DOJ Honors Program 2015? Forum

[ZyzzBrah]

Looks like the application period will open up mid-summer, which will be here shortly.


Anyone considering it? Or anyone have tips/etc for those applying?


Not really sure what's "competitive" for these programs--I'll be clerking at an ssc, top 20% at a school ranked 40-50, lr, published, awards.

[rayiner]

Everyone is considering it. Depending on the section, its more or less impossible. I don't know anyone who got it from my school (T14). Its not as much about school rank and grades though, so worth an application.

[Anonymous User]

I think a lot of it is about relevant experience, but I would recommend taking the essay part of the application really seriously - you don't get to submit a writing sample until/unless you get an interview and you never write a cover letter per se, so it's your only chance to show your writing skills and sell yourself.

[Anonymous User]

I think a lot of it is about relevant experience, but I would recommend taking the essay part of the application really seriously - you don't get to submit a writing sample until/unless you get an interview and you never write a cover letter per se, so it's your only chance to show your writing skills and sell yourself.

Agreed. I managed to squeak through and get a spot in the 2014 cycle; I think it helped that I had relevant experience and spent a lot of time working on my application essays (I had decent, though not great, grades at a T14).

Just to give you a sense of the scale of the program, we were told that this last cycle selected 125 folks out of 3000 applicants, representing over 70 law schools.

Good luck, OP!

[ZyzzBrah]

I think a lot of it is about relevant experience, but I would recommend taking the essay part of the application really seriously - you don't get to submit a writing sample until/unless you get an interview and you never write a cover letter per se, so it's your only chance to show your writing skills and sell yourself.

Actually useful advise, was unaware that there's no writing sample. Thanks.

Not sure how much relevant experience I have other than the ssc clerkship (although I probably have zero shot at any appellate placement) and my clinic work at school. I find it odd that I'll be applying before my clerkship starts, however.

[Anonymous User]

Hi guys, this is for graduating 3L's right, not 2L summer?
This is different from SLIP?

[mi-chan17]

Yeah, the Honors Program is different from SLIP. SLIP is the internships, Honors is the fellowships/permanent spots.

[Anonymous User]

^^ Thanks, hopefully I have a better chance with the honors program after striking out of 2L OCI and 3L OCI does not exist...

[Citizen Genet]

^^ Thanks, hopefully I have a better chance with the honors program after striking out of 2L OCI and 3L OCI does not exist...

Almost certainly not, but it doesn't hurt to try. DOJ HP has two sets of people that are successful. (1) Superstars. These are people at the top of their class at amazing schools. These kids get into the the appellate divisions of Civil and Criminal spots and some of the "sexier" spots like Civil Rights. (2) Junkies. These are the people who have compelling narratives about why they're applying to a particular section. Want into Antitrust? You need more than just having booked your Antitrust course. People usually have at least an internship in a relevant area and back it up with course work and research. The junkies are usually solid students at a wide range of schools.

[ZyzzBrah]

for those who've applied, how does it work in terms of selecting what divisions you're interested in?

Do you apply to only one or apply generally?

[Anonymous User]

You apply to specific components, with a maximum of three. The tricky part is that there are components that are rumored only to interview people who put that component as their first choice, so you have to think a little about which three. (I think Crim does this, though I can't confirm that from personal experience or anything.) One of the essays asks you to explain which components and why, IIRC.

[ZyzzBrah]

You apply to specific components, with a maximum of three. The tricky part is that there are components that are rumored only to interview people who put that component as their first choice, so you have to think a little about which three. (I think Crim does this, though I can't confirm that from personal experience or anything.) One of the essays asks you to explain which components and why, IIRC.

thanks

[Anonymous User]

Anyone know where to find out which schools the honors hires are from?

Just wondering whether I have any chance at all--ssc clerk, top 20%, lr, published, some unimpressive awards from school ranked in the 40-50 (think umd, george mason)--although I know the answer is: idk hiring is somewhat random.

Also looking at the hiring components from last year--anyone have any info on the asset forfeiture program? I found it odd that its 3 years and not necessarily a permanent offer.

[Anonymous User]

Anyone know where to find out which schools the honors hires are from?

DOJ usually posts a list somewhere of the schools from which they hired. (Yup, here it is: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/lawschools.html) It's a pretty broad range.

Also, I did a lot of google/LinkedIn stalking, searching for "honors attorney." (More useful for non-DOJ programs, but still helpful.)

[Anonymous User]

I will not be applying for 2015 due to clerking, but I'm curious: would a publication in the area you place first give a lot of weight to your application, or would it just be something nice to have?

Put another way, has anyone who has published in a relevant area had someone comment on it/indicate that it was the difference in your application?

[Anonymous User]

I will not be applying for 2015 due to clerking, but I'm curious: would a publication in the area you place first give a lot of weight to your application, or would it just be something nice to have?

Put another way, has anyone who has published in a relevant area had someone comment on it/indicate that it was the difference in your application?

This interests me to a great degree as well since my note was published in the area in which the component I'm ranking first practices in.

[objctnyrhnr]

all of these positions are in DC for at least 2 years, right? anybody have any idea what the chances are of getting back to a market that you want after, or even before, those two years are up?

[A. Nony Mouse]

all of these positions are in DC for at least 2 years, right? anybody have any idea what the chances are of getting back to a market that you want after, or even before, those two years are up?

Some components place you elsewhere than DC (EOIR's immigration clerkships, and antitrust places people in a number of offices - maybe others do too, but I'm not sure - tax, maybe?). Obviously the USAOs aren't in DC. I don't know how easy it would go from DC to elsewhere - I think basically after your commitment was up, you'd just be looking to lateral into another fed job if there's an opening in your market. I'm not aware of any easy way to transfer post-commitment because it would depend on the market you wanted and what agency offices were there.

I think trying to get out before your initial commitment was up would not work and would burn bridges. But I can't say that for certain.

[Anonymous User]

Hey there!

I would really like to apply to the National Security division, but unsure of my chances. T14, top 20%, EIC of the LR, and publishing my student note in National Security.

My concern is being able to afford the bar and time in between school and starting in DC. Has anyone had experience doing this before? It is really hard to turn down a firm willing to pay all your expenses and float you for the summer, but I know that is a short term decision and would love to hear from someone with experience.

[gymboree]

Bump - sounds like interview requests will go out this Wednesday. Post when & if you hear.

[Anonymous User]

See also http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 3&t=252389