value of an externship with a federal judge? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have the option to either work part time at a small firm during the semester or intern for a federal judge. I'm considering doing the latter because my resume has a ton of firm experience but nothing judge related. I'm just having a hard time justifying turning down a paid position for an unpaid one. what's the better call?

[ZyzzBrah]

Depends.

Fwiw, I interned with a judge instead of working at a firm (summer firm asked if I'd stay part time) and I think I made the right choice. The judge hired almost exclusively from his intern/externs so that appealed to me.

It was a great experience, but unfortunately its going to be judge specific as to whether you enjoy your time. Do you want to clerk?

[baal hadad]

If small firm might potentially hire you after grad then small firm

If judge usually hires exclusively from intern pool for clerkships (rare) then judge

[minnbills]

If you get to do 'real' work for the firm, and they may hire you after grad, then take the small firm.

Interning/externing/whatever with a judge (especially a fed judge) is an awesome experience if you want to be a litigator. It is definitely more valuable than working at most law firms. But again, getting a real job is more important than experience quality.