2L Non-Biglaw Dilemma Forum

[Anonymous User]

Offer 1: Higher paid though nowhere near biglaw. Work for a research institution in an area of law that I am not primarily interested in nor is there a big law market for that particular type of work. I can continue working as a 3L, but probably no chance of it being a real job post-graduation.

Offer 2: Less money. Work is more "legal," probably looks slightly better on my resume, 1% chance of it leading to a job after graduation (basically, I will have a chance if someone leaves). Networking possibilities are probably slightly higher here because of people's background.

Target: wanted biglaw but struck out. Looking for meaningful employment after graduation, also hoping for clerkships.

[Agent]

Need more info.

[badaboom61]

Based on the limited info, I would probably take offer 2. It doesn't sound like either of those have a good shot at permanent employment, and so the question of "Which of these on my resume will be more likely to make someone else want to hire me?" should be your main concern. Sounds like 2 is better option for this, even if less money.

[Anonymous User]

Need more info.

Both places are kind of unique so it is hard for me to provide more info. They are both non-profit.
Offer 1 deals with healthcare/public policy type questions. Will not consider 1Ls. The legal element is mostly academic, not the main focus of the institution.
Offer 2 deals with legislative work, advising on new legislature. Would consider 1Ls. The legal element is the only element.

I am at a t-14. Above median if that matters. I am hesitant to provide more info cause places are a little specialized at what they do.
PS, if it was not for the money, I would have taken offer 2. If they are fungible however, why not get paid more for it.

[badaboom61]

Need more info.

Both places are kind of unique so it is hard for me to provide more info. They are both non-profit.
Offer 1 deals with healthcare/public policy type questions. Will not consider 1Ls. The legal element is mostly academic, not the main focus of the institution.
Offer 2 deals with legislative work, advising on new legislature. Would consider 1Ls. The legal element is the only element.

I am at a t-14. Above median if that matters. I am hesitant to provide more info cause places are a little specialized at what they do.
PS, if it was not for the money, I would have taken offer 2. If they are fungible however, why not get paid more for it.

2 sounds like the better option, shame it doesn't pay as much, but probably worth it in the long run. I would do that and then gun hard next fall for small firms and state supreme and state appellate clerkships.

[Anonymous User]

Original OP, accepted the more "legal" job... now however, a fortune 500 legal internship is also in the picture?
Should I jump boat?

[Anonymous User]

Original OP, accepted the more "legal" job... now however, a fortune 500 legal internship is also in the picture?
Should I jump boat?

Look out for yourself. That does mean, however, that reneging is bad where it hurts your chances of employment, but that is probably not the case.

If you get a better job, take it.

I got a part-time clerkship at a firm for summer, took it, 2 weeks later got a SA interview. If the SA firm offers, i will leave without hesitation because the pay is better, its full-time, its more interesting work imo, and the firm hires from SA class

[Anonymous User]

Option 2. That will most likely get you to where you want to be. As someone who was a campaign director on a presidential campaign, you'd be surprised what sorts of connections you'll get thru the legislative sector. Don't worry about the money. Money will work itself out, particularly if youre at a T-14.

EDIT- Didn't see the fortune 500 job. Take it. There's only one person in this world who is looking out for your best interests. I'm sure you can guess who