and some type of work experience that sets you apart and makes you particularly competitive for a certain division within DOJ; or (3) being a volunteer (SLIP) intern and really wowing someone with clout in the eventual hiring of entry-level attorneys.

Obviously there is no strict formula and anything can happen, but unfortunately your chances of getting an entry-level DOJ job from a TTT school are probably not great. The problem with relying on your school listing DOJ as a former/current employer is that all it takes is one person in the school's history getting a job their either through the Honors program or even later on in their career. It doesn't necessarily mean anything for your chances.

First of all, thank you for you informative response UCLAtransfer. I was planning on doing option 3) the SLIP program. I'm hoping to do SLIP after 1L and 2L, so that way I can have as much exp. as possible while also showing interest int he department. What do you think, is SLIP hard to get into after 1L?

the #1 kid has a *chance*...I'm not sure anyone else there does

harocutter wrote:First of all, thank you for you informative response UCLAtransfer. I was planning on doing option 3) the SLIP program. I'm hoping to do SLIP after 1L and 2L, so that way I can have as much exp. as possible while also showing interest int he department. What do you think, is SLIP hard to get into after 1L?

Ruh-roh...that's weird that you have plans on doing something after 1L yet you are top 10% at the beginning of a school year.

drmguy wrote:

harocutter wrote:First of all, thank you for you informative response UCLAtransfer. I was planning on doing option 3) the SLIP program. I'm hoping to do SLIP after 1L and 2L, so that way I can have as much exp. as possible while also showing interest int he department. What do you think, is SLIP hard to get into after 1L?

Ruh-roh...that's weird that you have plans on doing something after 1L yet you are top 10% at the beginning of a school year.

*high-fives*

drmguy wrote:

harocutter wrote:First of all, thank you for you informative response UCLAtransfer. I was planning on doing option 3) the SLIP program. I'm hoping to do SLIP after 1L and 2L, so that way I can have as much exp. as possible while also showing interest int he department. What do you think, is SLIP hard to get into after 1L?

Ruh-roh...that's weird that you have plans on doing something after 1L yet you are top 10% at the beginning of a school year.

You can't do SLIP after 1L; it's a 2L summer gig. And the application process is over (at least for this summer).

keg411 wrote:

drmguy wrote:

harocutter wrote:First of all, thank you for you informative response UCLAtransfer. I was planning on doing option 3) the SLIP program. I'm hoping to do SLIP after 1L and 2L, so that way I can have as much exp. as possible while also showing interest int he department. What do you think, is SLIP hard to get into after 1L?

Ruh-roh...that's weird that you have plans on doing something after 1L yet you are top 10% at the beginning of a school year.

You can't do SLIP after 1L; it's a 2L summer gig. And the application process is over (at least for this summer).

Just make an honest thread and you will get honest results.

Should I go to Southwestern or Chapman planning on either transferring to T10 or graduating #1.

Also not sure that OP even knows what the CCU does...

harocutter wrote:Top 10% at Southwestern 1L.

Are you saying you are a 1L at Southwestern, and you just *plan* on being top 10%? Based on what? Your excellent pre-law school credentials, which landed you at Chapman? Don't put the cart before the horse, chief.

harocutter wrote:Any justification of why my chances are low?

And do you really have to ask? You go to a sub-par school, and you are asking about a job that is hyper-competitive. There are people with great grades at great schools who get turned down by the DOJ every year.

If you are #1 in your class and have a gigantic penis perhaps you have a slim chance.

check his posting history; kid with a 2.8/164 knows he would be top 25% at Pepperdine/LoyolaLA, so because SW/Chapman are Tier 3s he knows he'll be top 10%.

get real, you're going to incur a lot of nondischargeable debt and graduate with no job and a "classical guitar" major. Not being mean, just being straight with you