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Or anyone that is attempting to lateral into the federal government after a few years of private practice?

Exactly how hard is it? I'm not necessarily talking about just AUSA - but SEC, main justice, etc., as well.

I am facing a choice between a firm (that probably can claim - along with one or two other firms, of course - to be the most elite litigation practice in its city, if that makes any difference) and DOJ Honors. I want to be in public service long-term, but I am not excited about the component for which I have an offer. The main thing preventing me from taking the law firm job is the knowledge that if I turn down the DOJ now, it may be very difficult to get back in. I've heard plenty of horror stories from attorneys at least as well credentialed as I will be that really struggled to make it into government.

Anonymous User wrote:Or anyone that is attempting to lateral into the federal government after a few years of private practice?

Exactly how hard is it? I'm not necessarily talking about just AUSA - but SEC, main justice, etc., as well.

I am facing a choice between a firm (that probably can claim - along with one or two other firms, of course - to be the most elite litigation practice in its city, if that makes any difference) and DOJ Honors. I want to be in public service long-term, but I am not excited about the component for which I have an offer. The main thing preventing me from taking the law firm job is the knowledge that if I turn down the DOJ now, it may be very difficult to get back in. I've heard plenty of horror stories from attorneys at least as well credentialed as I will be that really struggled to make it into government.

I went from private practice to AUSA and now back to private practice.

Without knowing more about your situation it's impossible to counsel you. I can tell you this, having worked with many DOJ Trial Attorneys, the last thing you want to do is get stuck in a component you have no interest in.

Sent you a PM.