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Mid-size firm offered me part-time gig from now until my SA begins, and picking up again during 3L.

Here's the catch: the mid-size firm does plaintiff's work in the same field as my SA, where I will be doing almost entirely defense work. If I accept the part-time, it would very likely create some conflicts of interest that I would need to disclose to my SA firm.

Thoughts?

My gut tells me no. Likely you're trying to get a permanent offer from your SA right? Even if the firm gives 100% offers, it still might be bad for your future work if you're unable to build relationships with partners and associates on some of their most important key matters.

I'd have to agree, no on this. Deliberately creating conflicts of interest for yourself like this would, I imagine, indicate poor judgment. Also, because you'd have to disclose them immediately, if they did care it would start them off with a bad impression of you. As common sense and many studies have shown, first impressions really matter. Assuming you really want the SA job to turn into a permanent offer, I think this is too much of a risk.

Sorry, I bet it's tempting.

Call your firm and candidly ask.