3L with no job. Should I take this PT law firm gig? Forum

[balzie94]

In city where I want to work. Small firm - 15 attorneys. Not sure I would love to do this type of law but not opposed either. 1-2 days per week, paid (prob $12/hr). Grades would probably suffer a bit, but schedule pretty easy. Final semester of law school. Very uncertain whether this would lead to a full time offer, and I'm not sure I would want to work full time at this firm anyway. Is this a no brainer to take the experience?

[wiscohopeful]

What else are you going to do? Sit in your once a week seminars and twiddle your thumbs the rest of the day...or get some experience that will give you something to put on your resume and talking points for interviews once they come.

[Bronx Bum]

lol this is a no-brainer.

What do you mean grades will suffer? You're working one or twice a week. There are people that work 5 days a week. Also, it doesn't matter if your grades suffer. Of course you need to take it. This is the very definition of networking.

[rad lulz]

Fuck you grades

Take the job

[prezidentv8]

it doesn't matter if your grades suffer. Of course you need to take it.

Fuck you grades

Take the job

[balzie94]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I think I will take this offer. But I disagree with the "f*ck grades" mindset insofar as if I decide that I want to apply for state/federal clerkships one year out, judges will look at my GPA and coursework. My strategy will just be to haul ass this semester.

[Anonymous User]

I work 25+ hours a week and still have more than enough time to do school work. Your grades won't suffer.

[rad lulz]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I think I will take this offer. But I disagree with the "f*ck grades" mindset insofar as if I decide that I want to apply for state/federal clerkships one year out, judges will look at my GPA and coursework. My strategy will just be to haul ass this semester.

You're putting the cart before the horse.

[A. Nony Mouse]

I work 25+ hours a week and still have more than enough time to do school work. Your grades won't suffer.

I didn't work quite this much, but at least as much as you're proposing - it won't be a problem. (If anything, it makes you more organized.)

[kalvano]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I think I will take this offer. But I disagree with the "f*ck grades" mindset insofar as if I decide that I want to apply for state/federal clerkships one year out, judges will look at my GPA and coursework. My strategy will just be to haul ass this semester.

Without knowing school and class rank, it's hard to say, but the likelihood that you'll get a job from work this semester is much more likely than getting a clerkship a year out.

Also, you can probably negotiate salary. I'm getting paid significantly more as a 3L for a research gig, and so are my friends who do PT research stuff.

[Anonymous User]

I work 25+ hours a week and still have more than enough time to do school work. Your grades won't suffer.

I didn't work quite this much, but at least as much as you're proposing - it won't be a problem. (If anything, it makes you more organized.)

Original anon. I feel like an adult... shudders. 12-14 hour days aren't nearly as bad as everyone makes them seem.