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Ok, so I am in the top 25% at a t40 school, and (surprise surprise) my job search didn't turn out that well for this summer. I had a few offers for unpaid positions, but I couldn't make the finances work to take them. I have accepted working 20 hrs a week as an RA for a moderately big time professor (multiple textbooks/ writes 2 e&e) and will be researching on new regulations in a field I want to practice. I will be doing a lot of writing over the summer and responsible for writing the drafts for a LR article that will be published in August.

I was considering trying to find another job working w/ a local clinic that is unpaid to supplement the RA position w/ some practical experience, but my financial situation has changed. I have a standing offer for an non-law part-time job in my hometown that is fairly lucrative (~$600 weekly for only 20 hrs a week). I might be able to RA remotely for the summer and take this job, so my question is - is RA-ing for 1L summer employment enough to not kill my chances at 2L employment and a lifetime of happiness? Thanks

Anonymous User wrote:Ok, so I am in the top 25% at a t40 school, and (surprise surprise) my job search didn't turn out that well for this summer. I had a few offers for unpaid positions, but I couldn't make the finances work to take them. I have accepted working 20 hrs a week as an RA for a moderately big time professor (multiple textbooks/ writes 2 e&e) and will be researching on new regulations in a field I want to practice. I will be doing a lot of writing over the summer and responsible for writing the drafts for a LR article that will be published in August.

I was considering trying to find another job working w/ a local clinic that is unpaid to supplement the RA position w/ some practical experience, but my financial situation has changed. I have a standing offer for an non-law part-time job in my hometown that is fairly lucrative (~$600 weekly for only 20 hrs a week). I might be able to RA remotely for the summer and take this job, so my question is - is RA-ing for 1L summer employment enough to not kill my chances at 2L employment and a lifetime of happiness? Thanks

Yea, RAing is fine.

No one gives a flying fuck what you did during your cute little 1L summer.

Julio_El_Chavo wrote:No one gives a flying fuck what you did during your cute little 1L summer...

...so long as there's something law-related going on. RA'ing counts, so you're in good shape.

Julio_El_Chavo wrote:No one gives a flying fuck what you did during your cute little 1L summer.

Well put, Holmes.

Wow I thought you were a 2L when I read all this. A 1L? You're FINE. Just RA and take the paid job too. lol.

Lol some of the tippy top students in my class RA'd their 1L summer. If anything, it's a great way to get close to a professor and get a better recommendation.

I RA'ed for more than 1 professor even though I had a firm job.
hours are so flexible. plus you got invited to luncheon with other RAs. It's not exactly enjoyable but you get one more reference for a few hours of work per week.

Anonymous User wrote:Ok, so I am in the top 25% at a t40 school, and (surprise surprise) my job search didn't turn out that well for this summer. I had a few offers for unpaid positions, but I couldn't make the finances work to take them. I have accepted working 20 hrs a week as an RA for a moderately big time professor (multiple textbooks/ writes 2 e&e) and will be researching on new regulations in a field I want to practice. I will be doing a lot of writing over the summer and responsible for writing the drafts for a LR article that will be published in August.

I was considering trying to find another job working w/ a local clinic that is unpaid to supplement the RA position w/ some practical experience, but my financial situation has changed. I have a standing offer for an non-law part-time job in my hometown that is fairly lucrative (~$600 weekly for only 20 hrs a week). I might be able to RA remotely for the summer and take this job, so my question is - is RA-ing for 1L summer employment enough to not kill my chances at 2L employment and a lifetime of happiness? Thanks

I was an RA as were a number of my friends, it really had no impact on employment prospects for BigLaw. It may be different if you want BigGov or something.

I think RAing is enough, but I would also try to get some practical skills. Knowing how to do practical legal work puts you way head of the competition.