LA or San Diego PI?

[JOThompson]

Hey TLSers,

I'm trying to decide between PI offers (public defenders) in San Diego and Los Angeles. I'd have the opportunity to try cases in San Diego but LA would relegate me to research/writing.

I'd ultimately like to practice criminal law in LA long-term but getting immediate courtroom experience is also important to me. For the latter reason, I'm leaning toward San Diego. My question is this--if I go to San Diego this summer, do you think I'll still be able to break into the LA market after graduation? Note that I'm attending a midwest T30 and have only moderate family connections to California.

[NoleinNY]

Hey TLSers,

I'm trying to decide between PI offers (public defenders) in San Diego and Los Angeles. I'd have the opportunity to try cases in San Diego but LA would relegate me to research/writing.

I'd ultimately like to practice criminal law in LA long-term but getting immediate courtroom experience is also important to me. For the latter reason, I'm leaning toward San Diego. My question is this--if I go to San Diego this summer, do you think I'll still be able to break into the LA market after graduation? Note that I'm attending a midwest T30 and have only moderate family connections to California.

San Diego for two reasons:
1. Courtroom experience is worth its weight in gold.
2. San Diego is paradise.

[JOThompson]

Hey TLSers,

I'm trying to decide between PI offers (public defenders) in San Diego and Los Angeles. I'd have the opportunity to try cases in San Diego but LA would relegate me to research/writing.

I'd ultimately like to practice criminal law in LA long-term but getting immediate courtroom experience is also important to me. For the latter reason, I'm leaning toward San Diego. My question is this--if I go to San Diego this summer, do you think I'll still be able to break into the LA market after graduation? Note that I'm attending a midwest T30 and have only moderate family connections to California.

San Diego for two reasons:
1. Courtroom experience is worth its weight in gold.
2. San Diego is paradise.

1. I've always heard this to be true too.
2. I haven't been yet, but I'm excited.

Thanks for the input. I'm getting ready to accept the offer.

[dreakol]

Hey TLSers,

I'm trying to decide between PI offers (public defenders) in San Diego and Los Angeles. I'd have the opportunity to try cases in San Diego but LA would relegate me to research/writing.

I'd ultimately like to practice criminal law in LA long-term but getting immediate courtroom experience is also important to me. For the latter reason, I'm leaning toward San Diego. My question is this--if I go to San Diego this summer, do you think I'll still be able to break into the LA market after graduation? Note that I'm attending a midwest T30 and have only moderate family connections to California.

San Diego for two reasons:
1. Courtroom experience is worth its weight in gold.
2. San Diego is paradise.

ti, oc, tcr

[Anonymous User]

I have had a number of friends spend a summer at the SDPD and have absolutely loved it. Get great experience, great bosses, etc.

And SD is called America's Finest City for a reason. Get an apt. in Banker's Hill, enjoy life.

[Birdman]

SDPD is an amazing experience. I'm currently in my second internship there, and I'll be staying on for the rest of law school. I'm a 2L at USD. If you have any questions about the office PM me.

Edit: Don't count on being hired by either office. The post-bar clerkships are extremely competitive to get, and being hired from that afterwards is even more competitive (only 4 people were hired by the SDPD from the past cycle).

[Borhas]

I did san diego in 1L it was awesome. It's a terrific office.

[seatown12]

If you're from the Midwest and haven't really been to CA then San Diego is probably what you're looking for anyway, BUT:

Edit: Don't count on being hired by either office. The post-bar clerkships are extremely competitive to get, and being hired from that afterwards is even more competitive (only 4 people were hired by the SDPD from the past cycle).